Tesla announced on Thursday that it is recalling nearly all Cybertrucks in the United States due to a potential issue with an exterior panel that could detach while the vehicle is in motion. The recall affects over 46,000 vehicles, a significant number considering the truck’s recent launch.
The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), covers Cybertrucks manufactured from November 2023 through February 27, 2024. The primary concern is that the stainless-steel exterior trim panel could detach while driving, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash, according to Tesla.
Tesla’s service centers will replace the faulty rail panel assembly with a new one that has undergone testing to meet the company’s durability standards. While the company is aware of 151 warranty claims potentially related to this issue, it has not received any reports of collisions or injuries.
This recall could be a setback for Tesla. The EV maker has faced challenges recently, including a drop in its stock value, intensifying competition, and an existing customer base that appears to be losing confidence in the brand. Tesla’s shares fell 1.4% in premarket trading following the recall announcement.
NHTSA had notified Tesla on February 21st of a vehicle owner’s complaint concerning a rail panel detachment. Drivers may notice a noise inside the cabin or see the panel coming loose or separating. The company’s quick response demonstrates a recognition of the problem and a commitment to ensuring customer safety.
