Tesla Halts Cybertruck Deliveries After Metal Parts Detach From ‘Indestructible’ Trucks

Tesla Halts Cybertruck Deliveries Amid Safety Concerns Over Detaching Panels

Tesla has paused deliveries of its "indestructible" Cybertruck after multiple owners reported metal panels detaching at high speeds, posing risks to road safety. CEO Elon Musk, who previously touted the truck’s “bulletproof” stainless steel exterior, now faces renewed scrutiny as the issue mirrors past recalls.

[Image: Cybertruck with cantrail panel flapping in the wind. Caption: Drivers report metal cantrail panels detaching during use, creating hazards.]

The Problem
Owners on social media and forums like the Cybertruck Owners Club highlighted the cantrail—a decorative roof trim—as the primary culprit. One NHTSA complaint described the sharp, detached metal as a “serious safety issue” that could strike other vehicles. Tesla has not issued an official statement, but delivery delays suggest inspections are underway.

[Image: Close-up of a detached Cybertruck cantrail. Caption: The cantrail, glued to the vehicle’s plastic frame, fails under stress.]

Design Flaws Resurface
The problem stems from Tesla’s use of adhesive instead of bolts or welds for exterior panels. While Musk promoted the stainless steel design as durable, cold weather appears to weaken the glue, causing warping and detachment. In a viral TikTok video, one owner captured the cantrail flapping loose during a drive.

Reid Tomasko, a Cybertruck owner and car wrap specialist, noted cold climates exacerbate the issue. “The metal contracts, breaking the adhesive bond,” he explained in a YouTube analysis.

[Image: Elon Musk at a Tesla event. Caption: Musk faces backlash over Cybertruck flaws and political ties.]

Recalls and Reputation
This isn’t the Cybertruck’s first defect. Last June, Tesla recalled trucks over loose trunk bed trim, and an earlier recall addressed accelerator pedals jammed by interior panels. Despite Musk’s 2023 claim that the Cybertruck was a “special product,” sales lag due to safety worries and its inability to meet European safety standards.

Political Backlash and Stock Plunge
Tesla’s troubles extend beyond engineering. Musk’s alliance with former President Donald Trump has alienated some buyers. Protests at dealerships and an $800 billion stock drop followed Trump’s election, though tariffs on foreign materials may also impact Tesla’s bottom line.

[Image: Protesters outside a Tesla dealership. Caption: Political backlash affects Tesla’s public image.]

The Road Ahead
Despite celebrity endorsements, the Cybertruck struggles to gain traction. Musk admitted in 2023 that Tesla “dug its own grave” with the truck’s complex production. As Tesla navigates safety fixes and political controversies, the Cybertruck’s future remains uncertain.

[Image: Cybertruck at a charging station. Caption: Tesla’s Cybertruck battles design and PR challenges.]

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