Tesla has recalled almost all Cybertrucks made until February 2024 because of a safety defect. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said an outside trim panel on the truck might come loose while driving, posing a higher risk for accidents. Tesla will replace the faulty assembly for free.
The recall covers 46,096 Cybertrucks, the bulk of these electric pickup trucks out on the road. Tesla has had numerous recalls for the model since it came out a year ago.
Exact sales figures haven't been reported by the company, but reports suggest demand for the spaceship-style truck has cooled. Build quality concerns as well as production delays have also contributed to the problems.
Tesla's share price has fallen almost 42% so far this year. Investors are concerned with declining demand, increased competition, and criticism of CEO Elon Musk. Some customers have also staged protests against the firm, with boycotts and a change in attitude towards the brand.
Tesla's recall history is another issue, its cars represented 5.1 million recalls in 2024, the most among US automakers. Yet, most of Tesla's previous problems were resolved by over-the-air software updates.
The most recent recall comes as Tesla continues to struggle with quality control as it expands its lineup. While the Cybertruck was supposed to disrupt the EV pickup segment, these mishaps could damage its reputation. As the company addresses the problem, it is uncertain how investors and customers will respond.