The Tesla Cybertruck, with its unconventional design and possibly bulletproof exoskeleton, is back in the spotlight, but not for the reasons or positive ones. Set back by its rough stainless-steel surface and claims of ruggedness, the newest problem troubling the electric pickup truck is frail, almost quaint: glue. Tesla issued a huge recall for nearly all Cybertrucks made between November 2023 and February 2024 over a weak adhesive that caused the body trim pieces to pop off while driving.
The recall notice filed by Tesla with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the problem applies to 46,096 Cybertrucks, effectively the whole production up to late February. The problem is with a structural adhesive used to attach the cant rail, a decorative piece (electro-coated steel and stainless steel) on the outside of the vehicles.
This adhesive has been reported to be “prone to environmental embrittlement”, resulting in delamination and in some cases, total separation of the panel from the vehicle.
A Road Hazard in Motion
Tesla noted that roughly just 1% of cars may suffer this defect, so the company has decided to recall the whole lot to be safe. The cant rail, when released, is a hazard to other road users, posing a risk as it becomes a potentially deadly missile at highway speeds. The panel may detach from the vehicle, causing an obstruction on the road for subsequent motorists and escalating their exposure to damage or a collision, according to Tesla’s product recall explanation.
This is not just aesthetics – it is a life safety matter. Numerous Cybertruck owners started reporting the problem back in early January, prompting an investigation by the company and eventually a formal recall. Since then, both production and delivery have been put on hold temporarily.
Unlike many of the Tesla recalls in the past that could be fixed with over-the-air (OTA) software updates, this adhesive problem needs to be physically repaired. Customers affected will have certified letters and will be required to schedule service appointments at Tesla service centers for repairs on trim panels. This is a deviation from the enterprise’s normal software-first mend philosophy and demonstrates the confines of computer technology fixing for tangible manufacturing flaws.
In the past as well, there were several adhesive materials issues related to Cybertruck. In mid-2024, Tesla recalled more than 11,000 Cybertrucks caused to the same delamination Problem, occurring in different trim parts. With eight recalls in its name since its late 2023 debut, the Cybertruck has fallen short of its assertion as a capable, advanced electric vehicle.
Production Updates and Future Deliveries
As the recall filing was published, Tesla acknowledged that the issue had not yet been addressed during production. However, the company said that the fix is anticipated to be applied to vehicles produced from late March onwards. Assuring the new Cybertruck buyers that their vehicles should not be affected by this particular adhesive failure.
Conclusion
No start-up has had a tougher time with their most recent products than Tesla with the Cybertruck. With its crusade of rear production and several recalls, the vehicle continues to endure manufacturing quandaries. When the idea of a stainless steel, bulletproof electric truck garnered worldwide attention, the execution turned out to be a far cry more brittle, ironically so because of something as run-of-the-mill as glue.
As Tesla addresses these issues, Cybertruck owners and potential buyers alike will be watching closely to see if the brand can deliver on its bold promises.
