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Tesla has issued a recall for over 46,000 Cybertrucks in the United States due to concerns that an exterior panel could detach while driving, posing a potential road hazard. The recall, announced on Thursday in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), applies to vehicles manufactured between November 2023 and February 27, 2024.
Largest Recall Yet for Cybertruck
This marks the eighth recall for Tesla’s highly anticipated electric pickup truck since January 2024. Analysts estimate that nearly all Cybertrucks currently on the road are affected, making this the model’s most significant recall to date. Tesla has not disclosed exact delivery numbers for the Cybertruck, but Cox Automotive estimates that approximately 39,000 units were sold in the U.S. last year.
The issue stems from a defect in the cant rail, a stainless-steel exterior trim panel that may delaminate and detach while the vehicle is in motion. Tesla began investigating the problem in January and has since received around 150 customer complaints, though the company is not aware of any accidents caused by the defect. The automaker estimates that about 1% of recalled vehicles may be affected, and it will replace the faulty component free of charge under warranty.
Mounting Challenges for Tesla
The recall adds to the growing list of quality concerns surrounding the Cybertruck, which has already faced recalls due to malfunctioning windshield wipers, trapped accelerator pedals, and potential power loss to the wheels. These issues come at a time when Tesla is struggling with declining sales, increased competition in the EV market, and brand damage linked to CEO Elon Musk’s political activities.
Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 40% since January, wiping out gains from the post-2024 election period. Dan Ives, an analyst historically supportive of Tesla, described the situation as a “tornado crisis moment” for the company, citing concerns over product reliability and negative public perception.
Political and Market Backlash
Public sentiment toward Tesla has shifted in recent months, with reports of protests at Tesla stores and emerging sales boycotts. In a notable development, British Columbia revoked subsidies for Tesla home chargers, with Premier David Eby stating the decision was a direct response to Musk’s influence.
Originally intended to reinvigorate interest in Tesla’s aging vehicle lineup and tap into the lucrative U.S. pickup truck market, the Cybertruck has faced numerous delays and declining demand. With a starting price exceeding $72,000, the model has struggled to gain traction among traditional truck buyers and early EV adopters alike.
Reputation at Risk
Industry experts warn that the growing number of recalls could tarnish Tesla’s reputation for innovation and quality. “Recalls of an entire production run for a physical component like body panels highlight quality control issues that Tesla has managed to avoid scrutiny on for years,” said Sam Fiorani, Vice President at AutoForecast Solutions. “Reputations take years to build but can be damaged quickly.”
As Tesla navigates these challenges, the company faces mounting pressure to restore consumer confidence while addressing production and quality concerns. With increased competition from legacy automakers and new EV startups, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the Cybertruck can overcome its troubled launch or become a cautionary tale in Tesla’s history.