In a stunning blow to Tesla’s futuristic vision, the company has announced an immediate recall of 46,096 Cybertrucks due to a potentially hazardous defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that a decorative trim piece, known as the cant rail, which runs along the exterior of the vehicle, could detach and fall off while the truck is in motion. This poses a significant risk to other drivers on the road, as the loose component could become a dangerous projectile. The recall affects Cybertrucks from the 2024 and 2025 model years, manufactured between November 13, 2023, and February 27, 2025—representing the vast majority of the angular, stainless-steel electric pickup trucks Tesla has produced since its debut in November 2023.
Tesla has stated that it is unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to this specific issue. To address the problem, the company has pledged to replace the faulty cant rail components free of charge. However, this marks the eighth recall for the Cybertruck, a vehicle touted as a revolutionary all-electric pickup with a price tag ranging from $79,900 to $99,990. Previous recalls have included issues such as a loose accelerator pedal that could jam, a faulty inverter in the drivetrain that risked power loss, and other defects—some of which Tesla managed to fix through over-the-air software updates. Despite these efforts, the mounting problems signal a turbulent chapter for Elon Musk’s $800 billion electric car empire.
The Cybertruck’s woes come at a time when Tesla is already under intense scrutiny. Elon Musk, the company’s enigmatic CEO, has recently taken on a high-profile role as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, amplifying both his influence and the spotlight on his business ventures. This political entanglement has fueled growing unrest, with Tesla facing not just mechanical setbacks but a wave of public backlash. Over the past week, hundreds of protesters have gathered outside Tesla showrooms across the United States, driven by frustration over Musk’s involvement in the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). This controversial agency has spearheaded sweeping federal budget cuts, slashing thousands of government jobs and, most recently, proposing a drastic reduction in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) workforce by nearly 20% before May 15.
The protests are part of a broader movement dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” a boycott campaign launched on February 15 by Hollywood actor and filmmaker Alex Winter and Joan Donovan, an associate professor of journalism and emerging media studies at Boston University. According to the Tesla Takedown website, more than 80 demonstrations are planned for this Saturday, with another 70 scheduled through the end of April. The campaign urges people to “sell their Teslas, dump their stocks, and join the protests.” Tesla has remained silent, declining to comment when approached by CNN.
From Dedham, a Boston suburb, to West Chester near Philadelphia, roughly 100 protesters have turned out at each location. Baltimore saw one of the largest gatherings, with at least 300 participants. In Washington, D.C., over 50 demonstrators assembled outside a Tesla showroom at noon, waving signs and dancing to Beyoncé and Daft Punk as passing drivers honked in solidarity. Despite the cold, dreary weather, turnout was noticeably higher than a similar event in Georgetown two weeks prior. Sara Steffens, a former journalist turned policy advocate, teamed up with freelancer Melissa Knutson to transform the D.C. protest into a musical celebration. Knutson told CNN she aimed to recapture the joyful spirit of a Maryland rally, adding, “We need joy because this is a long fight, and we need to spread the movement against this authoritarianism.”
Meanwhile, Tesla’s troubles have escalated beyond peaceful demonstrations. Police departments nationwide are investigating a string of attacks targeting Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles. On March 3, seven charging stations at a suburban Boston mall were set ablaze. Five days later, six protesters were arrested in New York for occupying a Tesla showroom. In Colorado, a woman allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail, damaging Tesla vehicles and property. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that she has launched an investigation into these acts of vandalism. Speaking on Fox Business, Bondi issued a stern warning: “If you’re going to mess with a Tesla, vandalize a dealership, or anything like that, watch out because we’re coming for you. And if you’re funding this, we’ll find out who you are too.”
As Tesla grapples with this unprecedented chaos—mechanical failures, public outrage, and targeted attacks—Elon Musk’s electric empire faces a defining moment. Whether the company can weather this storm remains uncertain, but for now, the road ahead looks anything but smooth.
