Tesla Issues Largest Cybertruck Recall in History
Thousands of Tesla Cybertrucks have been recalled in the United States because of worries about a portion of the electric vehicle's trim falling off, the model's eighth and largest recall.
The problem affects more than 46,000 trucks built beginning in November 2023, which researchers believe accounts for nearly all Cybertrucks.
It comes as Tesla, which did not respond to a request for comment, struggles with declining sales amid a backlash against the company and its CEO, Elon Musk.
On Thursday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that three anonymous individuals would face charges for setting fire to Tesla automobiles and charging facilities, accusing them of "domestic terrorism."
Tesla does not disclose sales figures for the Cybertruck, but automobile tech firm Cox Automotive estimates that approximately 39,000 were sold in the United States last year.
Previous Cybertruck recalls included failed windshield wipers, stuck accelerator pedals, potential loss of drive power to the wheels, and other concerns.
According to documents with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla began examining the most recent issue, which included a component known as the cant rail, in January.
"The cant rail, a stainless-steel exterior trim panel, can delaminate and detach from the vehicle," according to the notification.
"A detached panel can become a road hazard, increasing the crash risk."
Tesla informed NHTSA that it received around 150 claims from drivers regarding the issue but was unaware of any incidents related to the glitch.
It estimated that the problem affected around 1% of the automobiles implicated in the recall.
A warranty covers the issue for new owners, and the company will replace the portion free of charge.
Severe Tornado Emergency
Tesla's shares have fallen over 40% since January, wiping off the value gain it experienced following the 2024 US election.
The decline has been substantially more significant than the general slump in the US stock market throughout that time.
Dan Ives, a long-time Tesla supporter, warned on Thursday that the company was experiencing a "tornado crisis moment" due to brand harm caused by Musk's political involvement.
The political backlash exacerbates the company's already tricky situation, which includes growing competition and an outdated product line.
Cybertruck was expected to help rekindle interest in the brand and help it enter the lucrative pickup truck market in the US.
It will be available in late 2023 with a starting price of more than $72,000 (£55,500).