Tesla has issued a recall for 46,096 Cybertrucks in the U.S. — a near-total callback of the pickup trucks built during the vehicle’s first 15 months of production — due to concerns over exterior panels that may fall off while driving. The announcement, made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on March 20, adds to the growing list of early-stage issues for Tesla’s long-awaited electric truck.
What Triggered the Recall
According to the recall report, stainless-steel trim panels affixed to the vehicle’s exterior may delaminate or detach due to adhesive that is vulnerable to environmental brittleness. Tesla said roughly 1 percent of Cybertrucks currently on the road could be affected, though any detachment presents a clear safety hazard by potentially creating road debris and increasing the risk of a collision.
Tesla’s Response
The company, which reported 151 warranty claims that may be related to this issue, plans to replace the faulty panels at no cost to owners. As of March 18, Tesla had not yet implemented a production fix, but it stated it expected to begin correcting the problem on or around March 21. The repairs will be carried out through its service centers.
A Pattern of Early Recalls
This marks the sixth recall for the Cybertruck in the U.S. since the vehicle’s official debut in November 2023. Among the earlier issues was a similar problem involving trim along the truck bed, which could also come loose during operation. The frequent recalls have raised questions about quality control in Tesla’s manufacturing process — especially for a model marketed as a rugged alternative to traditional trucks.
Marketing vs. Reality
From the start, Elon Musk has positioned the Cybertruck as a revolutionary vehicle built to withstand abuse — from bullets to sledgehammer strikes. But even during its initial unveiling in 2019, that tough image took a hit when Tesla’s chief designer famously shattered the “armored glass” windows during a live demonstration. Rather than shy away from the blunder, Tesla leaned into the moment with $55 window-shatter decals that quickly sold out.
However, recent reports suggest that durability concerns go far beyond marketing gimmicks. YouTube creator Cody Detwiler (WhistlinDiesel) published a viral video that showed the Cybertruck’s frame breaking during a head-to-head stress test against Ford’s best-selling F-150. Another video by Zack Nelson (JerryRigEverything) revealed the vehicle’s rear frame section buckling under pressure.
Safety Claims Under Scrutiny
Despite these public stress-test failures, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has defended the vehicle’s toughness. In February, Musk posted on X, calling the Cybertruck “apocalypse-level safe” after it received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. But safety ratings don’t account for long-term structural integrity or performance in extreme real-world conditions — factors that matter deeply to pickup buyers expecting both strength and reliability.
A Growing Concern for Tesla
Tesla, which remains one of the most recalled automakers in the U.S., faces increasing scrutiny over product reliability, particularly as it expands into new vehicle categories. The Cybertruck, with its polarizing design and stainless-steel exoskeleton, was touted as a leap forward for electric utility vehicles. However, recurring quality issues may dampen its long-term prospects.
As the company navigates this latest recall and works to secure a production fix, Tesla also has to manage the growing public narrative — one in which the Cybertruck’s image as a resilient off-roader is being tested by a series of very visible failures.
For early adopters and Tesla enthusiasts, all eyes will be on whether the company can live up to its claims and deliver the long-term reliability expected of a pickup designed — in Musk’s own words — to endure the apocalypse.
