Tesla has issued a massive recall for nearly all Cybertrucks sold in the United States after safety regulators flagged a defect in an exterior panel that could detach while driving, posing a serious risk to other vehicles and pedestrians.
The recall affects over 46,000 vehicles and marks the eighth recall for the futuristic electric pickup since its long-delayed launch in late 2023.
Safety Concerns and Technical Fault
The issue lies in a stainless steel strip known as the cant rail assembly, located along the left and right sides of the windshield. This component is bonded using structural adhesive, but regulators have found that the glue can degrade in extreme heat or cold, potentially causing the panel to detach while the vehicle is in motion.
Paul Maric, founder of CarExpert, explained:
“This is causing a situation where a panel can literally fly off while you’re driving.”
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that the adhesive is prone to “environmental embrittlement.”
Tesla’s Response and Growing Backlash
Tesla plans to replace the affected panels at no cost, using a stronger adhesive and additional reinforcements to prevent further issues.
The company reportedly became aware of the defect earlier this year, but concerns escalated after viral videos showed Cybertruck owners removing the panels with their bare hands, further fueling doubts about the vehicle’s build quality and durability.
This recall comes amid a turbulent period for Elon Musk’s company, which is also facing public backlash over Musk’s political ties to former US President Donald Trump.
