Tesla Cybertruck Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used Tesla Cybertruck options? We analyzed 3 model years (2024β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Tesla Cybertruck you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Tesla Cybertruck has 163 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls across model years 2024β2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2024 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Tesla
- Model
- Cybertruck
- Model years analyzed
- 2024β2026 (3 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 163
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 21
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2024 (142 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (4 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
Tesla Cybertruck: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β lower risk starting points.
β NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe TESLA CYBERTRUCK has 163 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. 21 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 163 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 16 federal recall campaigns
- 21 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2024β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 163 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
163 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
My 2025 Tesla Cybertruck AWD (VIN: [XXX] ) has a recurring failure of the right rear seat occupant detection system, which governs airbag deployment and is certified by Tesla to meet FMVSS 208. The same alert (internal code RCM2_a698) persisted through two official repairs at Tesla Palo Alto: 1st repair (Invoice XXX, 8/22/2025): seat belt buckle replaced. Alert recurred 2 days later, August 24, 2025. 2nd repair (Invoice XXX, 9/18/2025): harness assembly replaced. Tesla then performed a Visual Quality Check, recording in the invoice: "Technician performed a visual quality check to ensure its condition meets our standards." Vehicle returned as repaired. Relying on Tesla's written certification, I reinstalled my [XXX] son's car seat in that position. He rode there daily for approximately 7 months (September 2025 - April 2026). On April 21, 2026, I tested the seat and found the sensor still actively failing - unable to detect an adult occupant. My spouse witnessed this. I have 30-second video. Alert RCM2_a698 remains active in Tesla's systems today, confirmed by screenshot. This is my family's only vehicle. My wife currently uses the right rear seat. Airbag deployment for that seat cannot be relied upon. Tesla has been notified and has not resolved this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2025 Tesla Cybertruck AWD (VIN: [XXX] ) was returned to me after the first service visit (Invoice XXX Tesla Palo Alto, 8/22/2025) with the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) speaker disconnected. The disconnection occurred during front-end service work at that visit, which included front fascia inspection and removal. The technician did not reconnect the PWS speaker before returning the vehicle. The disconnection was not discovered until the second service visit (Invoice XXX, Tesla Palo Alto, 9/18/2025), at which point Tesla's own invoice documented: "The issue was caused by a disconnected front pedestrian warning speaker. Technician reconnected the front pedestrian warning speaker to resolve the issue." The [XXX] s therefore operated with a disconnected PWS for approximately 4 weeks β from August 22 to September 18, 2025 β without my knowledge. During this entire period, the vehicle was not emitting the required audible low-speed alert. The PWS emits an audible alert at low speeds to warn pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired individuals of the vehicle's approach. This system is required under FMVSS 141 (Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles). This is a service-inflicted deactivation of a federally-required pedestrian safety system. The deactivation was caused by Tesla's Palo Alto service center (4180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306) during routine warranty repair work. The vehicle was returned to me without disclosure of the disconnection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While FSD was actived, my cyber truck was driveing on lane 2, it steered to the right on while passing a truck to its right side unsafely. The truck on lane 3 hit my right back wheel, and then it hit another truck on lane 4.
The Power Conversion System (PCS) in the Tesla Cybertruck is experiencing a high rate of hardware-level failure (specifically the PCS2 module) that poses three distinct safety risks beyond the loss of AC charging. Loss of Steer-by-Wire Integrity: The Cybertruck utilizes a full steer-by-wire system and a 48V low-voltage architecture. The PCS is responsible for managing the 48V bus and charging the LV battery. A hardware failure in the PCS (common alerts: PCS2_a094, PCS2_a137) threatens the stability of the 48V system. Any sudden collapse of the 48V bus while in motion could result in a total loss of steering control and vehicle maneuverability, creating an immediate risk of a high-speed collision. Loss of Propulsion and Stranding: PCS failure frequently leads to "limp mode" or a "no-start" condition where the vehicle cannot engage Drive or Reverse. Experiencing a loss of propulsion while in active traffic or being stranded on a highway shoulder without the ability to move the vehicle creates a severe life-safety hazard for occupants and other motorists. Failure of Visibility Systems: Critical safety components, including the primary windshield wiper and exterior lighting, are powered via the 48V system managed by the PCS. Hardware instability has led to reports of these systems failing during inclement weather, severely compromising driver visibility. Tesla has implemented software bypasses (OTA updates) to allow DC Supercharging when the AC hardware fails, but this is a "band-aid" that does not address the underlying hardware defectβlikely MOSFET degradation. With replacement parts on backorder for 8+ weeks, owners are forced to operate vehicles with compromised electrical architectures. I am reporting this as a systemic hardware defect that requires an official safety recall.
