Tesla Recalls Over 46,000 Cybertrucks for Potential Exterior Panel Detachment

Tesla has announced a voluntary recall of 46,096 Cybertrucks from the 2024 and 2025 model years due to a defect that could lead to exterior panels detaching while the vehicle is in motion. The issue involves a component known as the cant rail, a cosmetic trim along the vehicle’s exterior, which may separate due to adhesive failure. The recall was issued following multiple field reports and a review of related service records, though no injuries or collisions have been reported.

The affected vehicles were manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. The cant rail, composed of a steel stamping and stainless steel panel joined by adhesive, may delaminate at the joint. This defect creates the risk of the panel coming off during driving, posing a hazard to other motorists. Tesla began investigating the issue after initial field complaints in early January 2025, followed by another incident later that month. An engineering review showed no immediate separation, but further scrutiny revealed more complaints from service records and social media posts.

Tesla notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of its findings and decided to move forward with a recall on March 11, 2025. As of March 14, Tesla had identified 151 warranty claims potentially tied to the problem. The company will replace the cant rail assemblies free of charge using a redesigned component that incorporates a more robust adhesive and a welded stud to better secure the panel to the vehicle structure.

Although production fixes are not yet in place, Tesla expects to begin using the improved component in vehicles built after March 21, 2025. Any Cybertrucks produced before that date but still in company inventory will be retrofitted prior to customer delivery. Service centers and Tesla stores are scheduled to receive recall instructions beginning March 20, 2025, while customer notification letters will be sent by May 19, 2025. All affected vehicles remain under warranty, and Tesla will not offer pre-notification reimbursement.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a safety recall notice issued by Tesla, Inc. and filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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