Tesla is recalling over 46,000 U.S. Cybertrucks built between November 2023 and February 2024. The recall targets an exterior panel along the left and right side of the windshield, which could detach during driving. This creates a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. The cant rail assembly, a stainless steel strip, is attached using a structural adhesive.
The new fix uses a more durable adhesive resistant to “environmental embrittlement” and includes reinforcements. Tesla will replace the panel at no cost. Owner notifications will be mailed by May 19, 2025. This marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since its debut.
Although Tesla has not shared exact sales data, analysts believe the recalled vehicles make up a substantial portion of the Cybertruck’s presence on the road. Despite this, Cybertruck sales remain modest, with Tesla shipping 1.79 million vehicles in 2024. This recall may further dampen interest in the electric pickup, which has struggled with delays since its launch.
Tesla has received 151 warranty claims linked to the issue, but no accidents or injuries have been reported. The recall highlights ongoing quality control issues as competition in the electric vehicle market intensifies. While Cybertruck demand slowed late in 2023, this recall adds to concerns over Tesla’s ability to maintain its reputation for quality and innovation.
In a recent meeting, CEO Elon Musk refrained from commenting on the recall but emphasized the vehicle’s five-star safety rating. He encouraged investors to hold onto their shares, signaling confidence despite the challenges. Despite several recalls, Tesla’s stock saw a slight increase. Analysts, however, remain cautious about the company’s long-term performance amidst these ongoing issues.
Tesla, leading U.S. recalls for 2024 with over 5.1 million vehicles affected, typically resolves issues through over-the-air software updates. For this recall, however, Tesla will replace the trim panels with a more durable design that includes a stronger adhesive and reinforcements. This fix will apply to both new and existing Cybertrucks, minimizing the recall’s impact on Q1 results.