Front body panel of hood came unglued
HTSA Safety Complaint Description The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck exhibits a persistent and recurring air suspension system defect that impairs safe vehicle operation. From the moment of delivery, the air suspension failed to raise or lower properly, displaying a fault message indicating potential restoration on the next drive. This did not occur. The issue included repeated overheating warnings, multiple system failure alerts, excessive compressor noise/knocking, steam and water discharge from the undercarriage, and the vehicle remaining stuck in a lowered ride height, causing scraping damage to underbody trim and mud flaps. The vehicle underwent a major warranty repair where the air suspension compressor was replaced due to a stuck exhaust valve and damaged air line, followed by recalibration. Despite this, suspension overheating warnings and intermittent system failure notifications continued to appear. On December 23, 2025, while driving at moderate speed in clear conditions, the vehicle suddenly and uncorrectably migrated off the roadway. Adaptive steering correction, braking intervention, and lane assist failed to engage. At the time of the incident, the display actively showed service notifications indicating suspension system failure and overheating. The vehicle veered into a ditch, resulting in a significant drop and requiring specialized heavy-duty extraction. This defect has impaired the vehicleβs handling, stability, and safety from delivery onward, with no resolution after attempted repair. The recurring nature and active failure alerts during the loss-of-control event suggest a serious safety risk.
One to two times per month upon starting my Cybertruck I receive multiple notifications for systems not working including "Driver Assistance - Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable" and "Steering & Braking - Adaptive ride control degraded/Ride comfort may be reduced." These alerts cause the disablement of the regenerative braking, auto-hold (braking), emergency braking, adaptive ride control, traction control, and the self drive features. While the vehicle is still drivable, my ability to control the vehicle is greatly diminished, as is the safety of the vehicle without any of the accident avoidance and stability systems working. After driving in this condition, if I park the vehicle, exit it, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, all systems are normal upon reentry. On 1/5 I experienced this issue and opened a service request for warranty work and Tesla demanded that I agree to a $200 charge before they would even look at it and said if they were unable to see the issue then it would not be considered as warranty. Since I cannot reproduce this issue on demand I cancelled the service request as I do not want to pay them $200 to say they couldn't reproduce the issue. Internet searches have revealed that this is a common issue among Cybertrucks and despite multiple software updates since owning my vehicle, it has not gotten any better.
Brand-new 2025 Cybertruck developed moisture inside sealed HV battery pack with no submersion, off-roading, or flooding. Service photos show only trace condensation and crystallized residueβno mud, corrosion, or contaminants. Tesla denying warranty and quoting $37k replacement. Suspected manufacturing defect in pack lid gasket (known issue in early VINs). Safety risk if unaddressed.
The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact exited the vehicle and the front driver-side door independently closed and slammed his right hand in the door, injuring three of his fingers. The contact sought medical attention and was informed that he had sustained internal bleeding and was prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine and instructed the contact to try not to move his fingers in order to avoid disturbing the healing process. The contact stated he also sustained emotional distress and described the incident as traumatic. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact stated that the manufacturer said they would send an email after the call; however, the manufacturer did not send an email and refused to provide a manufacturer case number. The failure mileage was approximately 7,857.
windshield crack spontaneously while using defrost function TESLA refused cover it with warranty
Tesla sold me a 2025 Cybertruck RWD without disclosing that no compatible bed cover exists at all for this model. We test-drove the vehicle at Tesla Clermont and took delivery at Tesla Tallahassee. At neither location were we told that the RWD trim cannot use the powered hard tonneau cover OR the soft tonneau cover. After delivery, Tesla confirmed in writing that the only cover associated with this model is out of stock with no ETA, and they βcannot speculate on availability.β No third-party manufacturer offers a compatible cover. This means the vehicleβs truck bed cannot be covered or secured in any manner. As a result, we experienced two serious safety incidents. Both times, the vehicle was operating in SFD (self-drive) mode at speeds below the posted speed limit, with items properly tied down using rope. Even under safe, controlled conditions, items flew out of the truck bed twice, nearly causing a collision behind us. Vehicles had to brake and swerve to avoid debris. These incidents created a direct hazard to us and the surrounding traffic. The Cybertruck RWD cannot safely retain cargo under normal driving conditions without a cover, and no cover exists or can be purchased. Tesla buried a clause in a 45-page contract saying they may βremove parts from commerce,β but this does NOT excuse failing to disclose that no safe cargo-retention solution exists for the RWD configuration. A pickup truck that cannot keep cargo from ejecting onto the roadway presents a serious safety defect. I am reporting this because the inability to secure a load is a safety hazard for both occupants and other drivers, and Tesla has no remedy available. Thank you
Since purchasing my Cybertruck with Full Self-Driving in July 2025, I have experienced a repeated safety issue whenever Autopilot/FSD is engaged on highways. The vehicle will consistently pull toward the left side of the lane, positioning itself directly on the left lane line. This feels extremely unsafe, especially when another vehicle is traveling in the lane beside me. This behavior happens at highway speeds and creates a significant safety concern because it reduces the buffer between my vehicle and adjacent traffic. The issue has occurred repeatedly over several months in different locations and conditions. I have brought the vehicle to Tesla service multiple times, and the issue has not been resolved. Tesla acknowledged the concern happened to multiple vehicles in the past two months, but was unable to fix it. They are now performing another inspection for my vehicle, and starting a buyback request that is under review. There are no warning messages before or during the behavior. This appears to be a malfunction with the vehicleβs lane-keeping or Autopilot/FSD behavior that puts my safety and the safety of others at risk.
