Tesla Recalls Over 46,000 Cybertrucks Due to Safety Issues as DOJ Charges Individuals for Destroying Tesla Properties

Tesla is recalling nearly all Cybertruck units due to a defect that could cause an exterior panel to detach while driving, posing a potential safety hazard on the road.

According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a stainless steel trim panel on the electric pickup truck may become loose and fly off. The recall affects 46,096 Cybertrucks built between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025.

No reported injuries, but quality issues persist

Tesla has received 151 warranty claims that may be linked to the issue, but the company has not reported any accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to the defect.

This recall is just the latest in a series of problems for the Cybertruck, which has previously faced issues with its accelerator pedal, rearview camera, and windshield wipers. Despite being a flagship model championed by CEO Elon Musk, the vehicle has struggled with quality concerns since its launch.

Next steps for Cybertruck owners

Tesla will begin notifying affected owners in May, and repairs will be provided free of charge. The company has not yet specified how long the fixes will take.

For Cybertruck owners concerned about safety, Tesla advises checking for updates through the company’s official channels and scheduling a service appointment when notified.

Here is what else you need to know

Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock dropped early Thursday despite an unusual endorsement from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who urged Americans to invest in the company during a televised interview.

A rare government endorsement

Speaking on Fox News Wednesday night, Lutnick made a direct appeal to investors, praising Tesla CEO Elon Musk and calling the company’s stock price a bargain.

“I think, if you want to learn something on this show tonight, buy Tesla,” Lutnick said. “It’s unbelievable that this guy's stock is this cheap. It'll never be this cheap again.”

Cabinet secretaries rarely endorse individual stocks, making Lutnick’s comments especially notable. 

Stock continues to decline

Despite Lutnick’s praise, Tesla shares continued to fall. The stock was down 1.7% in premarket trading Thursday, dropping to $231.75. It has lost 5% over the past five days, 35% in the last month, and 42% since the start of the year.

Some analysts have expressed deep concerns about Tesla’s future. Last week, JPMorgan analyst Ryan Brinkman warned in a research note, “We struggle to think of anything analogous in the history of the automotive industry, in which a brand has lost so much value so quickly.”

Tesla faces market pressure

The company is also dealing with protests across the country. A series of “Tesla Takedown” rallies at dealerships have drawn national attention, and the administration has pledged to investigate some protesters for domestic terrorism.

The US Deparment of Justice, has “announced charges against three individuals responsible for the violent destruction of Tesla properties. All three defendants will face the full force of the law for using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations,” as per a statement from the DOJ. 

Despite these challenges, Tesla remains a major player in the electric vehicle market, with Musk continuing to enjoy strong support from government officials and loyal investors. Whether Lutnick’s endorsement will help stabilize the company’s stock remains to be seen.