Tesla is recalling over 46,000 Cybertrucks in the U.S. due to a panel detachment risk
Tesla has issued a recall for 46,096 Cybertruck vehicles in the United States due to a potential safety hazard involving exterior trim panels. According to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the stainless-steel panel in question may detach while driving, posing a risk to other vehicles on the road and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
As part of the recall, Tesla will provide affected customers with a replacement rail assembly at no cost. While the company does not disclose specific delivery numbers for the Cybertruck, industry analysts estimate that the recall impacts a substantial portion of the total units currently in circulation.
This development comes at a challenging time for Tesla, as the company navigates an evolving market landscape marked by growing competition, an aging vehicle lineup and shifts in consumer preferences. High borrowing costs have led many buyers to opt for more affordable hybrid models instead of premium electric vehicles. The success of the Cybertruck is seen as a key component of Tesla’s growth strategy, making this recall a potential hurdle in the vehicle’s rollout.
Interest in the Cybertruck, which was initially met with high demand, has reportedly declined in recent months. Several production delays and changing consumer sentiment toward the brand have contributed to this slowdown. Tesla’s stock price reflected investor concerns, dipping nearly 2% in premarket trading following the announcement.
Broader concerns surrounding Tesla’s brand image and leadership have also been in focus. CEO Elon Musk’s role in government advisory, along with protests at Tesla stores and calls for sales boycotts, have signalled shifting perceptions among both existing customers and potential buyers.
Tesla has historically led US vehicle recall statistics, with 5.1 million call-backs recorded in 2024, according to recall management firm BizzyCar. Many of the company’s previous recalls were resolved through over-the-air software updates, minimising the need for physical service visits. However, the Cybertruck’s exterior panel issue requires direct intervention, highlighting a different type of challenge for the EV maker.
