Change in Cybertruck Light Panel Mounting
Tesla has decided to change the method of mounting the additional light panel for off-road travel on its Cybertruck model. Instead of using an adhesive base, which proved unreliable, the manufacturer plans to secure the panel using bolts, which should prevent it from detaching during movement.
Recall Scale and Problem Causes
In October, Tesla announced a recall of 6,197 Cybertruck units due to unreliable light panel mounting. As it turned out, the panel was held on solely by a powerful adhesive, which led to numerous cases of it peeling off. According to the company, 619 warranty claims related to this problem have already been registered. The main reason cited is deficiencies in the applied adhesive primer compounds.
Sometimes the fix is truly obvious, especially when the initial solution involved only strong glue and hope for the best.
New Fixation Approach
To solve the problem, Tesla developed a special steel bracket that attaches to both sides of the light panel. This bracket is installed between the Cybertruck’s stainless steel window frames and contains an additional element that is bolted directly to the vehicle’s roof. This approach is expected to provide much higher reliability compared to the previous method.
Repair Timelines and Recommendations for Owners
Although the solution has already been developed, its implementation will not begin immediately. Owners of the affected vehicles will receive official notifications only by December 26, and repair work at service centers will begin in early 2026. Cybertruck owners with the adhesive-mounted light panel are advised to limit driving or temporarily use additional fixation means, such as construction tape.
History of the Light Panel Problem
The issue of the light panel has remained a pain point for Cybertruck owners since the model’s launch at the end of 2023. Although it was supposed to be standard for the more expensive Foundation Series version, most vehicles were supplied without it due to the unfinished development of the accessory. Supply delays led to one owner filing a lawsuit in California back in August, accusing Tesla of failing to meet its obligations.
This light panel situation is not the only problem related to the reliability of mounts in Tesla. Similar incidents with other components have occurred before, indicating systemic complexities in the company’s manufacturing processes. The transition to mechanical fastening could be an important step in improving overall assembly quality, especially for such massive components as off-road light panels. For electric pickup owners, this also underscores the importance of regular inspections and expecting timely resolution of technical shortcomings from the manufacturer.