Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
Tesla is recalling 46,096 Cybertruck vehicles in the U.S. due to a defect that could cause an exterior panel to detach while driving, the company said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday.
The recall, which affects all 2024 and 2025 model-year Cybertrucks built between Nov. 13, 2023, and Feb. 27, 2025, involves an issue with the cant rail—a stainless steel exterior trim panel. Tesla said the panel may delaminate at an adhesive joint, potentially separating from the vehicle and creating a road hazard for other motorists.
Unlike software-related recalls that Tesla can fix remotely via over-the-air updates, this recall requires a physical repair. Tesla service centers will replace the affected rail assemblies at no cost to owners. The automaker estimates that just 1% of recalled Cybertrucks may actually be affected by the defect.
The cant rail is an “electrocoated steel stamping joined to a stainless steel panel with structural adhesive,” according to Tesla’s filing. If the adhesive joint fails, the panel could detach while the vehicle is in motion.
“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,” Tesla told regulators.
The company said it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to the issue.
Data from Cox Automotive showed that the model ranked as the fifth best-selling electric vehicle in the United States last year, outpacing the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Rivian R1S.
