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Tesla recalls 46,000 Cybertrucks, ongoing vandalism could affect insurance rates

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Announcements | Insurance
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Tesla has recalled 46,096 model year 2024 and 2025 Cybertrucks to replace a stainless steel exterior trim panel that could detach from the vehicle when in motion.

The cant rail assembly, also called a cosmetic applique by Tesla, will be replaced for free by Tesla service. The assembly includes an electro-coated steel stamping joined to a stainless steel panel with structural adhesive. The cant rail assembly is affixed to the vehicle with fasteners.

On affected vehicles, the cant rail stainless steel panel may delaminate at the adhesive joint, which may cause the panel to separate from the vehicle. Tesla has found the structural adhesive is susceptible to environmental embrittlement.

The replacement will be joined to the assembly with a different structural adhesive that isn’t prone to environmental embrittlement and will be reinforced with a stud welded to the stainless panel and a nut clamping the steel panel to the vehicle structure, according to the recall report.

Tesla says Cybertrucks produced before the correction was made in production but still in the company’s possession will be retrofitted before they’re delivered to customers.

As of March 14, Tesla had identified 151 warranty claims that may be related to the recall. The OEM states it isn’t aware of any collisions, fatalities, or injuries that were or may be related to the recall.

Tesla informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it expects to mail owner notification letters May 19.

The recalled vehicles were manufactured between Nov. 13, 2023 and Feb. 27, 2025. Tesla first discovered the issue on Jan. 7, 2025, followed by a second partial delamination on Jan. 31, both during routine monitoring of field repairs, according to the report.

“Tesla became aware of a field complaint of a partial delamination of the cant rail stainless steel panel,” the report states. “On Jan. 13, Tesla initiated an engineering study to investigate the condition and understand the scope of potentially impacted vehicles.

“On Feb. 6, the engineering study, which included an inspection and pull test, resulted in no detections of separation. On Feb. 21, NHTSA ODI notified Tesla of a vehicle owner questionnaire (VOQ) alleging cant rail panel detachment. From Feb. 21 through March 7 Tesla investigated the VOQ, complaints identified through social media, and service records of loose or separated cant rail panels. On March 11, having completed its investigation, Tesla made a determination to voluntarily recall the affected vehicles.”

Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 with recall number SB-25-10-001.

According to CNBC, Tesla’s value has dropped by around 40% year to date while CEO Elon Musk works as senior advisor to President Donald Trump and leads the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Now, public retaliation against Musk through vandalizing Tesla vehicles could increase insurance premiums for owners. CNBC noted that Cybertrucks are specifically targeted by vandals.

“Because of its unique design, the angular unpainted steel Cybertruck is frequently targeted by people who oppose Musk,” the article states. “Cybertruck owners have complained online of everything from rude gestures to harassment and vandalism.”

Last week, vehicles were set on fire at a Las Vegas Tesla collision center, and “resist” was reportedly spray painted on the front doors of the building.

PropertyCasualty360 reports that protesters have mainly targeted Tesla dealerships and charging stations but individually-owned Teslas have also been vandalized.

In an interview with Newsweek, Insurify data journalist Matt Brannon said comprehensive coverage rates on Teslas could increase if vandalism continues to rise.

Carriers could also stop covering Teslas completely, as some have before when other vehicles were targeted.

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Featured image credit: jetcityimage/iStock

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