Tesla Recalls Nearly All 46,000 Cybertrucks for Loose Trim Panel

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

1% or approximately 460 Tesla Cybertrucks are estimated to be affected by the 2025 Tesla Cybetruck Loose Time Panel Recall due to a defective exterior trim panel that can become so loose it can suddenly detach.

This recall affects vehicles manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025. The issue involves a stainless-steel trim panel that may detach while the truck is in motion, increasing the risk of crash.

Tesla will replace the trim panel free of charge and owners will receive instructions on how to proceed with the recall process.

To check if your Cybertruck is affected, you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Tesla’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall portal.

What Causes the Cybertruck Trim Panel Problem?

The trim panel issue in the Tesla Cybertruck is mainly due to problems with the cant rail assembly. This assembly consists of an electrocoated steel stamping that is bonded to a stainless-steel panel using structural adhesive.

The issue arises when the adhesive bond fails, leading to delamination of the stainless-steel panel, which can cause it to detach from the vehicle.

To resolve this, Tesla is replacing the affected cant rail assemblies with a new version that includes a more reliable adhesive and additional reinforcements.

The cant rail is a cosmetic applique along the exterior of the vehicle, made up of electrocoated steel stamping and the stainless-steel panel secured by structural adhesive and fasteners.

On affected vehicles, the adhesive bond may weaken, causing the stainless-steel panel to delaminate and potentially separate from the vehicle.

If the cant rail panel were to detach while driving, it could pose a road hazard to following vehicles, increasing the risk of injury or a collision.

In some cases, a delaminated panel may produce a noticeable noise inside the cabin, and customers may observe the panel loosening or separating from the vehicle.

How Do I Know If My Cybertruck Is Affected?

The 2025 Cybetruck Trim Panel Issue Recall affects nearly all Tesla Cybertrucks manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025, impacting approximately 46,096 vehicles.

To determine if your specific Cybertruck is affected, you can use the VIN Recall Search tools provided by both Tesla and the NHTSA.

If your vehicle is included in the recall, Tesla will provide instructions for addressing the necessary repairs.

Visit Tesla’s VIN Recall Search page and enter your VIN to check for any recall-related issues. Alternatively, you can use the NHTSA’s VIN Recall Search tool to verify if your vehicle is affected by this recall.

If your Cybertruck is impacted, Tesla will provide further instructions on how to proceed with the recall and get the necessary repairs done at no cost to you.

Tesla became aware of the trim panel issue on January 7, 2025, when a field complaint was filed regarding partial delamination of the cant rail stainless steel panel.

An engineering study was launched on January 13, 2025, to investigate the problem and assess its impact. On January 31, 2025, a second report of partial delamination was noted, prompting additional inspection.

On February 21, 2025, NHTSA notified Tesla about a vehicle owner questionnaire (VOQ) alleging cant rail panel detachment.

In response, Tesla investigated the complaint and other reports from social media and service records between February 21 and March 7, 2025.

By March 11, 2025, Tesla concluded that a recall was necessary for affected vehicles. As of March 14, 2025, Tesla had identified 151 warranty claims possibly related to the issue.

Tesla says that no collisions, fatalities, or injuries have been reported in connection with the condition.

How Will Tesla Fix the Issue?

Tesla plans to address the trim panel issue on the Cybertruck by replacing the affected cant rail assemblies with a new, improved version.

The new cant rail assembly will use an upgraded adhesive that is more resistant to environmental factors, minimizing the risk of delamination.

Tesla says this new design will include extra reinforcements, such as a stud welded to the stainless steel panel and secured with a nut, providing added durability and structural support.

Tesla service centers will notify customers about the recall and provide instructions on how to proceed with the replacement process.

As of March 18, 2025, the issue has not been corrected in production, but the automaker says it plans to begin using the updated component in vehicles produced on or after March 21, 2025.

For vehicles still in Tesla’s possession but produced before this date, the new assembly will be retrofitted before delivery to customers.

Tesla will carry out these replacements at no cost to the customer as part of recall-related repairs.

The Lemon Law and Repeat Tesla Cybertruck Trim Problems

The Tesla Cybertruck has been recalled multiple times since its release for issues such as defective accelerator pedals, trim pieces detaching, and problems with the windshield wiper motor and backup camera feed.

The most recent recall in March 2025 involves trim panel detachment due to adhesive failure. With these recurring problems, owners who experience the same issue repeatedly despite multiple repair attempts might be eligible for lemon law relief.

In California, a vehicle is presumed to be a “lemon” if, within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles on the odometer, it meets any of the following criteria:

• The vehicle has had two or more attempts to repair a warranty issue that could result in death or serious injury.
• The same warranty problem has been repaired at least four times.
• The vehicle has been out of service for 30 days or more due to warranty issues.

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer is required to either replace the vehicle or provide a refund of the purchase price.

Given the number of recalls for the Cybertruck, including recurring trim panel problems, owners may qualify for lemon law relief if these issues continue despite repeated repair attempts.

To pursue a lemon law claim, keep detailed records of all repair attempts, communications with the manufacturer, and recall documents.

If the manufacturer refuses to replace or repurchase the vehicle, you have the option to request arbitration or hire a lemon law attorney to assist with your case.

If your Tesla Cybertruck is affected by one of the many recalls, including those related to the trim panel detachment or other recurring issues, you may be entitled to compensation for related problems, such as damages and repair costs.

Below is an approximate range of potential settlements for models impacted by the latest Cybertruck recall:

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Need Assistance? Give the Lemon Law Experts a Ring!

Videos showing Tesla Cybertruck owners experiencing serious issues with their vehicles have gone viral in recent months.

In addition to misaligned, uneven, or poorly attached trim panels on new Cybertruck vehicles, some clips highlight how trim panels can be easily ripped off by hand, particularly in freezing temperatures, while others show the truck failing in just a few inches of snow.  

Since the Cybertruck’s release in late 2023, it has been recalled at least eight different times by the NHTSA due to a range of safety and performance issues.

If your Cybertruck has persistent issues, whether related to the trim panels or other defects, you might be eligible for compensation under the lemon law.

The lemon law protects consumers who have purchased vehicles with significant, unresolved defects, ensuring they receive a refund, replacement, or other compensation.

The Lemon Law Experts have been assisting consumers since 2009, helping them recover millions of dollars in refunds and compensation for defective vehicles.

If you’re still struggling with issues in your Cybertruck, we’re here to help you get the lemon law relief you deserve.

To find out if you qualify for assistance, call us at 877-885-5366 or complete a case evaluation form on our website today.