Tesla’s infamous Cybertruck has consistently been a hot topic of conversation. From regulatory concerns to endless memes, the electric truck has had its fair share of limelight from both enthusiast and criticizers alike. Recently, the futuristic vehicle has made its way into the news again following a massive recall by Tesla. This call extends to thousands of vehicles and his the eighth time Tesla has issued a recall for their Cybertrucks since the release last year.
The much anticipated release of the Cybertruck
Since it was first announced, Tesla enthusiast have been anxiously waiting for the Cybertruck to finally hit the road and be available for consumers to purchase. The vehicle was first unveiled back in 2019 and caused quite a stir among consumers. Its futuristic, angular design is far from the conventional design we see of current vehicles on the road. The truck received up to two million preorders before it was finally rolled out to consumers in late 2023.
The design of the truck is what makes it one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road, but has also contributed to its controversial status. The steel exterior makes it very difficult to be susceptible to dents and corrosion, however it has also made it the subject of many memes online. In addition to this, the unconventional design has also made it difficult for the truck to penetrate the European automobile market as its size and design do not fit European safety standards for motor vehicles.
Thousands of Cybertrucks recalled over this problem
While the Cybertruck has received great success in the US market, the company has also struggled with production challenges. Not only was the release delayed by to years, but the company underdelivered on sold vehicles in the first quarter of 2024. The starting price has also almost doubled since it was first announced in 2019.
Arguably, its unique design and Tesla’s reputation is what is keeping it most relevant and popular among consumers, however, they face competition from the likes of Ford and Chevy, other companies who produce popular truck models.
In another recent production blow, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of over 46,000 Cybertrucks. The recall is the eighth one affecting the Cybertrucks, with this one relating to a safety issue regarding the exterior panel on the left and right side of the windshield. The panel has been detaching while driving, increasing the risk of an accident on the road.
Owners whose vehicles have been identified as being at risk for this detachment will be notified by Tesla by May 19 and Tesla will replace the side panel free-of-charge. Most significantly however, the vehicle recall affects nearly all Cybertrucks produced and purchased from November 13, 2023, to February 27, 2025
Tesla faces backlash from consumers
Despite the popularity Tesla has maintained, as reflected in their sales, the past year in particular has not been a good reflection of Tesla’s performance. Tesla stock prices have fallen by nearly 42%, however this is largely associated not with the company’s vehicles’ performances but due to the controversial behavior of CEO Elon Musk.
Musk has recently been involved in the new Trump Administration by heading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s involvement in government politics have also had affects on Tesla in other countries. Recently, the state of British Columbia announced that they would be removing Tesla from the county’s electrical vehicle rebate program.
This comes as a response to the new tariff system the US is implementing on Canadian and Mexican products. Canadian products are now taxed at 25% in the US. In response to British Columbia’s decision, Musk responded on social media platform X, calling the decision “crazy”.
For more information about this recall, you can check the 25V-170 recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
