Tesla Recalls Most Cybertrucks Over Risk of Exterior Panel Detachment
Tesla is recalling over 46,000 Cybertrucks in the United States due to concerns that an exterior panel could detach while driving, posing a road hazard.
The recall affects nearly all Cybertrucks produced between November 2023 and February 27, 2024, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday. Tesla plans to replace the faulty rail panel assembly to ensure it meets durability standards.
The issue came to light after the NHTSA received a complaint from a Cybertruck owner about a detached panel on February 21. Tesla has since identified 151 warranty claims potentially related to the defect, though no accidents or injuries have been reported.
This recall marks another challenge for Tesla, which has faced declining stock value amid increasing competition, an aging vehicle lineup, and controversy surrounding CEO Elon Musk. Shares of the company fell 1.4% in premarket trading following the announcement.
Tesla has been the leader in vehicle recalls in the U.S. this year, with its models accounting for over 5.1 million call-backs. However, many of its past issues were resolved through software updates, unlike this recall, which requires a physical replacement.
While Cybertruck sales figures remain undisclosed, analysts suggest the recall impacts the majority of units currently on the road, further complicating demand for the unconventional electric pickup.
