Elon Musk faces a new hurdle with Tesla as the electric vehicle brand has been forced to recall more than 46,000 of its Cybertruck models over fears a panel could detach while driving.
In a new filing with the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it warned that a stainless steel exterior panel could "delaminate and detach" from the vehicle.
In total, 46,096 are believed to be impacted by the recall, which includes Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2024, and February 27, 2025.
The cosmetic applique is found along the exterior of the vehicle which is affixed to the steel-clad truck with fasteners.
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Elon Musk and President Donald Trump posed with a Tesla Cybertruck outside the White House last week
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Recall documents state that the panel, known as a cant rail, can delaminate at the adhesive joint, potentially causing the panel to separate from the vehicle.
It warns that if the panel were to come off the vehicle while on the road, it could create a road hazard, increasing the risk of an injury or a collision.
Tesla said it would replace the cant rail assembly with one that meets durability testing requirements. This will be completed for free.
The component was identified to be "susceptible to environmental embrittlement", with the Musk-led brand now using a different adhesive, which is reinforced with a stud welded to a panel.
The Tesla Cybertruck has been marred with recall notices TESLATesla anticipates that any vehicles currently in production will begin receiving the remedy around March 21, 2025.
It comes as founder and CEO Elon Musk deals with rising backlash to his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and far-right political figures.
Protests and attacks have taken place around the world as part of a so-called "Tesla Takedown" campaign which aims to bring down the stock price of the brand and convince other motorists to boycott the brand.
While the majority of protests have been peaceful, with activists holding signs and marching outside showrooms and dealerships, some action has turned violent.
President Trump welcomed Musk to the White House last week to buy a new Tesla model
REUTERSThe United States has seen suspected arson attacks and shootings at Tesla dealerships, which has prompted President Donald Trump to consider any attacks on Tesla as "domestic terrorism".
A Tesla service centre in Las Vegas, Nevada, was vandalised with the word "resist" sprayed on the front doors, while several electric vehicles were set on fire.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said it was investigating the incident, and added that shots were also fired during the incident. The FBI counter-terrorism department is also believed to be involved.
Earlier today, Musk posted on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, that Tesla Sentry Mode records video of anyone attempting to harm the vehicle, adding: "Bad news for criminals."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
An aerial view of the burnt Tesla models after an attack in Las Vegas, Nevada LVMPDBetween December and mid-March, Tesla is estimated to have lost almost 49 per cent of its market cap, with Business Insider reporting that its value has dropped by around half.
Data from Bizzycar shows Tesla vehicles accounted for 21 per cent of all US recalls in the first nine months of 2024.
