Tesla Cybertruck Buyer Checklist

2024–2026·Last reviewed 6/9/2026·11 active NHTSA recalls

New platform — high recall rate as expected for a first-generation vehicle. Stainless body and 48V electrical system are unique inspection points.

Used EV battery health →

Paperwork

VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status

Exterior

Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work

Interior

Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
Floor mats present and correct part numbers
Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered

Tech / Software

Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account

Charging

Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter

Cybertruck specifics

Inspect every stainless panel gap — large or uneven gaps are common, but mark anything beyond ~4 mm
Look for orange-peel, fingerprint, or smudge marks on stainless — they're hard to remove
Tonneau cover: opens / closes smoothly and seals at the front cab
Steer-by-wire: turn lock-to-lock and feel for any clunks or dead zones
Powershare / V2L outlets in the bed work
Confirm latest software — multiple recalls have been remedied OTA

New Delivery Checklist

Paperwork

VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status

Exterior

Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work

Interior

Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
Floor mats present and correct part numbers
Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered

Tech / Software

Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account

Charging

Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter

Cybertruck specifics

Inspect every stainless panel gap — large or uneven gaps are common, but mark anything beyond ~4 mm
Look for orange-peel, fingerprint, or smudge marks on stainless — they're hard to remove
Tonneau cover: opens / closes smoothly and seals at the front cab
Steer-by-wire: turn lock-to-lock and feel for any clunks or dead zones
Powershare / V2L outlets in the bed work
Confirm latest software — multiple recalls have been remedied OTA

Used Pre-Purchase Checklist

Battery Health (most important)

Charge to 100% before viewing — note indicated full range and compare to original EPA
Request an OEM battery health report (Tesla Service, Ford Pro, Hyundai Bluelink, etc.)
Check for an active high-voltage battery warranty (typically 8 yr / 100k miles, transferable)
Walk away if battery shows >15% capacity loss before 60k miles unless price reflects it
Confirm no open recall on the high-voltage battery (verify on nhtsa.gov by VIN)
OBD-II scan with EV-capable tool (LeafSpy, Scan My Tesla, Car Scanner) for cell balance / SOH

Body & Frame

Paint thickness reading across each panel — flag any panel >50% above average (repaint)
Inspect underbody and battery enclosure for impact damage, scrapes, or sealant overspray
Wheel wells: look for bent inner liners, suspension damage, or aftermarket weld repair
Frunk / trunk seals intact, drains clear, no water staining or rust
Check Carfax / AutoCheck for accident history, title issues, prior owners, odometer rollback

Drivetrain & Suspension

Test drive 20+ minutes including highway: no clunks, whines, or shudders under regen
One-pedal driving smooth; brake pedal firm without grinding (brakes can rust from disuse)
Steering centered; no pull, vibration, or knocking over bumps
All-wheel-drive models: confirm both axles engage (light acceleration on loose surface)
No coolant leaks under battery pack or motor area

Charging Hardware

Inspect charge port for burn marks, melted pins, or corrosion (sign of bad public sessions)
Plug into Level 2 EVSE and verify full session start, ramp, and stop
If possible, run a brief DC fast-charge session — confirm contactor close, ramp to expected kW
Original portable charger / cable included; check for connector damage

Service History & Recalls

Pull all open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm completion at dealer
Request service records — software updates, brake fluid flush, coolant service, tire rotations
Confirm any prior battery, motor, or inverter replacements are documented
If under remaining warranty, transfer paperwork to your name at purchase

Test Drive Checklist

All HVAC modes work — heat pump cars: verify heat in cold weather if possible
All cameras and sensors clean and active; no 'service required' warnings
12V battery health — many EV failures trace back to a weak 12V; ask date last replaced
Verify infotainment account can be reset to your ownership (factory reset done)
Check tire DOT date and tread depth across all four; EV tires wear fast

Cybertruck-specific used checks

Confirm ALL outstanding recalls have been performed (this truck has many)
Inspect accelerator pedal — early recall covered the trim cover slipping
Check stainless panels for galvanic corrosion at any attachment point
Steer-by-wire: feels normal at every speed; no warning lamps

Known Issues

Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.

Major
Accelerator pedal cover dislodgement
Pedal pad could slip and trap pedal under trim. Recalled and remedied at delivery.
Source: NHTSA 24V-301 ↗
Major
Inverter / drive unit failures (early VINs)
Several owners reported sudden power loss requiring drive-unit replacement under warranty.
Watch
Windshield wiper motor recall
Single high-current motor could fail and disable wipers. Remedy by replacement.

Active NHTSA Recalls

Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 25V699000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles operating software prior to 2025.38.3. The vehicle controller software may cause the front parking lights to be too bright and exceed the maximum light output, adversely affecting the vision of other drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Parking lights that are too bright can reduce visibility of oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-008.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
STRUCTURE:BODY 25V170000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Cybertruck vehicles. The light bar can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: A detached light bar can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the cant rail assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-10-001.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL 24V276000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. The accelerator pedal pad may dislodge and cause the pedal to become trapped by the interior trim.
Consequence: A trapped accelerator pedal can cause the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace or repair the accelerator pedal assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-33-003.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR 24V456000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. Excessive electrical current can cause the front windshield wiper motor controller to fail.
Consequence: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-006.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
STRUCTURE:BODY 24V457000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. The trunk bed trim sail applique could have been improperly adhered and can loosen.
Consequence: A loose applique can detach from the vehicle, creating a road hazard for following motorists and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will apply adhesion promoter and pressure sensitive tape or replace missing applique as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-12-006.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS 26V255000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with 18-inch steel wheels. The brake rotor stud holes may crack and allow the stud to separate from the wheel hub.
Consequence: Wheel stud separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the front and rear brake rotors, hubs, and lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-33-003.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS 24V935000
2020 TESLA MODEL Y
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL 24V051000
2020 TESLA MODEL Y
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE 24V718000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 25, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-016.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 25V735000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles equipped with a service-installed off-road light bar accessory. An incorrect surface primer may have been used to attach the lightbar to the windshield, causing the light bar to loosen and detach.
Consequence: A detached light bar may fall, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect the light bar and install an additional mechanical attachment or replace the light bar using tape to adhere the light bar to the windshield as well as an additional mechanical attachment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-90-001.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:INVERTER 24V832000
2024 TESLA CYBERTRUCK · 5/11/2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. A fault in the drive inverter may cause a loss of drive power to the wheels.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the drive inverter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 4, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-40-009.
View on NHTSA.gov ↗

Paperwork

Exterior

Interior

Tech / Software

Charging

Cybertruck specifics

New Delivery Checklist

Paperwork

Exterior

Interior

Tech / Software

Charging

Cybertruck specifics

Used Pre-Purchase Checklist

Battery Health (most important)

Body & Frame

Drivetrain & Suspension

Charging Hardware

Service History & Recalls

Test Drive Checklist

Cybertruck-specific used checks

Known Issues

Accelerator pedal cover dislodgement

Inverter / drive unit failures (early VINs)

Windshield wiper motor recall

Active NHTSA Recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 25V699000

STRUCTURE:BODY 25V170000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL 24V276000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR 24V456000

STRUCTURE:BODY 24V457000

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS 26V255000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS 24V935000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL 24V051000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE 24V718000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 25V735000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:INVERTER 24V832000