U.S. regulators have ordered the recall of virtually every Tesla Cybertruck on the road after a major safety flaw was discovered in the vehicle’s exterior paneling, casting fresh scrutiny on Elon Musk’s futuristic electric pickup.
Critical Windshield Trim Could Detach Mid-Drive
According to Apnews, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall affecting over 46,000 Cybertrucks built between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025.
The issue stems from a stainless steel strip—called the cant rail assembly—which runs along the windshield. According to the NHTSA, this component can detach while the vehicle is in motion, posing a risk to other drivers.
The panel is supposed to be held in place by a structural adhesive. However, it appears that the glue used is vulnerable to what the agency described as “environmental embrittlement.”
In response, Tesla has promised to install a stronger adhesive and apply additional reinforcements. All fixes will be offered free of charge, with owner notification letters expected by May 19, 2025.
Cybertruck Hits Eight Recalls in Fifteen Months
This marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since deliveries began just over a year ago. Among previous issues: failing windshield wipers, acceleration pedals that could get stuck, faulty display screens, and a drive power loss due to inverter faults. Despite its space-age design and cult following, the Cybertruck is quickly becoming a case study in production turbulence.
Viral social media posts have only fueled the backlash. Videos showing owners ripping the panels off with their bare hands have garnered millions of views, casting further doubt on the build quality of the vehicle.
Growing Tensions and Violent Backlash
The problems with the Cybertruck are unfolding against a tense political backdrop. Since Donald Trump returned to office, Elon Musk has been given sweeping power through a new federal body—the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The initiative is aggressively slashing public spending and empowering private enterprises, including Tesla.
This political shift has sparked a wave of anti-Tesla incidents. In Colorado, a woman was charged for throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla dealerships. In South Carolina, a man was arrested after setting fire to Tesla charging stations. Both suspects reportedly held anti-government or anti-DOGE beliefs.
Tesla Under Pressure as Global Sales Slide
These troubles come as Tesla faces steep competition from Chinese EV manufacturers and a sharp drop in global sales. Company shares have fallen 42% since the start of 2025, with analysts pointing to both quality concerns and reputational damage.
While the recall has not been linked to any injuries so far, it deepens the narrative of a company struggling to deliver on its high-tech promises. Whether the fixes restore confidence or amplify skepticism remains to be seen.
