Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (209 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on owner and industry discussions.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSevere sales underperformance and price inflation
Sales fell to 20,237 units in the U.S. in 2025, down nearly 50% from 2024 and vastly below the initial target of 250,000 per year. Launch price was over $79,000, far above the originally promised ~$40,000.
- Very frequentMultiple recalls and build quality issues
10 recalls since 2023 for issues including accelerator pedals that can trap at full throttle, drive inverter faults causing loss of propulsion, an off-road light bar detaching due to incorrect adhesive, and a failing large windshield wiper. Noted as having "the worst panel gap" on a production vehicle.
- RecurrentPolarizing design leading to social backlash
Owners report being targeted for vandalism and verbal harassment linked to the vehicle's angular design and its association with the CEO's public persona.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPoor practicality as a truck
Criticized for poor ground clearance, an undersized bed, poor towing capacity/range, and excessive weight, making it unsuitable for typical truck duties.
- RecurrentFailed promises and delayed development
Repeated postponements from the original late-2021 launch target to late-2023. Original specifications (price, bulletproof glass, boat capability) were not met.
- IsolatedManufacturing and supply chain disruption
The vehicle's development and low sales volume led to a 99% reduction in a major battery material supply contract, indicating severe internal miscalculation.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or version is praised or recommended in the provided discussions.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer EV, Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150 (gas).
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on owner and industry discussions. The vehicle is widely described as a commercial and product failure, failing to meet its initial sales targets, price promises, and functional expectations. Initial hype, including over 1 million reservations, collapsed upon launch due to a significantly higher price point (over $79,000 versus a promised ~$40,000) and a series of quality and design issues. The polarizing design is frequently cited as a statement piece rather than a practical vehicle, with many owners reporting it attracts negative attention, including vandalism and verbal harassment. The consensus indicates deep disappointment, with the vehicle seen as squandering Tesla's early lead in the EV market and failing to appeal to traditional truck buyers or justify its cost.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a radical, futuristic alternative but consistently criticized for failing as a practical truck. Compared unfavorably to the Ford F-150 Lightning, which is noted for outselling it in 2025 despite its own challenges. The Rivian R1T is seen as a more competent and desirable electric truck. The vehicle is repeatedly contrasted with a hypothetical conventional electric pickup (a "Toyota Tacoma but Tesla"), which community feedback suggests would have been vastly more successful. It is not seen as a serious competitor to mainstream gas trucks, which owners are reportedly choosing to keep instead. The GMC Hummer EV is mentioned as a similar "statement toy" but with its own flaws.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended.
General recommendations
Not recommended for practical truck buyers, those seeking value, or those wanting a discreet vehicle. May only be suitable for buyers seeking an extreme novelty or statement piece who are unconcerned with cost, practicality, reliability, or public perception. Strongly advised to avoid purchasing at or near MSRP given the significant depreciation and poor sales performance. Potential buyers should thoroughly verify build quality and review the extensive recall history before considering a purchase.
Remarks
The provided feedback is almost exclusively from broader industry observers and critics, with very little direct, long-term owner experience data. The discussions heavily focus on the vehicle's market failure, recall history, and design controversy rather than detailed ownership experiences like daily driving, charging, or interior functionality. The collapse in sales and significant inventory are repeatedly mentioned, suggesting deep-rooted product-market mismatch. The CEO's personal brand is frequently cited as a negative factor influencing public perception and ownership experience. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive discussions, most of which are critical commentaries rather than firsthand ownership reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices16 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · exterior lightingcampaign 25V699000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles operating software prior to 2025.38.3. The vehicle controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output, adversely affecting the vision of other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2026 · wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studscampaign 26V255000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with 18-inch steel wheels. The brake rotor stud holes may crack and allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub.
2025 · structure:bodycampaign 25V170000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Cybertruck vehicles. The light bar can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
2025 · exterior lightingcampaign 25V699000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles operating software prior to 2025.38.3. The vehicle controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output, adversely affecting the vision of other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2025 · wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studscampaign 26V255000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with 18-inch steel wheels. The brake rotor stud holes may crack and allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub.
2024 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 24V051000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2024 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 24V276000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. The accelerator pedal pad may dislodge and cause the pedal to become trapped by the interior trim.
2024 · structure:bodycampaign 24V457000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. The trunk bed trim sail applique could have been improperly adhered and can loosen.
2024 · visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorcampaign 24V456000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. Excessive electrical current can cause the front windshield wiper motor controller to fail.
2024 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 24V718000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:invertercampaign 24V832000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. A fault in the drive inverter may cause a loss of drive power to the wheels.
2024 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 24V935000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
2024 · structure:bodycampaign 25V170000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Cybertruck vehicles. The light bar can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
2024 · exterior lightingcampaign 25V699000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles operating software prior to 2025.38.3. The vehicle controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output, adversely affecting the vision of other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2024 · exterior lightingcampaign 25V735000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with a service-installed off-road light bar accessory. An incorrect surface primer may have been used to attach the lightbar to the windshield, causing the light bar to loosen and detach.
1 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Cyberbeast 123 kWh Tri Motor
Electric · 845 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026