Cybertrucks are one of the most well-known truck models designed and created by Tesla, the car company that Elon Musk has been involved with since roughly a year after its foundation by two other individuals in 2003. However, since its release in late 2023, the truck has seen eight separate recall events.
How did Musk become Tesla’s CEO, and what are Cybertrucks?
Tesla, originally Tesla motors, was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in July 2003. Roughly a year later, the pair met Elon Musk, who invested around $6.5 million into the company, according to Harry Boulton, a writer for Unilad Tech.
Investing such a large sum made Musk the chairman of Tesla’s board, as well as its largest shareholder. His position remained this way until August 2007, where the board asked Eberhard to step down as CEO.
“Following this were another two short CEO stints before Musk finally took the title in October 2008,” Boulton said. “Fractures continued to show into 2009 though, as Musk was sued by Eberhard for libel and slander as the former had [begun] to call himself Tesla's founder, despite clearly not being so.”
This “bitter” legal battle ended when Musk and two other Tesla executives chose to settle in the case, on the condition that they could continue to call themselves founder of Tesla.
Controversy has recently sprung up on social media as many have begun to realize that Musk was not an original founder of Tesla. Boulton quotes multiple social media users, who claim that they are shocked and disappointed with the discovery.
There has also been some controversy with Musk’s most-involved Tesla production, the Cybertruck. This is because of its many recalls since its release in late November 2023; however, the Cybertruck has otherwise been reported as a safe vehicle.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, both the 2024 and 2025 Cybertrucks have received 5-star ratings for overall rating, frontal crash safety and side crash safety.
More information on NHTSA’s safety ratings and how they assign these ratings can be found on its website.
The official Tesla page for the Cybertruck boasts this rating, and also highlights its weight capacity, shatter- and dent-resistant design and comfortable interior.
“Designed to Be the Safest Truck on the Road: With a low center of gravity, impact-absorbing castings and the lowest probability of rollover for any truck tested by NHTSA, Cybertruck has earned a five-star overall safety rating,” the Tesla page reads.
Despite this, the truck has been recalled eight times for various reasons, with the most recent recall happening in March 2025.
Previous Cybertruck recalls
According to cars.com, which takes its data directly from NHTSA, the Cybertruck has been recalled for reasons relating to structure, software, visibility and more. The first recall was in late January 2024, three short months after Cybertruck’s release.
The very first recall was in regards to its font size on the instrument panel for the Break, Park and Antilock Break System warning lights.
“Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash,” the recall report stated.
The second recall, from April 2024, was due to the accelerator pedal being put at risk to dislodge and become trapped by the interior trim.
The third recall was in regards to visibility. Recalled in July 2024, it was stated that an excessive electrical current can cause the front windshield wiper motor controller to fail, putting visibility at risk.
On the same day in July, the fourth recall was made for the body structure.
“The trunk bed trim sail applique could have been improperly adhered and can loosen… A loose applique can detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard for following motorists and increasing the risk of a crash,” the recall report stated.
Three months later, the fifth recall was made because the rearview camera image may be delayed after shifting to reverse, which is in direct failure to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The sixth recall cites a fault in the drive inverter that may cause a loss of drive power to the wheel, largely increasing the risk of a crash.
The final recall of 2024, announced on Dec. 16, was due to the tire pressure system.
“The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, ‘Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems,’” the report read.
So far, Tesla’s Cybertruck has not gone more than three months without a recall. Many hope to see a decrease in recalls as the years go on; 2025 showed a positive lack of recalls, until March.
Current Cybertruck recall and other issues
The most recent Cybertruck recall is due to the panelling on the sides of the truck. According to AP author Matt Ot, the recall specifically discussed the exterior panelling that can detach while driving, which causes a major road hazard and crash risk.
“The recall of 46,096 Cybertrucks covers all 2024 and 2025 model years… The NHTSA order says that Tesla became aware of the problem early this year,” Ot wrote.
Tesla most likely became aware of the problem thanks to videos that have been posted for the past few months. These videos also went viral in the past few days; the videos showcase people ripping off the panels with their bare hands and simple tools.
“It’s the latest setback for the Elon Musk-owned electric automaker, which has come under attack since President Donald Trump took office and empowered Musk to oversee a new Department of Government Efficiency that’s slashing government spending,” Ot said.
Tesla has experienced attacks on showrooms, vehicle lots, charging stations and even privately owned cars since Musk’s rise to overseeing DOGE. These attacks include arson, as individuals have thrown molotov cocktails at these sites, and vandalism.
Many Tesla cars– Cybertrucks in particular– have been spray painted with the words “Nazi cars,” and similar phrases. Buildings have been vandalized the same way.
“Even before the attacks ramped up in recent weeks, Tesla has been struggling, facing increased competition from rival electric vehicles, particularly out of China,” Ot said. “Though largely unaffected by Thursday’s recall announcement, Tesla shares have plummeted 42% in 2025, reflecting newfound pessimism as sales crater around the globe.”
While it does not directly coincide with the Cybertruck recalls, Tesla and Cybertruck popularity has greatly declined in the past few months. It is unknown how Tesla will continue to be affected during the Trump presidency and while Musk is in charge of DOGE.
Once again, all of the information on Cybertruck recalls can be found on cars.com or NHTSA’s website.
