In a dramatic turn of events, Tesla has halted production and issued a massive recall for its flagship Cybertruck, sending shockwaves through the electric vehicle (EV) industry and reportedly driving CEO Elon Musk to the brink. The recall, affecting nearly 50,000 Cybertrucks, comes amid mounting issues with the vehicle’s design, performance, and safety, fueling speculation that Tesla, once a tech juggernaut, is teetering on the edge of collapse. Posts on X are ablaze with claims that Musk is “losing it,” as the Cybertruck’s failure threatens Tesla’s reputation and financial stability.
The Cybertruck, launched in late 2023 with bold promises of revolutionizing the pickup market, has been plagued by problems. A March 2025 recall notice cited nearly 46,000 vehicles for issues like delaminating trim pieces, faulty accelerator pedals, and body panels detaching during operation. These defects, detailed in reports from Electrek and Business Insider, have led to a stop-sale order, halting deliveries and production at Tesla’s Austin Gigafactory. Cox Automotive estimated Tesla sold only 6,406 Cybertrucks in Q1 2025, half the previous quarter’s figure, despite Musk’s claim of over a million pre-orders. The company’s inventory of 2,400 unsold trucks, valued at $200 million, underscores the crisis.
Musk’s reaction has been intense, with unverified X posts suggesting he’s furious over the setbacks. One user wrote, “Elon’s screaming at engineers while Cybertrucks pile up!” The recall follows a string of embarrassments, including a Cybertruck getting stuck in a river after Musk claimed it could “act as a boat” and vandalism targeting vehicles due to his political ties with Donald Trump. Forbes reported the Cybertruck’s “bulletproof” doors failed against high-caliber rounds, and its “wade mode” led to a stranded owner in California, further eroding consumer trust.
Tesla’s broader struggles amplify the Cybertruck’s woes. CNN reported a 71% profit plunge in Q1 2025, with sales dwindling and shares dropping nearly 50% since December 2024. Protests outside showrooms, linked to Musk’s role in Trump’s DOGE initiative, have hurt the brand, with some owners selling Cybertrucks to avoid harassment. The departure of key executives, like software VP David Lau, signals internal turmoil. Meanwhile, competitors like Mazda, with its $23,000 EZ60 truck boasting a 400-mile range, are gaining ground, challenging Tesla’s market dominance.
Despite the gloom, some analysts argue Tesla’s collapse is exaggerated. Morgan Stanley notes Tesla’s Model Y remains the world’s best-selling car, and the Cybertruck outsold other electric pickups in 2024. Musk vowed to double U.S. production by 2027, and Tesla’s pivot to traditional truck marketing—highlighting utility over futuristic flair—aims to salvage Cybertruck sales. Discounts of up to $10,000 and a new $69,990 RWD model show desperation but also adaptability.
Yet, the Cybertruck’s failure could have lasting repercussions. If Tesla cannot resolve production and quality issues, consumer confidence may erode further, especially with rivals offering cheaper, reliable alternatives. Musk’s vision of an “apocalypse-proof” truck has crumbled under scrutiny, and his erratic leadership—shutting down internal analyses and prioritizing DOGE—has drawn criticism. As Tesla navigates this storm, the industry watches closely. Is this a temporary setback or the beginning of Tesla’s downfall? Only time will tell, but for now, Musk’s dream lies in tatters.
