Tesla recalls almost all Cybertrucks over panel that can fly off

Tesla has recalled nearly all Cybertrucks after identifying a defect that can cause a panel of the pickup truck to fly off. 

Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a report on Wednesday of the recall impacting 46,096 Cybertrucks.

A stainless-steel exterior panel on the Cybertruck can delaminate and come off, becoming a “road hazard for following motorists” and increasing “risk of injury or a collision,” Tesla explained. 

The recall covers all Cybertrucks manufactured between Nov. 13, 2023, and Feb. 27, although Tesla estimated that only about 1 percent of vehicles likely suffered from the defect.

Tesla first became aware of the issue in January, launching an engineering study and later an investigation, according to the report. It has identified 151 warranty claims related to the issue but noted it is “not aware of any collisions, fatalities, or injuries.” 

The recall comes as Musk’s prominent and controversial role in the Trump administration has weighed heavily on Tesla. 

The EV company’s stock has plummeted more than 50 percent since December, and Tesla cars and dealerships have been targets of violent demonstrations, from arson attacks to vandalism. 

The Trump administration has attempted to show support for Musk. The president vowed to buy a Tesla and tested out various models in front of the White House last week.  

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged Americans to buy Tesla stock Wednesday, and Attorney General Pam Bondi labeled Tesla attacks as “domestic terrorism” before announcing several arrests Thursday.