Iβve had a model 3,model y and now a cybertruck, canβt speak on the rest of the fleet but didnβt had this problem with those cars or any my other cars in the pass, but the passenger side seat belt keeps locking up, if you have to reach down to get an item or reach back it locks up, even if you go a few inches over it locks up which which needs constant taking the seat belt off and resetting it which become a safety issues while driving for the passenger, I took it to the dealership and they said itβs normal, I feel like the seat belt is short which makes it lock up as it should or other defect, I tasted on another cybertruck and didnβt had that problem, tesla customer service didnβt wanted to help me and push me away, I google the problem and there a forum and people having the same problem
When on full self driving on the freeway if the road starts curving the car does not stay in the lane and start hitting the bump on the road or in situation getting to close to another car or the center diver
The contact owns a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear middle row seat felt loose and failed to remain in place as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loose rear middle row seat. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 978.
There is a defect in the stainless-steel exterior trim panel called the βcant rail,β which detached from the vehicle while driving, posing a safety risk as road debris and hazard to other motorists. There was a recall issued for this exact same thing for previous models earlier this year but it still happened with the new 2025 model. This August 2025 model was not included as a recalled vehicle.
Driving the cybertruck on a road going straight no set destination on the cars navigation with autopilot on so it should have continued straight for the most partβ¦. but the car decided to make an abrupt illegal right turn from a straight only lane after passing the appropriate right merge lane. After which the car swerved illegally into 2 oncoming traffic lanes before briefly missing an oncoming car then me driver manually pulled back into the correct lane. By the way my 12 pound dog which sits in the passenger seat was swung so hard hard by the abrupt turn that she literally ended up in the driver foot well by my ankles. This has never ever happened from my regular driving! Iβm not so upset about my dog so much as I am trying to convey the amount of abrupt rough turn the car did. Very last minute and doing anything but let the car do the turn may have resulted in me crashing into oncoming traffic had there been any. A terrible illegal scary occurrence by Tesla autopilot. I was left very stunned. Please contact me for additional information I did record the dashcam footage and would like to share that.
Purchased truck on May 5th. May 7th scuba valve went bed causing air suspension failure. Low voltage system had critical safety failure causing loss of steering and throttle control. Received vehicle back from Tesla shop said they could not repay the issue. Next day while driving system had total low voltage crash resulting in vehicle loosing all power. Loss of steering no throttle response all systems died. Shop kept vehicle for two weeks returned it on May 15 upon getting home parked vehicle three hours later truck had total loss of all power with 27 system voltage errors.
Within approximately four days of delivery, my vehicle experienced multiple system failures during normal driving conditions. The following warnings appeared simultaneously: - Low voltage electrical system issue detected - Rear axle steering disabled β turning radius limited - Power reduced - Unable to charge β Service required - Additional system warnings These issues affected critical systems including steering, electrical, and vehicle power. The steering limitation and power reduction created a significant safety concern while driving. The vehicle had only been exposed to normal rain conditions prior to the incident, raising concerns about reliability under typical use. Tesla later confirmed a failure in the low voltage distribution and control system requiring replacement of a major electronic component. Given that this occurred within days of delivery, I am concerned that this vehicle may have a serious safety defect.
Passenger door controller began malfunctioning on day 1 of delivery (03/08/2026) By day 2 (03/09/2026) the controller failed completely. When it failed, the window lowered (indexed), and the vehicle erroneously detects the door as being open all the time. The vehicle will not engage in FSD. As a result, the vehicle will not lock. The vehicle incorrectly assumes it is still in use when parked (forces ventilation and entertainment system to remain on). Requesting the issue correct yielded a service appointment of 03/24/2026. Subsequent attempts to treat this as a safety issue and asked for a sooner appointment did not yield a positive response.
Showing 20 of 163 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Tesla Cybertruck
These pages show model-year patterns across 3years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Tesla Cybertruck has 163 complaints on record across 3 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Tesla Cybertruck has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 21 of the Tesla Cybertruck's 163 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Tesla Cybertruck vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Tesla Cybertruck vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Tesla Cybertruck has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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