A new development has emerged surrounding Tesla and one of the most talked-about electric vehicles in recent years.According to 9News, U.S. regulators have issued a fresh directive affecting Tesla’s latest model, raising renewed attention around the automaker’s production practices.
The move marks yet another chapter in the vehicle’s short but eventful history since its delivery rollout began in late 2023. While details are emerging, the issue touches on key safety considerations and adds to ongoing conversations around quality control in the electric vehicle sector.
Detaching Windshield Panels Pose Safety Risk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on Thursday, covering 46,096 Cybertrucks from the 2024 and 2025 model years.
According to the agency, an exterior cant rail assembly—a stainless steel strip located between the windshield and roof on both sides—may detach during operation, potentially creating a hazardous situation for other road users.
The panel is secured with structural adhesive, which the NHTSA report suggests may become compromised over time due to environmental conditions. The remedy will involve replacing the adhesive with a more resilient bonding agent and adding mechanical reinforcements to secure the strip more reliably.
Tesla will provide repairs free of charge, and owner notification letters are scheduled to begin mailing on May 19, 2025.
Cybertruck Quality Control Questioned After Repeated Recalls
The recall adds to a growing list of safety concerns involving the Cybertruck. Since its launch, the vehicle has faced repeated recalls for a range of issues. In November 2024, Tesla addressed a malfunctioning electric inverter that could cause a sudden loss of propulsion.
Another recall in April 2024 targeted accelerator pedals that risked getting stuck in the interior trim. Other cases involved windshield wiper malfunctions and issues with the central display screen.
More recently, social media videos have gone viral showing individuals easily removing exterior panels by hand, raising further doubts about the vehicle’s structural integrity.
Political Pressures and Vandalism Heighten Scrutiny
The situation is unfolding against a broader backdrop of political polarization and public dissent. Since President Donald Trump took office, Elon Musk has been granted oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal initiative to reduce regulatory and operational costs across agencies.
Critics argue the move has given Tesla undue influence over national infrastructure priorities.
Tesla properties have since become targets of vandalism and protest. In Colorado, a woman was recently charged in connection with Molotov cocktail attacks on Tesla dealerships, where slogans like “Nazi cars” were spray-painted.
Meanwhile, federal agents in South Carolina arrested a suspect accused of setting Tesla charging stations on fire. According to court documents, the individual left behind written materials denouncing DOGE and government overreach.
Market Headwinds Mount for Tesla Amid Rising EV Competition
Tesla’s challenges extend beyond recalls and political backlash. The automaker is facing intensifying competition from Chinese EV brands, putting pressure on global sales and eroding its market dominance.
Although Thursday’s recall has not directly impacted financial performance, Tesla’s stock has declined 42% since January 2025.
The downturn reflects growing investor skepticism about Tesla’s ability to maintain growth amid rising concerns over quality control and global demand. While the Cybertruck’s design remains a statement of ambition, its real-world rollout continues to be marred by technical setbacks.
Owners seeking assistance can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or reach the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. More details are available at nhtsa.gov.
With scrutiny surrounding Tesla’s flagship vehicle mounting, the company now finds itself under pressure to rebuild trust among regulators, shareholders, and customers alike.
