It's a complicated start for the Cybertruck. Tesla has just announced the recall of 46,096 units of its electric pickup truck in the United States. That is, quite simply, all models manufactured and delivered between November 2023 and the end of February 2025.
A bodywork problem that leaves a mark
The cause: a piece of bodywork — a decorative steel panel, placed on the edge of the roof — which tends to peel off on its own. This part, called a "cant rail," is supposed to be attached with a structural adhesive. But on the affected vehicles, the glue doesn't always hold. As a result, the panel can detach while driving. We've seen more reassuring things.
Tesla confirmed the issue with U.S. authorities after an owner reported a panel falling off. The company also received 151 warranty claims potentially related to the issue. The good news is that no collisions or injuries have been reported.
According to Tesla, drivers can sometimes spot the problem before it becomes dangerous. Strange noises in the passenger compartment, a part that moves or lifts slightly... These are all warning signs.
The solution? Completely replace the affected part. The new panel will be better secured, with a reinforced assembly: a stronger adhesive, a welded stud, a nut, in short, everything needed to prevent the vehicle from taking off on the road. Installation of this corrected version began on March 21.
This isn't the first time the Cybertruck has been in the news for the wrong reasons. A few weeks ago, another recall was issued... for an accelerator pedal that could come loose. Here too, the solution was simple: screw it in properly.
For a vehicle that's supposed to embody Tesla's future, this launch looks like a bumpy road. Especially since demand already seems to be flagging. Deliveries have been paused recently, and analysts note declining interest from customers.
At the same time, Tesla's image is deteriorating. The stock has lost nearly 42% of its value since the beginning of the year, and criticism of Elon Musk—particularly regarding his political stances—is growing. Some consumers are even calling for boycott the brand.
Tesla remains the leader in vehicle recalls in the United States this year, with more than 5 million units affected, according to the company BizzyCar. Most of the time, the brand fixes problems remotely via software updates. But this time, there's no technological miracle: you'll have to go out to get a loose piece of sheet metal reattached.
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