The futuristic Tesla Cybertruck is finally on the road, but early owners are facing a series of alarming problems. From exterior panels falling off to unintended acceleration, multiple recalls have been issued that impact safety, performance, and peace of mind. If these issues keep recurring, you might even qualify for protection under your state’s lemon law.
In this article, we’ll break down the top Tesla Cybertruck problems, the current recalls, and what you can do if your vehicle turns out to be a lemon.
In March 2025, Tesla issued a recall (NHTSA 25V-170) for certain 2024-2025 Cybertruck models because the cant rail — a stainless-steel exterior trim piece — can delaminate and detach while driving. Not only could this damage your truck, but it also creates a serious road hazard.
Another major issue involves the Cybertruck’s TPMS warning light. In some trucks, the light may not stay on between trips, failing to alert drivers to low tire pressure. This violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 138 and prompted a recall under NHTSA 24V-935.
Tesla also recalled Cybertrucks with rearview camera images that may lag after shifting into reverse (NHTSA 24V-718), violating FMVSS 111. This delay can make reversing risky, especially in tight spaces or near pedestrians.
In August 2024, Tesla recalled certain Cybertrucks due to trunk bed trim that could detach because of improper adhesion (NHTSA 24V-457). While not as critical as braking or steering issues, any part coming off a moving vehicle is a concern.
A faulty wiper motor is one of the more dangerous defects reported. Excessive electrical current can cause the front windshield wiper to fail entirely, leaving drivers without visibility during rain or snow (NHTSA 24V-456).
Perhaps the most serious Tesla Cybertruck problem so far is the accelerator pedal pad, which may dislodge and become trapped by the interior trim. This defect can cause unintended acceleration, leading to a high risk of crashes (NHTSA 24V-276).
Finally, Tesla recalled several models, including the Cybertruck, for displaying Brake, Park, and ABS warning lights in an incorrect font size on the dashboard (NHTSA 24V-051). Though seemingly minor, it violates FMVSS 105 and 135 — standards for brake system alerts.
If your Cybertruck is experiencing repeated issues — or spending extended time in the shop for repairs — it might qualify as a lemon vehicle under state law. Lemon laws protect consumers who purchase defective vehicles that the manufacturer can’t fix within a reasonable number of attempts.
✅ The vehicle has a substantial defect that impairs use, safety, or value.
✅ The manufacturer (Tesla) has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to repair the same problem.
✅ Or, your Cybertruck has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative number of days (often 30+) under warranty.
Every state has different rules, so it’s crucial to check local lemon law requirements.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of each repair, including invoices, service orders, and correspondence with Tesla.
Stay on Top of Recalls: Check your VIN regularly on the NHTSA recall site or Tesla’s own recall page.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: If your Cybertruck problems continue despite multiple repair attempts, an attorney can help you pursue a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an exciting step into the future of electric trucks — but early models are showing worrying signs of quality control problems. From safety defects like unintended acceleration and failing wipers to smaller but still important compliance issues, these recalls show that Tesla still has bugs to work out.
If your Tesla Cybertruck has been in the shop repeatedly or is still unsafe after multiple repairs, you might have a lemon on your hands — and legal protections on your side.
If your truck is plagued by recurring problems, don’t wait. Contact a lemon law attorney in your state to see if you’re eligible for compensation or a replacement.