In brief: It hasn't been a good week for Tesla as U.S. safety regulators issued a recall for nearly all Cybertrucks on the road. In an effort to stabilize morale, CEO Elon Musk held an unconventional meeting to reassure employees and address the company's challenges, including a significant decline in stock price.
The move marks the eighth safety-related recall for the Tesla-made vehicles since deliveries began just over a year ago. Initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects more than 46,000 Cybertrucks and primarily relates to an issue with an exterior panel that can detach while driving.
The problematic panel, known as a cant rail assembly, is located between the windshield and the roof on both sides of the vehicle. It is secured using a structural adhesive, but the current adhesive is susceptible to environmental degradation.
To address this issue, Tesla will replace the panel with a new adhesive that is more resilient and add additional reinforcements. The recall covers all 2024 and 2025 model years, manufactured from November 13, 2023, to February 27, 2025. Tesla became aware of the problem early this year. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 19, 2025.
This latest recall is part of a series of setbacks for Tesla, which has faced multiple safety issues with the Cybertruck, including faults in electric inverters and stuck acceleration pedals.
Tesla all-hands live presentation
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 21, 2025
https://t.co/jQOt6WB2LN
Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is working to reassure employees amid a tumultuous period for the company. Following a significant decline in Tesla's stock price – more than 50 percent over the past three months – Musk addressed employees in a surprise all-hands meeting at Tesla's Texas Gigafactory, urging them to remain optimistic about the company's future.
He acknowledged the current challenges, admitting that "it feels like Armageddon" when reading news about the company, including instances of vandalism and protests targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships.
He said that Teslas will soon be capable of driving autonomously, a promise he has made as far back as 2016. Musk encouraged employees to hold on to their stock, pointing out the company's potential for innovation and growth.
"What I'm saying is hang on to your stock... There are times when there are rocky moments, but what I'm here to tell you is that the future is incredibly bright and exciting, and we're going to do things that no one has even dreamed of," he said during the meeting.
Musk's message was met with mixed reactions from employees. Some felt reassured by his optimism and commitment to Tesla's mission, while others were skeptical, viewing the event as a publicity stunt or questioning the alignment of Musk's political involvement with Tesla's goals.
The meeting was notable not only for its content but also for its unconventional timing and format. Typically, Tesla holds all-hands meetings during regular work hours, but this event was livestreamed on Musk's social media platform X, starting late in the evening.
His words seemed to have a positive impact, though, as Tesla shares rose slightly following the stream.
Tesla recalls thousands of Cybertrucks as Musk urges employees to hold their stock
