We’ve all heard of flying cars in sci-fi and animated films, but flying car panels? That’s a first. This unusual issue has led Tesla to recall over 46,000 Cybertrucks produced from late 2023 to 2025, essentially, since the vehicle’s launch. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recalled 46,096 Cybertrucks, warning that the exterior panels near the windshield can come loose while driving. As this could lead to a serious road hazard for other drivers and raise the risk of accidents, the NHTSA has prompted the recall. Ever since the Cybertruck made its debut, this is its eighth recall.
Tesla Cybertruck recall: Loose body parts raise red flags
According to the NHTSA recall report, an exterior component called the cant rail is attached to the stainless steel panel with an adhesive that’s prone to “environmental embrittlement”. Even though it’s secured to the vehicle with fasteners, “on some trucks, the stainless steel panel can detach from the adhesive, causing it to come loose”. The report further explains that “if the cant rail stainless steel panel separates from the vehicle while in drive, it could create a road hazard for following motorists and increase their risk of injury or a collision.”
What’s the solution?
The NHTSA report clearly states that Tesla will replace the cant rail assembly at no charge to the customers as it comes under the vehicle warranty. The remedy component utilizes a different structural adhesive that resists environmental embrittlement to join the assembly. Additionally, a stud is welded to the stainless panel, and a nut secures the steel panel to the vehicle structure for reinforcement.
Since its launch in late 2023, Tesla’s Cybertruck has faced a series of safety concerns, leading to eight recalls over the past 15 months. In November, an issue with the electric inverter raised concerns about potential power loss to the wheels. By April, another recall addressed a faulty accelerator pedal that could become lodged in the interior trim. Additional recalls were issued for defects in the windshield wipers and display screen, highlighting ongoing challenges with the vehicle’s reliability.
