Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck is facing major setbacks less than two years after its launch. Marketed as a revolutionary electric pickup, the futuristic vehicle is now struggling with falling resale value, weak demand in the used car market, and growing unsold stock. Early buyers who paid up to $127,000 are now receiving Tesla trade-in offers that are tens of thousands lower. Despite its unique design and bold promises, the Cybertruck has failed to meet expectations. Tesla is now reportedly halting production, and industry experts are questioning the truck’s long-term future.
Early Buyers Take a Big Financial Hit
The Cybertruck’s premium “Foundation Series” and the top-tier “Cyberbeast” once made headlines for their steep price tags. But now, those prices are crashing hard.
Tesla’s own trade-in program is offering early buyers only $60,000 to $65,000 for Foundation Series trucks. These were originally priced around $100,000 and in many cases have low mileage. The Cyberbeast, which sold for $127,000, is now being valued at about $78,000.
Tesla is trying to ease the blow by offering a free transfer of its “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” feature to a new Tesla. But many owners feel this perk doesn’t make up for the major loss in resale value.
Used Market Shows Little Hope
Private sellers looking to sell their Cybertrucks are also facing problems. On used car platforms like CarGurus and Cars.com, Cybertrucks are listed for slightly higher prices than Tesla’s trade-ins. But demand remains low.
Buyers are hesitant, and listings often sit for weeks or months. This is unusual for a Tesla vehicle. In the past, models like the Model Y and Model 3 held value well and were in high demand.
One possible reason for this shift is that the Cybertruck’s design and build are not appealing to mainstream buyers. Another is the rising number of complaints from current owners.
Promises vs. Reality: Why the Cybertruck Is Struggling
When Tesla CEO Elon Musk first revealed the Cybertruck in 2019, it drew global attention. With its sharp angles, stainless steel frame, and futuristic look, the vehicle stood out. Musk called it a leap forward in both design and tech.
But in real-world use, problems began to appear. Owners and critics alike have mentioned several flaws:
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Limited utility: The truck bed and storage options are not as practical as hoped.
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Build quality issues: Fit-and-finish problems and mechanical quirks are being reported.
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Performance complaints: Acceleration and handling lag behind Tesla’s past claims.
Even small issues, like the vehicle’s large size making it hard to park, are hurting its image.
Elon Musk’s Brand May Be Adding to the Problem
Another factor weighing down the Cybertruck is the growing backlash against Elon Musk. His controversial posts and political opinions shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have turned off some Tesla fans.
In fact, a recent Morning Consult survey found that public trust in Musk has dropped sharply among key buying groups, especially younger and more liberal consumers. This shift could be impacting Cybertruck sales.
Tesla Halts Production Amid Rising Inventory
According to insiders, Tesla has now paused Cybertruck production as unsold inventory piles up. Industry reports estimate the value of this unsold stock to be hundreds of millions of dollars.
In the U.S., Ford’s F-150 Lightning has already passed the Cybertruck in electric truck sales. That vehicle, while less flashy, is proving to be more practical for everyday use and fleet buyers.
In a recent earnings call, Musk admitted Tesla was “between two major growth waves.” He also promised to return his focus to the automaker after spending time managing issues at X.
The road ahead for the Cybertruck looks rough. For now, it’s unclear whether Musk’s renewed focus on Tesla will help turn things around. Some analysts suggest Tesla may need to redesign or reposition the Cybertruck for a wider audience.
Others think the company should focus on what it does best—making high-volume, mid-range EVs like the Model Y and working toward its $25,000 “next-gen” car promised for 2026.
As for Cybertruck owners, many are left with a tough choice: keep a vehicle that’s quickly losing value, or sell at a loss and move on.
Expert Insight
Auto industry expert Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds said, “The Cybertruck was meant to be bold and disruptive, but the market doesn’t always respond well to bold when it’s not practical. Tesla has to rethink how this fits into their brand strategy.”
Likewise, Ben Rose, an analyst with Battle Road Research, said the resale value drop is “a warning sign for Tesla and for anyone assuming EVs will always retain high value.”
The Cybertruck was once seen as Tesla’s next big thing. Now, it’s facing one of the company’s biggest challenges. As production stalls and resale values tumble, Tesla must figure out whether the Cybertruck can be saved—or whether it’s time to move on.