Tesla Recalls Nearly All Cybertrucks: Panels May Detach While Driving, Biggest Recall for the Model Amid Structural Issues

21 March, 2025
Tesla Recalls Nearly All Cybertrucks: Panels May Detach While Driving, Biggest Recall for the Model Amid Structural Issues

Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Elon Musk’s Tesla has issued a recall for almost all its Cybertrucks due to a structural defect in the outer panel. This marks the eighth and largest recall for the model. The recall affects approximately 46,000 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. Tesla's first Cybertruck production began on November 13, 2023.

Panels May Detach While Driving

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the exterior panels on the left and right sides of the windshield may detach while the vehicle is in motion. These panels, also known as cant rail assemblies, are made of stainless steel and are attached using a structural adhesive. Tesla has recalled the vehicles as a precautionary measure to address this flaw. Cybertruck owners had reported incidents where panels were falling off during drives. Social media platform X saw multiple complaints from users stating, "The panel fell off, and there is no frame—it’s just plastic covered with a steel panel."

Tesla’s Precautionary Recall

Tesla, in its filing with NHTSA on Tuesday, mentioned that only about 1% of the recalled electric vehicles were likely to be defective. However, the company has recalled all units as a precautionary measure. Tesla stated, "If the cant rail stainless steel panel detaches while driving, it can create a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of injury or collision." The company has received around 150 warranty claims related to this issue but has not reported any accidents so far.

Tesla’s Plan to Fix the Issue

Tesla has outlined four steps to address the defect:

  • Use a different adhesive to fix the panels securely.
  • Update existing Cybertrucks in the factory before they are shipped.
  • Ensure that all new vehicles produced after March 21 will have the defect corrected.
  • Offer free replacement of the defective panels for owners. Tesla expects to send official recall notification letters by May 19, 2025.
  • Company Faces Backlash, Stock Price Drops by 40%

The recall comes at a challenging time for Tesla, as the company is already facing backlash in the U.S. Elon Musk’s involvement in overseeing federal budget cuts under the Trump administration has angered many Americans. In response, some have started selling Tesla vehicles in protest, while others have taken extreme measures, including destroying Tesla cars. The company’s stock has dropped nearly 40% this year, falling from $379 at the start of the year to around $236 now. In the last month alone, Tesla shares have declined by 30%.

Timeline of Events:

November 13, 2023: Tesla begins Cybertruck production.

February 27, 2025: The last batch of affected Cybertrucks is manufactured.

March 19, 2025: Tesla files a report with NHTSA regarding the defect.

March 21, 2025: New Cybertrucks with the fix start rolling out.

May 19, 2025: Tesla plans to send recall notifications to Cybertruck owners.