Tesla Cybertruck Recalled Over Structural Adhesive Issue
Photo courtesy Tesla Inc.
WASHINGTON—The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recalled Tesla Inc.’s controversial Cybertruck over a faulty body panel that can potentially fall off. The “cant rail” is 9-foot-long stainless steel exterior trim component located above the driver’s side door. It is attached to the battery-powered pickup truck with a structural adhesive at the automaker’s assembly plant in Austin, TX.
According to Reuters, the cosmetic applique “has been found to be susceptible to environmental issues. The new version will use a different adhesive that will be reinforced with a stud welded to the stainless panel, with a nut that clamps the steel panel to the vehicle structure.”
In its description of the defect, the NHTSA claims that “The Cybertruck is equipped with a cosmetic applique along the exterior of the vehicle, known as the cant rail, which is an assembly comprised of an electrocoated steel stamping joined to a stainless steel panel with structural adhesive. The cant rail assembly is affixed to the vehicle with fasteners.”
Automakers use a variety of adhesive tapes and structural adhesives, such as acrylics and epoxies, to join lightweight aluminum parts. They replace or augment rivets, bolts, welding and other traditional fastening methods in their assembly processes. There are a number of reasons for doing so, including improved product performance, improved aesthetics, lower production costs, reduced overall assembly time and weight reduction.
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