Tesla’s Cybertruck, once hailed as a revolutionary vehicle, has become emblematic of the company’s mounting challenges, plagued by production issues, declining sales, and political controversies.
At a Glance
- Tesla sold fewer than 50,000 Cybertrucks since launch, far below the 250,000 annual target.
- The vehicle has been subject to eight recalls, including issues with accelerator pedals and trim panels.
- Over 100 unsold Cybertrucks were stored in a Michigan shopping center lot, violating zoning laws.
- CEO Elon Musk’s political entanglements have negatively impacted Tesla’s brand perception.
- Tesla’s U.S. sales dipped 9% in Q1 2025, despite overall growth in the electric vehicle market.
A Troubled Launch
The Cybertruck’s debut was marred by production delays and quality control problems. Despite initial excitement, Tesla managed to sell only around 40,000 units in 2024 and approximately 7,100 in the first quarter of 2025—far below the projected 250,000 annual sales. The vehicle faced multiple issues, including cracked windshields, faulty accelerator pedals, and dislodged trim panels, resulting in eight official recalls.
In response, Tesla introduced lower-priced models and offered aggressive incentives like 0% financing and free upgrades. However, these efforts have not significantly improved Cybertruck’s market performance, suggesting deep-rooted concerns over quality and reliability despite Tesla’s efforts to reinvigorate demand.
Watch a report: Owning a Cybertruck: 5 Problems, Cost Breakdown, 10,000 Mile Review.
Inventory Woes and Public Backlash
In Farmington Hills, Michigan, more than 100 Cybertrucks were found stored in a shopping center parking lot, sparking local outrage and zoning violation complaints. Tesla claimed the vehicles were sold and temporarily stored there due to space constraints at a nearby service center, though critics pointed to this as yet another sign of deeper operational disarray.
Public reception of the Cybertruck has also been cold. In New York’s Capital Region, for instance, only 26 Cybertrucks were registered in Saratoga County, indicating weak consumer interest in less politically sympathetic regions. The vehicle’s polarizing design and ongoing negative media coverage have compounded the situation.
Political Entanglements and Brand Impact
CEO Elon Musk’s increasingly vocal political activity has added fuel to the fire. A recent feud with President Donald Trump, during which Trump threatened to cut federal contracts with Musk’s companies, has only deepened public skepticism toward Tesla.
These political entanglements appear to have damaged Tesla’s overall brand health. In the 2025 Axios Harris Poll, Tesla fell from 8th to 95th place in the rankings of trusted American companies. This sharp decline reflects growing concerns among consumers that Tesla’s brand is no longer defined by innovation but by erratic leadership and divisive rhetoric.
As Tesla navigates this turbulent chapter, the Cybertruck stands not as a triumph of engineering, but as a cautionary tale of overhype, underdelivery, and the high cost of politicizing technology.
