On Thursday, U.S. safety regulators announced a significant recall affecting virtually all Cybertrucks currently on the road. This marks the eighth recall for the Tesla-manufactured vehicles since customer deliveries began just over a year ago. The recall, initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), encompasses more than 46,000 Cybertrucks and highlights a critical safety concern regarding an exterior panel.
The NHTSA's recall notice warns that an exterior panel, known as the cant rail assembly, which runs along the left and right sides of the windshield, can detach while the vehicle is in motion. This poses a serious risk, as the detached panel can create a hazardous situation for other drivers, significantly increasing the likelihood of a crash. The cant rail assembly is secured to the truck with a structural adhesive, according to the NHTSA report.
To address this issue, Tesla has committed to replacing the problematic panel free of charge. The revised assembly will utilize an adhesive deemed resilient against “environmental embrittlement” and will feature additional reinforcements. Tesla plans to inform affected owners via notification letters, which are expected to be mailed out on May 19, 2025.
The recall specifically targets all 2024 and 2025 model year Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. The NHTSA has indicated that Tesla was made aware of this issue early in the year, and the situation gained increased visibility following the emergence of viral videos on social media, showing individuals easily detaching the panels from Cybertrucks.
Since its launch, the Cybertruck has faced a series of recalls, totaling eight in just 15 months. Notable issues include a recall in November due to a fault in the electric inverter that could lead to power loss in the drive wheels, and another recall last April for acceleration pedals that could become stuck. Other recalls have addressed problems with windshield wipers and display screens.
This latest recall adds to the challenges faced by the Elon Musk-owned electric automaker, which has faced considerable scrutiny since the administration of former President Donald Trump. Under Trump's leadership, Musk was appointed to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency that aims at reducing government spending. Although no injuries have been reported due to the detachments, Tesla showrooms and vehicles have been targeted in recent attacks.
In a concerning incident last month, a woman was charged in Colorado for attacking Tesla dealerships, including throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles and vandalizing property with anti-Tesla slogans. Additionally, federal agents arrested a man in South Carolina who allegedly set fire to Tesla charging stations, with investigators finding writings critical of the government in his possession.
Despite the recall announcement, Tesla shares have seen a dramatic decline, plummeting 42% in 2025. This downturn reflects growing skepticism as the company faces intensified competition from rival electric vehicle manufacturers, particularly those emerging from China.
Cybertruck owners affected by this recall can reach out to Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. They may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for further information.
