Tesla’s long-hyped Cybertruck is again in the spotlight—not for the reasons Elon Musk might have hoped. On April 4, Tesla issued a recall for more than 40,000 Cybertrucks due to a faulty roof trim component called the cantrail. The issue? The trim piece reportedly detached while the vehicle was in motion, prompting Tesla to pause deliveries entirely in March.
However, the recall fix appears to have created more problems than solved.
Owners Say Repairs Leave Behind Scars—Literally
Some owners who received their Cybertrucks back after repairs express frustration online, complaining about poor workmanship and lingering exterior issues. Welding marks, visible panel gaps, and rough finish work have been reported, even on models that cost well over $90,000.
A New Jersey owner shared his experience on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, saying he brought his truck in for both the recall and a tent system install, only to receive it back with visible scarring around the repaired cantrail and misaligned body panels. Others who had applied custom wraps are also upset, as they now have to reinstall them after the trim fix—on their own dime. Tesla, so far, hasn’t offered to cover those costs.
“It’s hard to accept this kind of finish on a premium vehicle,” wrote one frustrated owner, echoing a sentiment that’s gaining traction among early adopters.
Range Extender Quietly Pulled from Website
Adding to the unease, Tesla has quietly removed the Cybertruck’s external battery range extender option from its online ordering system. The accessory, which had previously required a $2,000 deposit, was pitched as a solution to range anxiety for long-distance drivers.
Strangely, Tesla is still displaying the vehicle’s range estimates with the extender installed—despite no longer offering the product. Whether this signals a development halt or just a temporary pause remains unclear, but fans are increasingly skeptical that the extender will ever hit the market.
Promises vs. Reality: A Growing Gap
The Cybertruck has been dogged by controversy since its launch. Originally pitched in 2023 with a starting price of $70,000 and an estimated tri-motor range of 497 miles, the truck now sells for nearly $100,000—and tops out at around 311 miles of range, according to current specs.
The external battery was seen as a way to bring Tesla closer to its original promise. With delays piling up, options disappearing, and unresolved quality issues making headlines, many question whether the Cybertruck will ever deliver on its game-changing ambitions.
Critics say Tesla’s approach to customer service and quality control—especially for such a high-profile, high-priced model—has only worsened matters. The company’s reputation takes another hit with each recall, missed promise, and blemished body panel.
And while Tesla has weathered storms before, rebuilding trust after the Cybertruck’s rocky rollout might be its toughest challenge yet.
