Tesla Cybertrucks recalled over dislodging panels

Almost every Cybertruck in the US has been recalled over a stainless steel panel that could fall off

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump in front of a Cybertruck
Videos of 'people ripping the panels off of Cybertrucks with their hands have gone viral in recent days'
(Image credit: Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images)

What happened

Tesla said Thursday it was recalling almost every Cybertruck in the U.S. over a stainless steel panel that could fall off and "create a road hazard for following motorists."

Who said what

This was the eighth and "one of the largest recalls for Cybertrucks in the model's short and at times flawed history on the road," The New York Times said. Federal regulators said Tesla became aware of the brittle-adhesive problem early this year, and videos of "people ripping the panels off of Cybertrucks with their hands have gone viral in recent days," The Associated Press said.

The recall is the "latest setback" for Tesla since owner Elon Musk started slashing government agencies and workers on behalf of President Donald Trump, the AP said. "Shares have plummeted 42%" this year "as sales crater around the globe." Motorists have also "traded in a record number of Teslas" amid a "wave" of "Tesla takedown" protests, Reuters said. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday the federal government will prosecute vandalism of Tesla properties as "domestic terrorism."

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What next?

Tesla said owners of the 46,096 affected Cybertrucks "may continue to drive" them until the panels are replaced free of charge.

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.