In the last months, The Tesla Cybertruck has become the center of criticism due to the unexpected and sharp decline in its sales, a phenomenon that has caused a stir both in the US and international automotive market. What was initially presented as one of the most disruptive launches of recent times has ultimately fallen into disgrace, with numerous signs pointing to a genuine commercial failure for the company led by Elon Musk.
Several recent experiences have highlighted structural and management problems. For example, the American magazine Edmunds, which specializes in vehicle reviews, purchased a Cybertruck for over $100.000 to conduct a long-term test. However, less than a year later, it was declared a total loss after an accident that, due to the complexity and exorbitant cost of repair, led the publication to sell what was left of the vehicle for around $8.000. This episode served to highlight the difficulty of finding workshops qualified to repair the Cybertruck and the endless wait times to obtain estimates and perform work on its unique stainless steel body.
A stockpile that reveals a lack of demand…
The Edmunds case is not the only one that reflects the shadows surrounding the Cybertruck. Sales have not met targets, with internal data pointing to around 39.000 units delivered in the United States, far from the 250.000 annually that Musk initially promised. This weak reception is reflected in images that show Hundreds of Cybertrucks in storage both in the parking lots of the Texas gigafactory and at dealerships, a clear sign that the company has manufactured more vehicles than it can sell.
This situation has led to controversial practices, such as the return of units that had been stored for months. A Texas customer, Reza Soltani, witnessed firsthand how Tesla tried to supply him with a Cybertruck that had been sitting in a parking lot since the beginning of the year, to the point where he refused the car and demanded an exchange. Informed users also warn that problems arising from prolonged storageand premature battery wear and the appearance of difficult-to-remove marks on the steel body.
Manufacturing problems and an increasingly tarnished image…
El Cybertruck not only suffers from a lack of demand, but also from a series of manufacturing defects. These issues led to up to eight recalls in its first few months on sale. Among the most notable issues are problems with the accelerator pedals, windshield failures in heavy rain, and defects in the door structure. All of this has had a negative impact on public perception of the vehicle and the brand, increasing the suspicion of potential buyers.
The fact that repairs for a crashed Cybertruck can cost more than 50% of its market value has discouraged owners, who see the cost of maintaining the vehicle skyrocket. Budgets for major repairs can exceed $57.000, with long waiting lists at authorized repair shops and limited availability of centers trained to work with this model.
Tesla's internal context and the Musk effect…
The internal and external environment in which it currently operates cannot be ignored. Tesla. Elon Musk's increasingly controversial leadership has contributed to worsening the crisis.. The latest rumors about Musk's possible replacement at the head of the company, the 71% drop in profits for the first quarter of 2025, and fierce competition from both the US and Chinese manufacturers, paint a complicated picture for the firm.
Likewise, The price-cutting strategy has eroded the company's margins, without this having led to a significant recovery in global sales. Added to this are internal tensions and corporate decisions such as canceling expansion projects, as well as the Musk's involvement in political affairs, have raised doubts about Tesla's ability to find a clear direction in the sector.
Today, the Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most notable setbacks in the recent history of the electric car industry., with a direct impact on both the brand's image and consumer perceptions of the future of disruptive but impractical vehicles for everyday use. The company still faces the challenge of reversing this trend and regaining market confidence. We'll see...