In 2022, during a TED interview in Vancouver, Elon Musk delivered the kind of line that doesn't leave much room for humility.
"At this point, I think I know more about manufacturing than anyone currently alive on Earth," he said, after recounting what he called three years of "excruciating pain" while ramping up production of the Model 3. "We were on the ragged edge of bankruptcy the entire time... I can tell you how every damn part in that car is made."
Don't Miss:
That stretch—2017 through 2019—was brutal, Musk admitted. But by 2022, he seemed confident Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) had cracked the code. Factories were smarter. Processes were streamlined. The future, according to Musk, would be different.
Now in 2025, that confidence is facing a reality check—one stainless steel panel at a time.
Tesla began Cybertruck deliveries in late 2023. Since then, the truck has been recalled eight times in 15 months. The most recent issue came this month, when U.S. safety regulators issued a recall covering 46,096 Cybertrucks—virtually every one on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a panel known as the cant rail assembly—running along both sides of the windshield—can detach while driving. The part is secured with structural adhesive that, as it turns out, might not hold up in the real world. Tesla's fix involves a stronger adhesive and added reinforcements. Notices are expected to go out to owners by May 19.
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.
This follows a November recall over an inverter defect that could cause the drive wheels to lose power—just one in a string of problems that's kept the Cybertruck's rollout anything but smooth.
Compounding the technical issues, Tesla's efforts to market the Cybertruck have faced challenges. Initially promoted as a futuristic, high-status vehicle, the Cybertruck attracted celebrity attention and generated immense hype.
On an earnings call just a month before the Cybertruck's November 2023 launch, Musk declared that Tesla had racked up "over 1 million" reservations and said demand was "off the charts." However, sales have been disappointing, with fewer than 50,000 units delivered.
See Also: Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'
In response, Tesla has shifted its marketing strategy, repositioning the Cybertruck as a practical, work-capable pickup akin to the Ford F-150. This rebranding aims to appeal to traditional truck buyers, particularly in red-state markets, amid concerns that Musk's political affiliations may have alienated some potential customers.
To be clear, none of this erases Tesla's very real achievements in reinventing car factories or scaling production faster than just about anyone thought possible. But it does cast a playful shadow over Musk's boldest manufacturing claims—because knowing how every part is made doesn't always guarantee they'll get along once they hit the road.
Read Next:
Image: Shutterstock
Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market.
Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?
This article Elon Musk Said With Confidence 'I Know More About Manufacturing Than Anyone Alive'—Then the Cybertruck Rolled Out With 8 Recalls And A PR Mess originally appeared on Benzinga.com
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.