The Tesla Cybertruck, an electric vehicle that was once touted as a groundbreaking innovation, is now at the center of controversies and vandalism as tensions rise around its owner, Elon Musk. Recent incidents have raised questions about the vehicle's reception, its connection to Musk’s political affiliations, and the pressing quality control issues that have surfaced as more owners take delivery of their vehicles.
In one striking incident, a Tesla Cybertruck owner found his vehicle vandalized with swastikas after taking it for routine repairs at a service center in Lynwood, Washington. The owner, who prefers to remain unnamed, described his shock upon discovering that not only his vehicle but also five others had been targeted by vandals. On March 10, 2025, the owner received a notification at 2:30 PM about the damage to his vehicle. