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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Tesla is recalling more than 46,000 Cybertrucks in the US to replace an exterior panel that could fall off while driving, marking the latest safety setback for a product that Elon Musk has described as the “toughest” pick-up truck.
The recall will cover all the vehicles that were built from its launch in November 2023 through February 2025, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“If the central panel separates from the vehicle while in drive, it could create a road hazard for following motorists and increase the risk of injury or collision,” Tesla said. The problem is caused by a faulty adhesive that’s “susceptible to environmental embrittlement”, it added.
The company, which was co-founded by Musk, said on Thursday that it will replace the cantrail assembly — a component of the roof — with one “that meets durability testing requirements” in a process that will take about an hour.
According to the filing, Tesla has identified 151 warranty claims that may be related to the condition and it is not aware of any related collisions, fatalities or injuries.
Tesla has already issued multiple recalls over the Cybertruck including one last year when it warned of faulty accelerator pedals that could become stuck and increase the risk of a collision.
The company is also facing multiple NHTSA probes into Musk’s claims about the capabilities of its driver-assistance systems, which are the subject of thousands of customer complaints about unexpected braking and acceleration.
The regulator is also investigating fatal highway crashes while Tesla’s so-called “full-self driving” software was activated.
The widespread recall is the latest blow for the Austin, Texas-based electric vehicle maker, which has seen its shares plunge 51 per cent since mid-December. The shares fell 1 per cent after the announcement.
Investors are concerned about falling sales in Europe, China and core US states including California, which have been linked to a consumer backlash against Musk’s political activism at home and abroad.
