Tesla announced on Thursday that it will recall nearly all Cybertrucks produced to address a potential issue with a stainless steel trim panel, which may detach while the vehicle is in motion. This recall marks the eighth for the uniquely designed all-electric pickup truck, which has been available in the U.S. for just over two years.
Unlike many previous Tesla recalls that could be resolved with over-the-air software updates, this particular issue necessitates that the vehicles be taken to a service center for repairs. The recall impacts more than 46,000 Cybertrucks manufactured between November 2023 and late February 2025.
The recall concerns a cosmetic applique on the truck’s exterior, which is attached with a type of adhesive. According to a filing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this adhesive may fail, leading to the panel detaching and creating a potential “road hazard” for other vehicles, thereby increasing crash risk.
Initially, complaints regarding the trim were observed in social media discussions, and it is reported that Tesla temporarily halted Cybertruck production last week. The company started investigating the issue in early January, and plans to resolve it using a different type of adhesive that is not susceptible to environmental embrittlement.
Dale Harrow, chair and director of the Intelligent Mobility Design Center at the Royal College of Art London, described the recall related to the adhesive as “surprising.” Harrow noted that adhesives are commonly used in automotive body construction and are considered effective for lighter construction. He mentioned that several major automakers, such as Jaguar, Lexus, and Audi, also use adhesives in vehicle construction, and issues like this are uncommon.
The automotive industry utilizes various adhesives for bonding panels and parts, choosing them based on required bond strength and material characteristics. However, the Cybertruck’s unconventional use of stainless steel for its panels sets it apart from other vehicles.
Harrow speculated that the issue might be related to the stainless steel’s properties, particularly in cold weather, which could impact the adhesive’s curing process. He suggested that the stainless steel’s ability to conduct cold better than standard steel might influence the bonding process. Harrow concluded that despite Tesla’s size and resources, a thorough investigation would be needed to pinpoint the exact cause.
