Tesla is facing a growing crisis with its highly publicized Cybertruck as nearly 2,400 units, worth an estimated $200 million, sit unsold in U.S. inventory. More than a year and a half into production, the electric pickup truck has become a major challenge for the company, with problems mounting on all fronts, including production issues, safety recalls, and customer dissatisfaction.
In 2019, Elon Musk introduced the Cybertruck with bold promises of futuristic design, off-road capabilities, and affordability. The base model was initially priced at $39,900. Fast forward to 2025, and the entry-level version now starts at $82,235, with the high-end “Cyberbeast” reaching $105,735, pricing the vehicle out of range for most buyers and making it ineligible for federal tax credits.
According to a Forbes report, Tesla has only managed to sell fewer than 40,000 units in 2024, far from Musk’s projected 250,000 annual sales. The truck has also been hit with eight recalls in just over a year, including a widely reported issue of body trim panels falling off, which led to a containment hold on new Cybertruck deliveries in March.
The Cybertruck’s unique stainless steel body was supposed to eliminate the need for paint, but the material has presented unexpected problems. It’s difficult to shape, fingerprints and smudges easily show, and it lacks compatibility with other Tesla models, which increases manufacturing costs.
Tesla introduced a fix for the falling trim issue on March 21st, but thousands of units already delivered still need repairs. This has further slowed down delivery efforts and created tension among current owners.
The resale value of the Cybertruck is also collapsing. Prices of used models are down 55% compared to last year, with a 13% drop over the last three months, and 6% in just the past month. This has made both Tesla and other dealerships hesitant to accept Cybertrucks as trade-ins.
Tesla is reportedly refusing to accept the Cybertruck as a trade-in for newer vehicles — not even its own. Customers trying to return or exchange their Cybertrucks have been forced to navigate the Lemon Law process, often a long and frustrating legal battle.
Some owners, especially those with ongoing service issues, are now calling on the automaker to buy back the vehicles. With falling prices and limited support, the used market is offering only low-ball deals, adding to the dissatisfaction.
Tesla’s current troubles go beyond the vehicle itself. Across the globe, Tesla dealerships, factories, and charging stations have become targets of violent protests, with some demonstrators setting cars on fire, vandalizing properties with hate symbols, and even shooting up showrooms.
Much of this public anger is directed at Elon Musk’s political ties, especially his alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump and his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s influence in recent government cutbacks — including defunding health and aid programs — has triggered widespread outrage, particularly among vulnerable communities.
Protesters accuse Musk of prioritizing ideology over innovation. His controversial appearance at Trump’s victory rally, where he was seen making what many believed to be a “Nazi salute,” has only worsened public sentiment. Social media has exploded with calls to boycott Tesla products, further damaging the company’s brand image.
Tesla’s overall vehicle deliveries dropped 13% in the first quarter of 2025, totalling 337,000 units. This marks a troubling trend for the company, which once led the electric vehicle revolution. While models like the Model Y and Model 3 continue to perform, the Cybertruck now risks becoming a costly liability.
Critics argue that Cybertruck’s failure stems from a lack of consumer research and an overemphasis on style over function. Online communities have shared viral videos of the Cybertruck breaking down or being towed by Ford and GM pickups — vehicles it was designed to outperform.
