Tesla has issued a recall for nearly all Cybertrucks in the United States due to a defect in an exterior panel that could detach while the vehicle is in motion. This is the latest in a series of recalls for this model.
The recall affects more than 46,000 units manufactured between November 2023 and February 27 of this year, according to a statement Tesla submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday.
This new issue represents a setback for the company, whose stock has lost nearly half its value so far this year. Tesla faces growing competition, a product lineup that some consider outdated, and controversy surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s role in federal spending cuts during Trump’s presidency.
The defect in question involves a stainless steel exterior panel that may detach, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of accidents. To address the issue, Tesla will replace the affected panel with an upgraded version that meets durability standards.
The investigation began on February 21, when NHTSA received a report from a vehicle owner alleging the detachment of the panel. Tesla noted that drivers might hear unusual noises inside the cabin or visually notice the panel loosening. To date, the company has recorded 151 warranty claims potentially related to the recall, though no accidents or injuries have been reported.
While Tesla does not provide exact figures on Cybertruck deliveries, analysts estimate that the number of recalled vehicles represents the majority of those currently on the road. Moreover, demand for this unconventional electric pickup truck was already showing signs of slowing by the end of last year.
Following the announcement, Tesla’s stock dropped 1.4% in pre-market trading. So far this year, the company’s shares have fallen 42%, after initially surging due to Musk’s ties to President Donald Trump.
The shift in consumer perception of Tesla has been reflected in protests at Tesla stores and sales boycotts across the U.S. Overall, Tesla has led vehicle recalls in 2024, with more than 5.1 million affected units, according to data from BizzyCar. However, most of the company’s vehicle issues have generally been resolved through over-the-air software updates.
