Cybertruck Glue Quality Check! ― "I want to share with you what to check for when you're picking up your new Cybertruck," says this Tesal Cybertruck owner with multiple panel problems

Recently, Cybertruck News focused on a Tesla CT recall for approximately 46,000 models because the adhesive used to attach trim is failure-prone. One owner and expert― on the practical side of actually owning a Tesla Cybertruck―shares where his CT model has this problem and where CT shoppers should look before making that purchase.

Tesla's Lost Kingdom Hinges on a Cybertruck Folly

Nothing can be as frustrating as paying big bucks for a popular model of any car or truck only to have it face a recall that you know is going to take months, if not years, to finally repair for an assembly issue that should have been done right by the automaker in the first place.

Ironically, an old poem applies to just this situation and is one of many problems Tesla faces:

For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,

For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,

For the want of a horse the rider was lost,

For the want of a rider the battle was lost,

For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost,

And all for the want of a horseshoe-nail. ―Benjamin Franklin

Why this has become a recall issue is that one of the most common panel adhesion failures is reportedly the stainless steel trim panel, known as the "cantrail," which runs along the side of the windshield and roof and can detach from the vehicle and become a potential road hazard.

Reputedly, thus far, this recall affects nearly all Cybertrucks manufactured between November 2023 and February 2025.

Worse yet for Tesla and hopeful future CT owners, the Cybertrucks are on a "containment hold" for deliveries.

However, if you have recently purchased a CT or are about to buy a used one, here is some timely advice on where to look for potential problem areas, according to a recent episode on the Reid Tomasko YouTube channel.

I just wanted to make an in-depth, high-quality video on this because a lot of you guys are going to be picking up cyber trucks, or you're maybe looking at a used one. Or you want to check your existing one to see if any of those panels need to be replaced, because I have had my fenders and contrails replaced.

Recommended Cybertruck Panel Checkpoints

1. The Hood: Overall, the hood should be fine due to visible laser welding; however, the frontmost lip of the hood could become a problem as it appears to be glued on.
2. Front Fenders: The front fenders have an underlying metal welded to the framework upon which the stainless steel panel is attached with adhesive. The host states this is one problem he has seen. He also recommends opening the door and checking the fender panel edge along the door frame for looseness or other signs of adhesive delamination.
3. The Cantrail: Like the front fender panels, the camtrail is glued to the underlying metal that is welded to the framework. While the host does not have this panel problem, it is reported to occur in numerous CT vehicles.
4. Front Door Panel: Not usually a problem; however, since it is glued on, a good check is to tap lightly on the side to feel for any give or feel for vibration while opening and closing the door.
5. Rear Door Panel: Using a similar check to the front doors, the host detected a rattle on his rear door panels.
6. Rear Quarter Panel: The rear quarter panel should be secure and aligned exactly with the rear door. If it is not aligned properly and moves slightly when pulled on gently, it is potentially delaminating and will need servicing.
7. Back of Quarter Panels Along Tailgate: Bad alignment and movement of the panel with gentle pulling is a sign here as well; This is a trouble spot the host has seen on a client's CT, which he was hired to put a wrap on.
8. Back of Tailgate: If a gentle press on the back panel from the inside or outside of the tailgate bows in and out like the lid of a jar of canned tomatoes that lost its seal―it is a bad sign of a problem panel.

What Does This Mean for Current Tesla Cybertruck Owners?

According to the host, if you do not have a problem now, you will eventually have one or more of the aforementioned trouble spot problems.

I just wanted to show you guys this video and show you how to go over your cyber truck or a cyber truck that you're buying to make sure the panels are good and solid and not having any issues.

I just feel like one way or another all of the 47 for 46,000 Cybertrucks that have been delivered have used this adhesive and in my personal opinion it seems like at some point in time that adhesive is going to fail…so until I have confirmation that they are using the new adhesive on all the other panels I probably won't pick up another Cybertruck until I know that.

To see exactly the spots and finger tests the host uses, here is the video provided below for your convenience:

Cybertruck GLUE Quality Check!

For additional Tesla Cybertruck-related news, here are two recent articles for your consideration:

1. Travels with My Cybertruck Beast L.E.O.―People Think These Trucks Are Good For Nothing, But We Know They're Wrong
2. FSD Saved a Life Last Night―Tesla Cybertruck Owner Shares a Story That Begs An Important Question for Anyone Using FSD

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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Image Source: Courtesy of Tesla Inc.