In a major blow to Tesla, over 46,000 Cybertrucks have been recalled in the US, marking the model’s eighth – and biggest – recall yet. The issue? A piece of trim, known as the cant rail, could fall off while driving, raising safety concerns, reportedly.
The recall affects nearly all Cybertrucks produced since November 2023, according to analysts. Tesla, which has not publicly commented on the recall, is already struggling with declining sales, fueled by mounting criticism of both the company and its controversial CEO, Elon Musk.
Adding to Tesla’s woes, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that three unnamed individuals will face charges for setting fire to Tesla cars and charging stations, labeling it an act of domestic terrorism.
This isn’t the first time Tesla’s futuristic pickup has been recalled. Earlier recalls flagged issues with failing windshield wipers, stuck accelerator pedals, and potential power loss to the wheels.
Tesla first started investigating the cant rail problem in January 2024, as per filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company has received about 150 complaints from drivers but insists it is unaware of any accidents linked to the defect. It estimates that only 1% of affected vehicles actually have the problem.
Read more: Tesla Recalls 239,000 Vehicles Over Rear-View Camera Issue
New Cybertruck owners need not worry about footing the bill – Tesla has promised free replacements under warranty.
Tesla’s stock price has nosedived nearly 40% since January, wiping out the gains it enjoyed after the 2024 US election. This drop has been far worse than the overall US stock market decline in the same period.
Dan Ives, a historically Tesla-friendly analyst, warned that the company is in a “tornado crisis moment”, citing severe brand damage from Musk’s political controversies.
The Cybertruck was supposed to be Tesla’s big moment, tapping into the highly profitable US pickup truck market. However, with a steep starting price of over $72,000 (£55,500) and an increasingly ageing vehicle lineup, Tesla is now battling not just recalls—but also public perception and fierce competition.
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