Tesla has issued a recall for over 46,000 Cybertrucks in the United States due to a potential safety issue involving the vehicle’s exterior trim panel. The recall affects vehicles built between November 2023 and February 27, 2024, marking the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since January 2024.
The issue arises from the stainless-steel trim panel, which could detach while driving, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Although Tesla has received 151 warranty claims potentially linked to this problem, no accidents or injuries have been reported. The company stated that the noise from the detached panel or its complete detachment could be noticed by drivers or passersby.
This recall affects a significant portion of Cybertruck vehicles on the road, with analyst estimates suggesting that the recalled units represent the vast majority of the truck’s current fleet. The recall could be a setback for Tesla, which has already faced challenges in 2024, including increasing competition, an aging vehicle lineup, and backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s influence over federal budget cuts.
Demand for the Cybertruck had already declined toward the end of 2023 following multiple delays, and sales of the vehicle remain a small fraction of Tesla’s overall deliveries. In 2024, Tesla’s total vehicle shipments reached 1.79 million.
Sam Fiorani, Vice President at AutoForecast Solutions, noted that the recall highlights ongoing quality issues for Tesla, which had previously avoided such setbacks. “Reputations take a long time to build and can be tarnished very quickly,” he added.
Despite the recall, Tesla’s stock showed a slight increase on Thursday. During a livestreamed “all hands” meeting, Musk did not address the recall but emphasized the Cybertruck’s “five-star safety rating,” suggesting that investors hold onto their shares.
