Los Angeles, California – Tesla announced on Thursday that it will be recalling nearly all of its Cybertrucks due to a potential issue with a stainless steel trim panel that could detach while in motion, posing a safety hazard. This marks the eighth recall for the electric pickup vehicle since it debuted on U.S. roads over two years ago. Unlike previous recalls that could be resolved through software updates, this particular issue requires physical repairs at service centers for the more than 46,000 affected Cybertrucks manufactured between November 2023 and late February 2025.
The problem lies with a cosmetic applique on the exterior of the Cybertruck, which is secured to the vehicle using adhesive. According to a filing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the adhesive can fail, causing the trim panel to detach and potentially create a hazard for other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. Reports of this issue first surfaced on social media, leading to a halt in Cybertruck production.
Experts in automotive design find this recall surprising, as the use of adhesives in car body construction is common practice for lightweight structures. However, the unique use of stainless steel panels in the Cybertruck may be contributing to the problem, especially in cold weather conditions. The density of stainless steel could impact the curing process of the adhesive, leading to detachment issues.
Dale Harrow, from the Intelligent Mobility Design Center at the Royal College of Art in London, speculates that production line factors, such as temperature control and UV exposure, may be influencing the adhesive failures in the Cybertruck. Despite Tesla’s reputation for innovation and quality, this recall highlights the complexities of using unconventional materials in vehicle manufacturing. It remains to be seen how Tesla will address and rectify this issue to ensure the safety and reliability of its vehicles moving forward.