Tesla Recalls Most Cybertrucks Over Loose Trim Panels

Tesla is recalling nearly every Cybertruck delivered so far because of an unexpected issue: the stainless-steel trim panels might fly off while driving. That’s right—one moment, you’re cruising down the highway, and the next, a piece of your futuristic truck could be tumbling into traffic.

What’s the Problem?

Tesla has officially recalled 46,000+ Cybertrucks produced between November 2023 and February 2025 after reports that the exterior trim panels aren’t staying appropriately attached. The concern? If a panel detaches at high speeds, it could become a hazard to other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation after a complaint was filed on February 21, leading to the recall. So far, Tesla has received 151 warranty claims about the issue—though, thankfully, no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Tesla hasn’t officially announced how many cyber trucks are out in the wild. Still, experts believe this recall affects nearly all of them. Given that the Cybertruck is one of Tesla’s most anticipated yet controversial models, this is not the kind of publicity the company needs right now.

Tesla’s Tough Year Just Got Worse

This recall couldn’t have come at a worse time for Tesla. 2024 has been a brutal year for the company’s stock, which has dropped by half amid a combination of challenges:

• Aging vehicle lineup – The Model S and Model X are long overdue for significant updates.
• Rising competition – Rivals like Rivian, Ford, and legacy automakers are gaining ground in the EV market.
• Elon Musk’s controversies – Musk’s outspoken political views and erratic behavior have turned off some buyers.
• Cybertruck skepticism – After years of hype, some early owners have complained about build quality, usability issues, and unexpected quirks.

“The recall is a blow to Tesla’s reputation,” said Sam Fiorani, Vice President at AutoForecast Solutions. “They’ve avoided major recalls in the past, but this proves that even Tesla isn’t immune to old-school manufacturing problems.”

Frustration is Growing Among Tesla Fans

Tesla’s hardcore fans have stood by the brand through thick and thin, but even they are losing patience. The Cybertruck’s rocky launch, coupled with quality control issues, has led to increasing dissatisfaction among early adopters.

• Social media is filled with complaints about Cybertruck fit-and-finish problems.
• Some Tesla stores have seen protests, with customers frustrated over delivery delays and vehicle issues.
• There’s even talk of boycotts, as some longtime Tesla supporters feel the company is slipping.

Interestingly, when Tesla officially announced the recall, its stock price barely moved. Investors may have already priced in Tesla’s recent struggles, or they might believe the Cybertruck’s sales volume is too small to impact the company’s financials significantly.

Musk himself has remained silent on the recall. During a recent company meeting in Austin, Texas, which was livestreamed online, he avoided mentioning the issue altogether. Instead, he boasted about the Cybertruck’s five-star safety rating, calling it “exceptionally safe in a crash.”

How Tesla Plans to Fix It

Unlike Tesla’s typical over-the-air software updates, this recall requires physical repairs at service centers. The original trim panels were only attached with adhesive, which didn’t hold up well over time.

To fix the problem, Tesla is rolling out a redesigned panel attachment system featuring:

• Stronger industrial adhesive
• Metal studs and nuts for added reinforcement

New Cybertrucks will include the updated trim panels starting this week, and any vehicles still in inventory will be repaired before delivery.

A Pattern of Quality Control Issues?

While this particular recall might not seem as dramatic as some past Tesla controversies, it highlights a growing concern about Tesla’s quality control.

The Cybertruck has already faced multiple complaints since deliveries began, including:

• Alignment issues – Some owners have reported misaligned panels, doors, and windows.
• Charging quirks – Cybertruck’s massive battery has raised concerns about slow charging speeds.
• Strange performance quirks – Some early testers have noted weird steering behavior and other software oddities.

For a vehicle that took over four years to reach production, many expected a more polished final product. Instead, the Cybertruck is following the trend of Tesla’s early production vehicles, where first adopters effectively become beta testers.

Will This Hurt Tesla Long-Term?

The big question: Will this recall hurt Tesla’s long-term reputation?

Probably not in a significant way—but it does add to the growing list of Tesla headaches. With rivals like Ford (F-150 Lightning), Rivian (R1T), and even GM’s upcoming electric trucks improving their offerings, Tesla can’t afford too many missteps.

In the past, Tesla has bounced back from production hiccups, recalls, and even lawsuits. However, as the EV market matures and buyers demand higher quality standards, Tesla may no longer get a free pass.

For now, Cybertruck owners will need to book service appointments and get their trim panels fixed—because nobody wants to see a flying chunk of stainless steel on the freeway.

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