Thousands of Tesla Cybertrucks have been recalled in the US over concerns that part of the electric vehicle’s trim could detach, marking the model’s eighth and largest recall to date.
The recall impacts more than 46,000 trucks produced since November 2023, which analysts estimate covers nearly all Cybertrucks on the road.
This development comes as Tesla, which did not respond to requests for comment, faces declining sales amid growing criticism of the company and its CEO, Elon Musk.
On Thursday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that three unnamed individuals would be charged with setting fire to Tesla vehicles and charging stations, labeling their actions as “domestic terrorism.”
While Tesla does not disclose specific sales figures for the Cybertruck, car tech firm Cox Automotive estimates that approximately 39,000 units were sold in the US last year.
Previous recalls for the Cybertruck have addressed issues such as malfunctioning windshield wipers, stuck accelerator pedals, potential loss of drive power to the wheels, and other technical problems.
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla began investigating the latest issue, which involves a component known as the cant rail, in January.
“The cant rail, a stainless-steel exterior trim panel, can delaminate and detach from the vehicle,” the notice said.
“A detached panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Tesla told NHTSA it had received about 150 claims from drivers about the issue but was not aware of any accidents caused by the problem.
It estimated that the issue affected about 1% of vehicles involved in the recall.
The issue is covered under a warranty for new owners, and the company will replace the piece free-of-charge.
‘Tornado crisis’
Tesla’s shares have dropped nearly 40% since January, erasing the jump in value that it enjoyed after the 2024 US election.
The fall has been significantly more than the overall drop in the US stock market over that period.
Dan Ives, an analyst who has historically been very pro-Tesla, said on Thursday the firm was facing a “tornado crisis moment” due to brand damage from Musk’s political role.
The political backlash adds to the challenges the company had already been facing from increased competition and an ageing line-up of offerings.
The Cybertruck was supposed to help reignite buzz around the brand and help it break into the lucrative market for pickup trucks in the US.
It hit the roads in late 2023 and carries a starting cost of more than $72,000 (£55,500).