Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is facing yet another setback with its highly anticipated Cybertruck, as reports reveal the company has paused deliveries due to trim panels coming unglued. The futuristic, stainless steel all-electric pickup, once hailed for its supposed bulletproof durability, is now under scrutiny as owners report quality control issues.
Cybertruck Owners Complain About Falling Panels
Several Cybertruck owners took to online forums to share their frustrations, revealing that they were notified by Tesla about delivery delays. According to Electrek, an EV-focused news outlet, the company informed buyers that the delay is linked to panels held together by glue coming apart.
The news comes as a disappointment for early adopters of the polarizing EV, which Tesla first unveiled in 2019. Marketed as an ultra-durable, off-road-ready pickup, the Cybertruck was designed with bulletproof stainless steel exoskeleton panels. However, recent reports of adhesive failure are raising concerns about the vehicle’s build quality.
Tesla Stock Continues to Plunge
The Cybertruck delivery pause coincides with Tesla’s stock price slump, which has seen shares tumble over 50% from their all-time high of nearly $480 per share in mid-December 2024. As of Monday, Tesla shares were trading around $237, marking a significant decline.
What’s Driving Tesla’s Stock Decline?
While the Cybertruck issues are adding to the negative sentiment, Tesla’s stock is being weighed down by several broader factors:
- Elon Musk’s Political Ties: Following Trump’s November 5 election victory, Musk’s growing association with the former president has sparked backlash, driving some investors away.
- Rising Competition in China: Tesla is facing fierce competition from Chinese EV makers such as BYD and Nio, which are aggressively expanding their market share with lower-priced models.
- Demand Concerns: The company is also grappling with softening EV demand, particularly in its key markets, leading to concerns over future sales growth.
Cybertruck’s Durability Claims Under Fire
The Cybertruck’s adhesive issues are especially damaging to its reputation, given Tesla’s bold claims about its rugged durability. During its launch event, Musk famously showcased the truck’s “bulletproof” windows, only for them to unexpectedly shatter during a demonstration. Now, reports of unglued panels are further raising doubts about the vehicle’s reliability.
A Bumpy Road Ahead for Tesla
With Cybertruck deliveries on hold and mounting competition in the EV sector, Tesla is facing increased pressure to resolve its quality issues and regain investor confidence. The company’s ability to address manufacturing challenges and sustain long-term growth will be key to its recovery.
