Industrial fiasco for Elon Musk: Tesla recalls its extravagant car for a simple glue defect

The electric vehicle company led by Elon Musk, Tesla, has ordered the recall of over 46,000 Cybertrucks after discovering that the adhesive used in its body panels poses a risk of detachment.

According to a warning issued in early January, some panels of this unique vehicle contain an adhesive that tends to degrade under certain conditions.

READ ALSO: This is ‘David Da Vinci’, the Mexican boy who was rated with an IQ higher than Albert Einstein’s and a great fan of NASA channels

After analyzing the issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report on Thursday stating that this adhesive could pose a significant road hazard and recommended it be replaced to prevent future accidents.

“This may pose a road hazard for drivers behind you and increase the risk of injury or an accident,” the NHTSA warned in its alert.

While no injuries have been reported due to Cybertruck body panel detachment, Tesla has announced measures to improve the truck’s safety.

According to the company’s statement, they will remove the faulty adhesive and install rivets, internal welds, and a more reliable adhesive to reinforce the Cybertruck’s exterior structure. It is worth noting that this update will also be applied to all undelivered vehicles.

Cybertruck issues

Since its launch, Tesla’s Cybertruck has faced numerous mechanical and technical issues. Last year, for example, the company had to recall 11,000 vehicles due to windshield problems that impaired visibility and structural integrity, according to the NHTSA.

READ ALSO: A man buys a bracelet for $3 in a thrift store and its value multiplies: “You won’t believe what it’s worth”

Additionally, the vehicle’s structure and weight are complicating its mass commercialization. The Cybertruck’s sharp angles and polygonal design have led several European countries to ban its sale, mainly due to concerns that pedestrian accidents could be significantly more severe.

A damaged public image

But the Cybertruck is not Tesla’s only crisis. The company has experienced a global decline in sales, even marking its worst year in two and a half months after January and February 2025 sales dropped by 44% in France, 76% in Germany, and 51% in China.

Additionally, Elon Musk’s declining popularity has seriously harmed Tesla’s public image. After being appointed head of the Government Efficiency Department in the Trump Administration, the billionaire and owner of X and Tesla has been involved in multiple controversies, both on social media and in public statements.