- Tesla has the tenth recall for the controversial Cybertruck.
- The optional off-road lightbar can detach from the windshield because service techs didn’t read the instructions correctly.
- The LED lightbar is attached to the Cybertruck with adhesive.
Tesla has issued another recall for the troubled Cybertruck electric pickup, bringing the total to 10. This time, the issue lies with the optional off-road lightbar that was only installed at Tesla service centers for owners who bought the limited-edition Foundation Series models right after deliveries of the truck began in late 2023.
The LED lightbar has been a little controversial, much like the pickup on which it was installed, from the get-go. It arrived late at service centers across the country, and it was installed using an adhesive, rather than good-old mounting hardware. Moreover, because the floodlight is not approved for road use, Tesla left the task of plugging it in to the owner.
Gallery: Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series
Now, though, 6,197 Cybertrucks are being recalled because the full-width lightbar may detach, which, of course, increases the risk of an accident. In the documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla said it had received 619 warranty claims and one field report related to the delaminating lightbar. That said, the company is not aware of any collisions, injuries or fatalities related to this issue.
The problem stems from the way the optional off-road lightbar was attached to the vehicles, as well as the tweaks made by Tesla to the mounting instructions, which were likely not followed by the service technicians who tackled the jobs.
The first detaching lightbars were noticed in February. Then, Tesla updated the installation to clearly state what primer should be used on each part, but even so, it was later discovered that the technicians continued to ignore the manual. According to the manufacturer, two products have to be used before mounting the lightbar–BetaPrime should only go on the windshield, while BetaSeal should only be applied to the optional floodlight itself.
To fix the issue, Tesla will inspect vehicles with the optional lightbar for delamination or damage, and if either is present, the lightbar will be replaced with a new unit, which will be installed with tape and “a positive mechanical attachment.” If there is no damage or delamination, technicians will retrofit a bracket that’s mechanically anchored to the vehicle’s body, and, if necessary, an adhesive tape.
Using adhesive isn’t anything new in the auto industry–automakers use high-grade adhesive to bond structural components, so it can replace nuts and bolts. It just needs to be installed properly.
