Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is facing issues with an adhesive that breaks down quickly in weather, affecting the attachment of stainless steel parts to the Cybertruck.
2. The recall involves 151 warranty claims and affects nearly 46,096 Cybertrucks that will need repairs at service centers.
3. Tesla plans to use a better adhesive and bolting method for new vehicles produced after March 21, halting new deliveries until fixes are made.
4. The recall is due to safety concerns about the potential detachment of the stainless steel panel while driving, posing risks to other drivers.
5. Vehicles still in Tesla’s possession that were manufactured before the updates will be retrofitted with new components before delivery to customers.
Tesla has received a type of adhesive that breaks down too quickly when exposed to weather, which is causing issues in attaching stainless steel parts to the Cybertruck.
Warranty Claims and Recall
This problem has led to 151 warranty claims related to Cybertruck body panels coming loose, which has resulted in a significant recall from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla has announced that it will be bringing in almost all of the Cybertrucks delivered before this month—46,096 units—for repairs at their service centers.
Engineering Changes
In addition to using a better adhesive, the fix involves bolting the problematic stainless steel cant rail to the Cybertruck’s body. However, Tesla will only start implementing this new method on vehicles produced “on or after March 21.”
For now, Tesla has halted new deliveries of the Cybertruck and will not resume shipping until the necessary engineering updates are complete.
Structural Adhesive Issues
The part that is being recalled relies solely on a structural adhesive for assembly. This adhesive has been found to be vulnerable to environmental embrittlement. The new solution will utilize a different type of structural adhesive that does not suffer from this issue, reinforced with a stud that is welded to the stainless panel, and a nut that secures the steel panel to the vehicle’s structure.
Previously, when Tesla launched the Cybertruck, they encountered a similar issue with accelerator pedal components detaching, which was resolved with a similar approach—simply bolting the faulty part in place.
Safety Concerns
Tesla has highlighted that the reason for this recall is the potential danger posed if the cant rail stainless steel panel detaches while the vehicle is being driven, as it could create a hazard for other drivers and increase the chances of accidents.
This marks the seventh recall for the Cybertruck, and last June, Tesla faced a related issue concerning trunk bed components that were at risk of coming loose and flying off.
Retrofitting Vehicles
“Vehicles manufactured before the factory clean point that are still in Tesla’s possession will be retrofitted with the new component before they are delivered to customers,” Tesla clarified.
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