Elon Musk once touted the Cybertruck as a game-changing marvel, an all-electric, steel-clad juggernaut built to disrupt the pickup market and redefine automotive design. With its sci-fi styling and bold promises of performance and durability, it was more than just a vehicle; it was a symbol of Tesla ’s audacious innovation. When deliveries began in late 2023, the Cybertruck generated massive buzz, with early units selling out quickly and fans lining up to be part of the future. But less than two years after its launch, the Cybertruck is falling dramatically short of expectations, raising questions about whether one of Musk’s boldest bets is quietly becoming one of his most high-profile flops.

In the second quarter of 2025, Tesla delivered just about 5,000 Cybertrucks, a fraction of the originally projected volumes. Overall, Tesla’s global vehicle deliveries fell 14 percent year-over-year to 384,122 units, marking the second consecutive quarterly decline. Quality issues, including a major recall involving exterior panels detaching, and intensifying competition have compounded the Cybertruck’s woes. Tesla’s ambitious dream of revolutionizing the pickup truck market is now facing harsh realities, turning what was once a bold innovation into a costly misstep.


Cybertruck sales disappoint with only ~5,000 units delivered in Q2 2025

Tesla does not disclose Cybertruck sales separately, but analysis of available data reveals that Cybertruck deliveries in Q2 2025 were approximately 5,000 units—a steep drop compared to initial expectations and far below Elon Musk’s earlier forecasts of hundreds of thousands annually. The “other models” category, which includes the Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X, saw only 10,394 deliveries in Q2, down 20% from the previous quarter and 52% from the same quarter last year. This indicates that Cybertruck sales are not only low but also declining.


Production and inventory challenges at Tesla’s Texas gigafactory

Tesla produced 410,244 vehicles in Q2 2025, nearly matching last year’s production, but deliveries lagged behind at 384,122 units. The Texas Gigafactory, where the Cybertruck is assembled, has faced production slowdowns and staffing cuts in response to weak demand. Industry insiders report that Tesla has a significant inventory backlog, with unsold Cybertrucks reportedly accumulating to about two years’ worth of current sales volume. This inventory glut highlights the gap between Tesla’s production ambitions and market realities.


Recalls and quality issues damage Cybertruck’s reputation

The Cybertruck has been hit by at least eight recalls since its launch in November 2023, the most notable being a recall of 46,000 units due to stainless steel exterior trim panels detaching, especially in cold weather when adhesives failed. This defect forced Tesla to temporarily halt deliveries and conduct repairs, severely undermining the vehicle’s marketed image as “indestructible.” Customer reports of panels falling off have damaged consumer confidence and contributed to the vehicle’s poor sales performance.


Pricing and market competition weigh on demand

Tesla’s pricing strategy has also hindered Cybertruck sales. The base rear-wheel-drive model was introduced at around $70,000, but it lacks many premium features, limiting its appeal. Higher-priced variants exceed $100,000, putting the Cybertruck at a disadvantage against more affordable and conventional electric pickups from competitors. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly crowded, with Chinese manufacturers and legacy automakers offering compelling alternatives that have chipped away at Tesla’s market share.


Elon Musk’s controversies impact Tesla’s brand and sales

According to reports, Elon Musk’s increasingly polarizing political activism and public controversies have severely damaged Tesla’s brand reputation, contributing to a sharp decline in sales worldwide. According to the 2025 Axios Harris Poll, Tesla’s brand ranking plummeted from 8th place in 2021 to a dismal 95th out of 100 companies, placing last in categories such as character, ethics, and citizenship. Musk’s vocal support for controversial political figures, including a high-profile alignment with President Donald Trump, sparked protests and boycotts across the U.S. and Europe, alienating many potential customers and eroding trust in the Tesla brand.


This reputational fallout has translated into tangible business consequences. Tesla’s vehicle deliveries fell 14% year-over-year in Q2 2025, with European sales plunging nearly 50% amid intensifying competition and consumer backlash linked to Musk’s public image. While the global EV market continues to grow, Tesla struggles to maintain its foothold, losing ground to rivals like BYD. Analysts attribute much of Tesla’s sales decline to the negative perception surrounding Musk’s leadership and political entanglements, which have undermined consumer confidence and investor sentiment alike.


Broader sales trends reflect Tesla’s struggles

Tesla’s total vehicle deliveries in Q2 2025 were 384,122, down 14% from 443,956 in Q2 2024. The Model 3 and Model Y remain Tesla’s best sellers, accounting for 373,728 deliveries, while other models including the Cybertruck delivered just over 10,000 units. Tesla’s stock has suffered, closing 2025 down 26%, with a market capitalization below $1 trillion for the first time in years. Despite these setbacks, Tesla continues to invest in autonomous driving and new product development to regain momentum.


Tesla CEO Elon Musk remains optimistic about doubling U.S. production over the next two years, but analysts are skeptical about near-term Cybertruck recovery. With quality issues unresolved and demand weak, forecasts for Cybertruck deliveries in 2025 hover around 20,000 units, a far cry from initial ambitions. To revive the Cybertruck, Tesla must address manufacturing defects, adjust pricing strategies, and repair its brand image.