Tesla’s Troubles Continue with Cybertruck’s Eighth Recall. Tesla’s highly touted Cybertruck is facing another challenge with its eighth recall since deliveries began over a year ago. In its latest recall, initiated last week, a potentially fatal safety problem was cited: both the left and right windshield pillars can detach, posing a potentially lethal threat to drivers.
This ongoing pattern of safety issues persists in eroding the reliability of the Cybertruck, sullying its reputation as the futuristic flagship of Tesla’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup.
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What is Happening?
- Eighth Cybertruck recall highlights ongoing safety concerns and diminishes consumer trust.
- Sales plummet, especially in Europe, with a 49% year-on-year drop early in 2025.
- Intense competition from automakers like BYD further presses Tesla to improve quality and innovation.
- Public protests and political associations continue to damage Cybertruck’s image.
- This downturn is set against the background of the general growth of the global EV market, suggesting Tesla’s pickup is losing traction.
Disconnect Between Cybertruck Hype and Reality
The latest recall accentuates the growing gap between consumer expectations and the on-road performance of the Cybertruck. Promoted initially as a disruptor in the EV space, the Cybertruck has instead been beset by quality control issues, delays, and market resistance.
- Tesla reported its first annual sales decline in over 12 years in January 2025, with poor Cybertruck sales being a significant factor.
- Sales of the Cybertruck declined 49% in the first two months of 2025 from the same period last year in Europe.
Competitive Pressure from Global EV Makers Intensifies
Tesla is also losing ground to established and emerging EV rivals, particularly in China. BYD, Tesla’s largest global competitor, has surged ahead with record-setting performance:
| Metric | BYD (2024) |
|---|---|
| Revenue | ¥777.1 billion (~$107B USD) |
| YoY Growth in EV Sales | 40% |
| Key Innovation | Nationwide ultra-fast EV charging stations |
BYD’s rapid expansion and user-friendly charging infrastructure have set a new benchmark in EV convenience—making the Cybertruck’s ongoing issues even more problematic in comparison.
Public Backlash Adds to Cybertruck’s Image Woes
In addition to technical and market delays, Tesla now also has reputation problems to deal with. Both the United States and Europe have seen protests recently, fueled by unsubstantiated rumors that Tesla is associated with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party. Perception is reality, which has already fueled heightened public doubt and further hurt the Cybertruck brand.
