The Tesla Cybertruck has received a below-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, citing recalls, build quality issues, and new technology challenges. Despite this, the overall Tesla brand achieved its highest-ever ranking of ninth out of 26 brands. Owner experiences vary, with some reporting major glitches early on while others praise its durability after extensive use.
Consumer Reports recently completed testing on the Tesla Cybertruck, assigning it one of the brand's lowest reliability scores, which falls below average. The evaluation highlights multiple recalls, including one for steel panels detaching, as well as minor build quality problems such as uneven panel gaps, door malfunctions, and cosmetic inconsistencies. These issues are attributed partly to the vehicle's novelty and innovative features like over-the-air software updates, a proprietary large single-wiper design, steer-by-wire system, and 48-volt architecture.
In contrast, Tesla as a whole ranked ninth out of 26 brands in reliability—the company's best performance to date—suggesting that early Cybertruck problems may resolve over time, similar to past models. One owner shared on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum that after surpassing 50,000 miles, his truck has proven more reliable than previous Ford, Chevy, and GMC vehicles. He drives 100 miles daily for work, hauls up to 1,000 pounds of equipment, and uses it for environmental testing, construction, towing, camping, and off-road activities. However, he noted the vehicle's politically charged public perception as a downside.
Not all experiences are positive. Mark Livings reported a severe issue after just 424 miles on his 2026 Cybertruck: the vehicle refused to shift into drive or reverse, flashing red alerts for a high-voltage system error and cabin climate control service needs. Reboots and other resets failed, leaving it immobilized until service could be scheduled. Community responses on Facebook suggested similar transient faults that resolved after waiting, underscoring the Cybertruck's software-dependent nature compared to traditional trucks.
User reviews on Edmunds average 4.6 out of 5 stars, with many owners calling it the 'best all-around vehicle' that 'excels at nearly everything,' though some deem it not yet ready for widespread use. Early maintenance costs remain low, and Tesla's iterative update approach may address these growing pains.
