Tesla has announced an extensive recall affecting over 46,000 Cybertruck vehicles due to a critical safety concern involving exterior trim panels. The recall, initiated on March 20, 2025, encompasses all 2024 and 2025 model year Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025.
The issue centers on the stainless steel cantrail assembly, a crucial exterior component that connects to the vehicle’s framework using adhesive. Engineers discovered that this adhesive suffers from “environmental embrittlement,” a condition causing the material to become brittle and prone to failure, potentially leading to panel detachment during vehicle operation.
Safety experts at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have expressed concern about the significant risk posed by detaching panels, which could create hazardous conditions for other motorists. Tesla’s swift response demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing safety concerns promptly.
To remedy the situation, Tesla will implement a comprehensive fix involving the replacement of affected cantrail assemblies with enhanced versions featuring improved durability. The new design incorporates a superior adhesive formula and adds a threaded metal stud and nut connection to the vehicle’s frame, providing additional security. This repair will be conducted free of charge for all affected owners.
Industry analysts note that this marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since its 2023 launch. Previous recalls addressed various issues, including malfunctioning rearview cameras and drive-inverter defects. Despite these challenges, Tesla maintains a strong focus on quality control and safety improvements.
The recall process is expected to take approximately one hour per vehicle, with Tesla service centers prepared to handle the high volume of repairs. The company has already begun notifying affected owners and will schedule appointments to complete the necessary modifications.
Automotive safety experts emphasize that this recall highlights the ongoing challenges manufacturers face in maintaining quality control during production ramp-up phases. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of rigorous testing and validation procedures in the automotive industry.
Looking ahead, Tesla’s proactive approach to addressing this safety concern may help maintain consumer confidence in the Cybertruck platform. The company’s engineering team has already implemented enhanced quality control measures to prevent similar issues in future production runs.
Source: CNBC
