Bulletproof or falling apart? Tesla’s cybertruck faces major safety scandal

Tesla’s much-hyped Cybertruck has hit another roadblock, as CEO Elon Musk has been forced to halt deliveries amid alarming reports of exterior panels falling off at high speeds. The so-called ‘indestructible’ truck, once touted as bulletproof, is now under scrutiny as customers report metal trim detaching, raising serious safety concerns.

The arguments

The problem primarily affects the ‘cantrail’—a decorative piece running along the roof—held in place by adhesive rather than bolts or welding. Owners have reported that the trim has peeled away during driving, with some cases leading to potentially hazardous situations for other motorists. Tesla has yet to officially respond, but reports indicate that deliveries have been paused while the issue is investigated.

A Pattern of Recalls

This isn’t the first time the Cybertruck has faced such problems. In June last year, Tesla issued a recall due to the ‘sail applique’—a metal trim on the truck bed—falling off. The company admitted that improper installation had led to detachment. Additionally, Tesla was forced to recall Cybertrucks earlier this year when it was discovered that accelerator pedals could get stuck, causing unintended acceleration.

Political Controversy and Market Fallout

Adding to Tesla’s woes, Musk’s close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump have sparked backlash among consumers. Since Trump’s election campaign, Tesla’s stock has seen a staggering $800 billion wiped from its valuation. Musk has blamed ‘far-left boycotts’ for Tesla’s struggles, while others argue that falling EV sales and Trump’s trade tariffs are the real culprits.

According to a report by dailymail, experts suggest that Tesla’s decision to glue exterior panels to a plastic frame—rather than securing them through conventional methods—may be at the heart of the problem. In cold weather, the adhesive reportedly becomes brittle, causing the metal to detach.

The facts

From the outset, Musk promoted the Cybertruck’s radical design, boasting of its stainless-steel exoskeleton and bulletproof durability. However, the very design that made the vehicle famous now seems to be its Achilles’ heel. Unlike traditional cars, where body panels are integrated into the chassis, the Cybertruck relies heavily on adhesives, which appear to be failing under real-world conditions.

Despite Musk’s claims that over a million people registered interest in the Cybertruck, actual sales have been disappointing. Tesla has had to introduce discounts to entice buyers, and the truck remains illegal in the UK and Europe due to pedestrian safety concerns.

Tesla has warned U.S. trade officials that these tariffs could ‘inadvertently harm American companies.’ Whether the issue is politics or poor product execution, Tesla is facing increasing difficulties in maintaining its once-dominant position in the EV market.

What’s Next for the Cybertruck?

For now, Cybertruck deliveries are on hold, and Tesla is under pressure to address yet another quality-control disaster. The ‘indestructible’ truck is proving anything but, leaving customers questioning whether Tesla’s ambitious vision can truly hold up in the real world.