Tesla’s long-awaited Cybertruck has been one of the most talked-about vehicles in recent memory, boasting a futuristic design, stainless steel body, and the promise of bulletproof durability. However, just months into its highly anticipated release, Tesla issued a recall affecting nearly all Cybertrucks currently on the road due to a potentially dangerous issue involving the vehicle’s trim panel.
The Cybertruck Recall: What’s Happening?
On March 19, 2025, Tesla officially issued a recall for nearly all Cybertrucks delivered so far, citing a risk that the decorative stainless steel trim on the pickup’s truck bed could detach while driving. According to Electrek’s report, the side trim panels, meant to give the truck a sleek, angular profile, were not appropriately affixed during manufacturing.
The concern? These panels could fly off the truck at high speeds, posing a serious hazard to other vehicles on the road. Flying debris at highway speeds can cause collisions, windshield damage, or even more severe injuries if another driver swerves or overreacts to the unexpected obstacle.
The issue was serious enough for Tesla to file recall documentation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a move that’s now raising broader concerns about quality control on Tesla’s most hyped vehicle in years.
How Many Cybertrucks Are Affected?
According to the official NHTSA recall report, this recall affects approximately 3,878 Cybertrucks delivered between November 13, 2023, and April 4, 2024. This covers nearly every Cybertruck that has been delivered to customers during its first production wave.
Tesla urges owners to bring their Cybertrucks to a service center where new adhesive and installation techniques will be applied to ensure the trim is secure. Tesla has stated that no injuries have been reported in connection with this issue to date. However, the potential risk is significant enough to require immediate attention.
What’s Causing the Trim Panels to Detach?
Tesla’s Cybertruck is constructed with a rigid, angular body made from unpainted stainless steel. This design has been one of its most distinctive and polarizing features. However, the unorthodox material and sharp lines have also created unique challenges in manufacturing.
According to Tesla’s filing, the trim panels on the truck bed were installed without sufficient adhesion or mechanical fasteners to withstand wind resistance at high speeds. The issue seems to stem from:
- Insufficient glue or bonding method during production
- Lack of proper clamping or curing time for adhesives
- Manufacturing process errors during early assembly runs
It’s worth noting that this is not the first design or assembly issue with early Tesla models. The Cybertruck joins other Tesla vehicles that faced early-stage recalls, including the Model Y for seatbelt anchor issues and the Model S for touchscreen failures.
Why This Recall Matters, Even if It Sounds Cosmetic
At first glance, detaching a decorative trim panel might seem superficial. But in reality, it creates both safety and legal concerns. If a part of your vehicle flies off on the highway and causes an accident, you (and potentially Tesla) could be held liable for damages.
Projectile hazards are a well-documented source of traffic collisions. When a trim panel breaks free, it can:
- Hit another vehicle’s windshield or body
- Startle nearby drivers and cause them to brake suddenly or swerve
- Detach at high speed, making it challenging to retrieve safely
This is particularly serious for a truck like the Cybertruck, which is marketed as a durable, rugged vehicle. The idea that parts of it can simply fall off during regular use damages consumer trust and raises more significant questions about how thoroughly Tesla tested the car under real-world conditions.
Tesla’s Response to the Recall
Tesla’s solution involves re-securing or replacing the trim panels using better bonding materials and installation methods. According to AP News, Tesla plans to repair affected vehicles at no cost and has updated its production line with new procedures to prevent this issue from continuing in future builds.
Tesla also stated that it identified the problem during internal testing, rather than in response to customer accidents. However, a few Cybertruck owners have posted on forums and Reddit about hearing “metal flapping” sounds while driving.
Owners can schedule service appointments through the Tesla mobile app or by visiting a service center. Tesla has said the repair is straightforward and should not take more than a few hours.
Is This Just the Beginning?
The Cybertruck’s design and construction method are so unique that many experts expect more issues to emerge as more vehicles hit the road. Already, there have been user reports of:
- Fit and finish problems, including misaligned panels and gaps
- Water intrusion in the cabin during heavy rain
- Charging inconsistencies or software errors during long trips
- Wiper malfunctions on the vehicle’s huge front windshield
With the Cybertruck just beginning its production lifecycle, and Tesla's track record of topping U.S. vehicle recall lists, this recall could be an early signal of additional quality control concerns.
What to Do If You Own a Cybertruck
If you’ve received a recall notice or seen news about this issue and believe your Cybertruck may be affected, here’s what you should do:
- Check Your VIN
Visit the NHTSA recall search tool and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if your truck is officially included.
- Schedule a Service Appointment
Log into your Tesla app and request a service appointment related to the trim panel recall. Mention any symptoms you’ve noticed, such as wind noise or loose panels.
- Inspect Your Vehicle
Look along the rear bed for signs of lifting, gaps, or unsecured trim panels. While Tesla advises against DIY repairs, visible flaws should be reported immediately.
- Document Any Issues or Previous Concerns
If you’ve already noticed related issues, or if your trim panel came loose before this recall was announced, gather photos, video, or past service documentation.
When a Recall Might Be the Start of a Lemon Law Case
It’s important to understand that while recalls are designed to fix known defects, they don’t always resolve all underlying problems. If your Cybertruck experiences additional issues after the recall, or the repair doesn’t fully correct the defect, you may be dealing with a lemon.
You may qualify for lemon law protection if:
- Your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times for the same or related issue
- The defect affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
- Tesla is unable to fix the problem permanently
- The issue started within the warranty period or shortly after delivery
Lemon laws vary by state, but many protect new car buyers when the manufacturer fails to correct a recurring issue after multiple attempts at repair. A decorative panel recall alone may not qualify, but you may have a case if it's part of a larger pattern of failures.
Conclusion: Cybertruck Owners Should Stay Alert
The Tesla Cybertruck represents a bold step forward in electric truck design, but with bold innovation often comes unexpected problems. The current recall for loose trim panels is a reminder that early production vehicles can carry risks, and owners must stay informed.
If you’re dealing with Cybertruck issues beyond this trim defect or if Tesla’s fix didn’t resolve the problem, The Lemon Lawyers are here to help. Our team specializes in protecting consumers stuck with defective vehicles. We will review your repair history, evaluate your claim, and guide you toward the best resolution, whether that means a replacement, a refund, or legal compensation.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and get the support you need from a team that knows lemon law inside and out.
