Tesla Issues Biggest-Ever Cybertruck Recall Over Safety Concern
More Than 46,000 Vehicles Affected as Exterior Trim Risk Prompts Action
Tesla has issued its largest recall yet for the Cybertruck, pulling back over 46,000 units in the U.S. due to a potentially dangerous issue with a piece of exterior trim. The recall, which affects nearly every Cybertruck manufactured since production began in November 2023, marks the eighth recall for the electric pickup and raises fresh questions about the vehicle’s quality and safety.
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem involves the cant rail—a stainless-steel exterior trim panel—which can become loose and detach from the vehicle.
“A detached panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash,” the filing warned.
Tesla said it began investigating the issue in January and has received around 150 customer complaints, though no crashes or injuries have been reported. The company estimates that about 1% of the recalled vehicles may actually have the defect.
Tesla will replace the affected parts free of charge under warranty.
Ongoing Cybertruck Woes
This recall follows a string of earlier issues with the Cybertruck, including faulty windshield wipers, sticky accelerator pedals, and potential loss of drive power—raising concerns for a vehicle that was intended to revitalize Tesla’s product lineup.
Cox Automotive estimates that around 39,000 Cybertrucks were sold in the U.S. last year, though Tesla does not release specific sales figures for the model.
Tesla Faces Mounting Pressure
The recall comes at a challenging time for Tesla. The company has seen its stock price drop nearly 40% since January, far outpacing the broader market decline.
Analyst Dan Ives, a longtime Tesla supporter, described the situation as a “tornado crisis moment” for the company, citing growing brand damage tied to CEO Elon Musk’s political rhetoric and increasingly divisive public image.
That backlash, combined with rising competition in the electric vehicle market and an aging lineup of Tesla models, has weighed heavily on the company.
Tesla had pinned high hopes on the futuristic-looking Cybertruck to re-energize its brand and penetrate the U.S. pickup truck market—a segment dominated by legacy automakers. With a starting price of over $72,000 (£55,500), the vehicle launched in late 2023 but has been plagued with both mechanical and image-related setbacks.
Unrelated Violence Against Tesla Targets
Adding to the turbulent news, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday announced charges against three individuals accused of setting fire to Tesla vehicles and charging stations. Bondi labeled the acts “domestic terrorism,” though she did not link the suspects to any broader political or activist movements.
As Tesla navigates product challenges and political headwinds, all eyes will be on how the company recovers from what is quickly becoming a high-stakes year for the electric vehicle pioneer.
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