Tesla recalls thousands of Cybertrucks after headlights fall off

Tesla has said it will retrofit Cybertrucks with a physical fastener, rather than relying solely on adhesive - Julio Cortez/AP Photo

Tesla is recalling thousands of Cybertrucks after the car’s headlights were found to be falling off.

The electric carmaker has taken action after discovering issues in how the company’s mechanics were glueing an optional light bar to the vehicle.

The light bar is a $2,500 (£1,900) optional add-on designed to provide extra illumination during off-road use, through a high-powered strip at the top of the truck’s windshield.

The light is attached to the car through an industrial adhesive, but it has emerged that installers had been using the wrong chemicals to prepare the attachment.

It found that mechanics had been using a primer meant to be used for the windshield on the bar itself, and a sealing product designed for the light bar on the windshield.

One user on social media said the light bar “came crashing down on our truck on the highway”.

“I just learned this thing was glued on? Did not realise the Cybertruck was a kindergarten art project,” she wrote.The Cybertruck has been seen as a lightning rod for critics of Tesla’s chief executive, Elon Musk - Robert Hanashiro/USA Today

Tesla told the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it had received one report of the issue, and 619 warranty claims related to it.

“Tesla is not aware of any collisions, fatalities or injuries that are or may be related to the condition,” the NHTSA said. It said the company was voluntarily recalling the trucks.

The company said it would retrofit Cybertrucks with a physical fastener, rather than relying solely on adhesive.

It is not the first issue involving glued-on parts falling off Cybertrucks. Tesla briefly suspended sales earlier this year and then issued a recall after the metal panels affixed to the truck were found to be falling off.

Tesla also said last week it would issue a software update after its parking lights were found to be too bright.

The Cybertruck, an angular pickup with a stainless steel exterior, has earned a cult following but also been seen as a lightning rod for critics of Elon Musk, the Tesla chief executive, with some owners reporting that their cars are being vandalised.

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