Safety regulators recall almost all Tesla Cybertrucks

U.S. safety regulators have recalled nearly all Cybertruck electric pickups on the road. This marks the eighth recall for the model produced by Tesla since deliveries to customers began just over a year ago, highlighting ongoing quality control challenges.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall involves over 46,000 Cybertrucks. The NHTSA warns that the exterior panels extending along both sides of the windshield could detach during driving, creating a hazardous road obstruction for other drivers, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. This poses a significant safety concern that needs immediate attention.

The NHTSA report states that the stainless steel strip between the windshield and the roof, known as the "cant rail assembly," is attached to the vehicle body with structural adhesive. The repair solution will involve using an adhesive less susceptible to "environmental embrittlement" and adding extra reinforcement. Tesla will replace the panel free of charge, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on May 19, 2025.

This recall covers all 2024 and 2025 Cybertruck models produced between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025, totaling 46,096 vehicles. NHTSA's order reveals that Tesla was aware of the issue earlier this year. Recently, videos circulating on social media showed people tearing off Cybertruck panels by hand, raising concerns about the vehicle's build quality.

The Cybertruck began deliveries to buyers in late 2023, and in the past 15 months, the model has been recalled eight times due to safety concerns, including a recall last November for a motor inverter failure that could cause loss of drive power to the wheels. Last April, the futuristic-looking pickup was recalled because the accelerator pedal could get stuck in the interior trim. Other recalls have been related to windshield wipers and display screens.

Furthermore, the Elon Musk-owned electric vehicle manufacturer has been under attack since U.S. President Donald Trump took office and authorized Musk to oversee "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)," a new department dedicated to cutting government spending, marking the latest setback it faces. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations, and privately owned vehicles have become targets.

Prosecutors in Colorado last month charged a woman with involvement in attacks on Tesla dealerships, including throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles and spray-painting "Nazi cars" on buildings. Last week, federal agents in South Carolina arrested a man they say set fire to a Tesla charging station near Charleston. An agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wrote in an affidavit that authorities found writings critical of the government and DOGE in his bedroom and wallet.

Even before the recent escalation in attacks, Tesla has been struggling, facing increasing competition from rival electric vehicles, particularly those from China. Despite the recall announcement on Thursday largely going unheeded, Tesla shares have plummeted 42% this year, reflecting a new pessimism in the market as global sales slump. This highlights the challenges Tesla faces in maintaining its market position amidst rising competition and quality concerns.