Adapted by:
Alberto de la Torre
WriterI've been a journalist and audiovisual communicator since 2016. My specialty is the automotive sector, where I’ve been analyzing the industry and its developments for more than five years. I'm particularly interested in new forms of mobility and the changes that cities are experiencing, especially in urban planning and the promotion of cycling and personal mobility vehicles.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
The arrival of the Tesla Cybertruck is shaping up to be one of the most unusual market entries ever seen. The electric SUV has experienced a tumultuous journey, with both positive and negative developments. However, recent news is primarily focused on the challenges it’s facing, namely a significant recall affecting every model manufactured within a specific timeframe.
The latest recall. The recall is believed to affect only 1% of the vehicles. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had no choice but to mandate all Tesla Cybertrucks produced between Nov. 13, 2023, and Feb. 27, 2025 to be brought in for service.
The reason for the recall is a potential safety issue where some stainless-steel body panels may detach from the vehicle while in motion. This poses a danger to both passengers and other road users. In total, 46,096 Tesla Cybertrucks are affected.
A glue problem. The issue stems from the decorative trim covering the A-pillar and extending to the rear section just below the roof. The glue may not be strong enough to ensure the component’s integrity, resulting in the potential for it to come loose while driving.
According to The Drive, the issue has been brought to Tesla’s attention by several customers. This prompted the company to recently halt the assembly line to implement a solution and prevent any parts from detaching while on the road.
“Unbreakable.” When Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the Cybertruck, he described its body as “unbreakable.” However, a little over a year later, this claim has faced significant scrutiny.
First, the idea of a car being indestructible is concerning, especially in the event of an accident. Cars are designed to deform to absorb impact energy. Crash tests revealed that when a Cybertruck hits a wall, it absorbs a very low amount of energy. This can lead to the rear axle breaking instead of the front area absorbing the shock.
Additionally, some incidents have contradicted the notion of the Cybertruck being “unbreakable.” It’s not the first time that Tesla has had to recall the vehicle because one of its decorative trims has fallen off. In June 2024, 11,688 vehicles were recalled due to a rear trim detaching.
Click on the image to view the original post on TikTok.
An ongoing issue. The adhesive problem has caused several recalls, not just related to the trim. In April 2024, a malfunction in the accelerator also led to 3,878 vehicles needing repairs. In this case, the glue used failed to secure a component that the driver steps on while accelerating. This part could detach and apply unwanted pressure on the gas pedal, causing unintended acceleration.
Moreover, cold weather appears to exacerbate the issues with the trims. Several videos show how these body parts are more likely to come off in extremely low temperatures.
Workshop time. The use of adhesives has presented significant challenges for Tesla, but it certainly hasn’t been the only issue the company has faced. In its first year on the market, owners experienced recalls as many as seven times.
Tesla addressed some of these problems, like issues with tire pressure sensors, via over-the-air updates in 2024. However, other problems, such as the falling windshield molding, required a visit to the workshop. Additionally, the cameras weren’t functioning properly, necessitating another update.
A controversial market entry. Alongside these issues, the Cybertruck has consistently stirred controversy since its launch. Initially, it was criticized for its release price, which was much higher than expected, and its range, which was less than promised. However, this didn’t stop the car from becoming the best-selling luxury vehicle.
Those who attempted to test its off-road capabilities were often disappointed. However, a sales decline wasn’t a major concern for Musk. The company started to sell the same vehicle for significantly less after removing a few trim pieces.
Musk’s car. The Tesla Cybertruck has also become a symbol closely associated with Musk. The vehicle is extravagant, and the controversies surrounding it have sparked a movement to defend its capabilities vigorously.
Moreover, it’s served as an ideal platform for protests against Musk and his political decisions as a member of the Trump administration. For instance, activists have projected messages critical of the company and its CEO on the back of a Cybertruck.
Image | Mylo Kaye
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