Thousands of Tesla Cybertrucks have been recalled in the US due to concerns about part of the electric car’s trim falling off in the model’s eighth and largest ever recall.
The issue affects more than 46,000 trucks made starting in November 2023, which analysts say amounts to nearly all Cybertrucks.
It comes as Tesla, which did not respond to a request for comment, grapples with falling sales amid a backlash against the firm and its boss Elon Musk.
On Thursday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said three unnamed people would face charges for setting fire to Tesla cars and charging stations, accusing them of “domestic terrorism”.
Tesla does not break out sales of the Cybertruck, but car tech firm Cox Automotive has estimated roughly 39,000 were sold in the US last year.
Prior Cybertruck recalls involved failing windshield wipers, trapped accelerator pedals, possible loss of drive power to the wheels, and other issues.
Tesla started investigating the latest issue, involving a piece formally known as the cant rail, in January, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“The cant rail, a stainless-steel exterior trim panel, can delaminate and detach from the vehicle,” the notice said.
“A detached panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Tesla told NHTSA it had received about 150 claims from drivers about the issue but was not aware of any accidents caused by the problem.
It estimated that the issue affected about 1% of vehicles involved in the recall.
The issue is covered under a warranty for new owners, and the company will replace the piece free-of-charge.
Tesla’s shares have dropped nearly 40% since January, erasing the jump in value that it enjoyed after the 2024 US election.
The fall has been significantly more than the overall drop in the US stock market over that period.
Dan Ives, an analyst who has historically been very pro-Tesla, said on Thursday the firm was facing a “tornado crisis moment” due to brand damage from Musk’s political role.
The political backlash adds to the challenges the company had already been facing from increased competition and an ageing line-up of offerings.
The Cybertruck was supposed to help reignite buzz around the brand and help it break into the lucrative market for pickup trucks in the US.
It hit the roads in late 2023 and carries a starting cost of more than $72,000 (£55,500).
