Tesla Inc. has issued a recall for all Cybertrucks produced and sold in the first 15 months of availability due to a safety defect, adding more woes to a difficult period for the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. The recall will affect 46,096 pickups in the United States, with Tesla estimating that approximately 1% have a defect involving the exterior trim panels.
According to a Thursday Bloomberg report, the recall was disclosed in a report filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla is reportedly concerned about the stainless steel trim panels, which are attached to the vehicle with an adhesive the manufacturer admits is vulnerable to environmental embrittlement.
The company warns that if these panels detach while driving, they could create a road hazard and increase the risk of accidents.
Tesla will cover costs for the repairs
The Elon Musk-led company said it will replace the faulty panels at no cost to customers but has yet to solve the issue at the production stage. Tesla expects to implement a fix by March 21.
This is the latest in a series of recalls for the Cybertruck, which was officially launched in November 2023.
Per Bloomberg, the company’s sales dropped by 45% in Europe in the first month of 2025, with Germany experiencing a staggering 71% drop in new vehicle registrations during January and February.
Analysts suggest this downturn may have been exacerbated by CEO Elon Musk’s comments about Germany’s federal election in February, which could have discouraged buyers.
The astounding absurdity of @ThierryBreton 🤡 as tyrant of Europe 😂 https://t.co/fdLp8rbF0M
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 11, 2025
Shipments to China’s Shanghai port, the world’s largest EV market, fell 49% in February, the lowest figure since July 2022. Part of the decline is attributed to a temporary halt in Model Y production for factory upgrades, but Tesla has also struggled to keep pace with its Chinese rival BYD Co., which has gained market share at its expense.
US sales data isn’t quite well-known, but estimates from Kelley Blue Book show Tesla sold only 43,650 vehicles in February, one of its lowest monthly figures in the last three years. The report questions if the automaker will ever surpass its February 2023 peak, when US sales hit 60,325 units.
Tesla properties see a wave of targeted attacks
Tesla properties have become the target of vandalism and arson both in America and on foreign soil. The car manufacturer’s showrooms, charging stations, and private vehicles have been attacked, with incidents increasing since President Donald Trump began his second term.
Experts on domestic extremism note that Tesla appears to have taken on a symbolic role in political protests, much like Trump’s own properties did during his first term.
“Tesla is an easy target,” said Randy Blazak, a political sociologist. “They’re rolling down our streets. They have dealerships in our neighbourhoods.”
The most heard-off vandalism incident occurred early Tuesday morning at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas. Police say multiple vehicles were “targeted” and set ablaze. Law enforcement also discovered the word “RESIST” spray-painted in red on the building.
Investigations on Tesla attacks are ongoing
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, surveillance footage shows a suspect dressed in black approaching the facility with what appeared to be a firearm and multiple Molotov cocktails.
The department’s counterterrorism unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are reportedly investigating the incident.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reprimanded the violence, calling it “nothing short of domestic terrorism.”
“The DOJ has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences. We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes,” she said in her statement.
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