On March 18, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officially announced a recall affecting 46,096 Tesla Cybertrucks.
The issue centers on the vehicle’s cant rail — a key exterior trim panel made of stainless steel — which may delaminate and detach from the vehicle while in use.
If you’re a Cybertruck owner or just following Tesla news, this is an important update. Below, we’ll explain what this recall means, why it happened, which vehicles are affected, and what you should do if your Cybertruck is on the list.
What Is the Tesla Cybertruck Cant Rail Recall?
The cant rail is a part of the Cybertruck’s stainless-steel exterior trim. According to Tesla and the NHTSA, certain units from the 2024 and 2025 model years have cant rails that may delaminate — meaning the outer layer starts to peel away — and in some cases, completely detach from the vehicle.
This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. A detached cant rail could become a road hazard for other drivers and poses a safety risk if it flies off while the vehicle is in motion.
How Many Vehicles Are Affected?
According to the NHTSA, this recall affects approximately:
46,096 Tesla Cybertrucks
Model Years: 2024 – 2025
Production Dates: November 13, 2023 – February 27, 2025
So if you purchased a Cybertruck during this time, there’s a chance your vehicle may be part of this recall.
Timeline of Events: How Tesla Discovered the Problem
Here’s a breakdown of how the issue unfolded:
- January 7, 2025: Tesla first noticed a potential problem during routine monitoring of field repairs. A complaint was filed about partial delamination of the stainless-steel cant rail.
- January 13, 2025: Tesla launched an engineering study to investigate. Initial tests showed no confirmed cases of separation at that time.
- February 21, 2025: The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) contacted Tesla about a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) regarding panel detachment.
- Late February – Early March: Tesla examined more complaints, including those found on social media and in service records.
- March 11, 2025: Tesla voluntarily decided to issue a recall. They identified 151 warranty claims that might be linked to the issue.
- March 18, 2025: The recall was officially posted by the NHTSA.
Tesla’s Response and Solution
Tesla has acknowledged the problem and is taking steps to correct it. The company says it will:
- Replace the cant rail assembly free of charge
- Send out owner notification letters starting May 19, 2025
- Encourage affected owners to contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752
- Reference the recall using Tesla’s official number: SB-25-10-001
So far, Tesla has not reported any injuries, crashes, or fatalities related to this issue — which is a positive sign that they caught the problem early.
What Should Cybertruck Owners Do?
If you own a 2024 or 2025 Tesla Cybertruck, here’s what to do next:
- Check if your vehicle is affected
- You can visit the NHTSA’s recall portal at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Enter your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to see if your vehicle is part of the recall
- Wait for your notification letter
- Tesla will begin mailing letters on May 19, 2025. If you don’t receive one and think your vehicle is affected, call Tesla customer service.
- Schedule your service appointment
- Once notified, Tesla will handle the replacement at no cost to you. Appointments can be made via the Tesla app or website.
How Serious Is This Issue?
Fortunately, this recall isn’t related to braking, acceleration, or steering — which would be far more dangerous. However, a detaching panel still presents a serious safety and liability risk. If it flies off while driving, it could:
- Hit other vehicles
- Cause road debris accidents
- Lead to costly legal issues
Tesla is acting proactively by issuing the recall before the issue causes harm, which is a good move for both safety and brand reputation.
Has This Happened Before with Tesla?
Tesla has issued multiple recalls over the years — from software bugs to manufacturing glitches. In many cases, they’ve been able to fix issues through over-the-air updates, but this time, it’s a hardware issue, so it requires a physical service visit.
Past recalls have included:
- Faulty seatbelt systems
- Touchscreen display issues
- Autopilot safety concerns
How Is the Public Reacting?
Reactions from Cybertruck owners and Tesla fans have been mixed:
Positive Comments:
- “Glad they caught this early before anyone got hurt.”
- “It’s a new vehicle, bugs are expected.”
Negative Comments:
- “This is why you don’t rush production.”
- “Another recall? Tesla needs to slow down and focus on quality.”
Critics argue that this is a sign of Tesla pushing new models too quickly, while fans say no vehicle line is perfect, especially in the first generation.
Why Does This Matter?
The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most highly anticipated electric vehicles of the decade. But as with all new products, the first production batches often come with unexpected issues.
This recall is a reminder of:
- The importance of rigorous testing
- The need for transparency in the auto industry
- Why early adopters should be prepared for post-release fixes
It’s also worth noting that Tesla’s decision to issue a recall voluntarily (rather than waiting for regulatory action) is a good sign of responsibility.
Are you a Cybertruck owner affected by this recall?
Let us know in the comments, and feel free to share this article to help other Tesla drivers stay informed.