Wrong glue blamed for eighth recall of Tesla Cybertrucks

Tesla has issued its eighth recall of the Cybertruck—this time for an issue far stickier than software. The company announced Thursday that it will recall more than 46,000 of its all-electric pickups due to faulty adhesive used to attach exterior stainless steel trim panels, which could detach while driving and pose a road hazard.

The problem, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cannot be fixed remotely. Unlike previous Tesla recalls resolved through over-the-air updates, this fault requires owners to physically bring their trucks to a service center for repair.

The recall affects Cybertrucks produced between November 2023 and February 2025, and centers around a cosmetic applique that may separate due to the use of adhesive vulnerable to “environmental embrittlement”—essentially, a glue that doesn’t hold up well in varying temperatures. Tesla says it will replace the adhesive with one more suited to weather conditions.

The issue was first flagged in January 2025, following customer complaints that gained traction on social media. Tesla reportedly paused Cybertruck production last week as the problem came under investigation.

Dale Harrow, chair of the Intelligent Mobility Design Centre at the Royal College of Art in London, called the glue recall “surprising,” given how common adhesives have become in modern vehicle construction.

“Rather than using bolts or welding, glues are standard in light body construction. Jaguar, Lexus, Audi—they all use them,” said Harrow. “This isn’t new science.” However, Harrow noted that Tesla’s use of stainless steel, an unusual choice in consumer vehicles, may be part of the problem. Stainless steel's density and ability to conduct cold could affect the curing process of adhesives, especially on the production line.

“I could surmise that something on the production line is not quite bonding at the right temperature or getting the right UV coverage,” he said.

The Cybertruck’s controversial design and rocky rollout have made it a magnet for scrutiny. Since its flashy—but flawed—2019 debut, when a supposedly bulletproof window shattered on stage, the vehicle has faced delays, price hikes, and multiple quality control issues. Its base price has jumped from $40,000 to $61,000, and leaked documents from 2022 showed internal struggles with suspension, body sealing, and braking.

Of the eight recalls issued for the Cybertruck so far, five have required in-shop repairs. Earlier issues included failed windshield wiper motors and faulty pedal pads that could lead to unintended acceleration after being treated with unapproved soap during assembly.

Vehicle recalls have become more common industry-wide as electronic systems allow for remote updates but also introduce new points of failure. According to NHTSA, US vehicle recalls grew by 70% between 2003 and 2023. Still, the Cybertruck’s issues have stood out due to their frequency—and now, their adhesive.

Meanwhile, the White House appears unfazed. Last week, a Cybertruck appeared among other Tesla models on display at the presidential driveway as President Donald Trump praised the automaker. The President ultimately passed on buying the stainless steel truck, citing concerns over rust and instead opting for a Tesla Model S Plaid, which uses conventional materials.

Tesla has not confirmed when repairs will begin but assured Cybertruck owners that all services related to the recall will be provided at no cost. For now, drivers are advised to schedule service appointments and avoid high-speed travel until the exterior panels are secured this time, with the right glue.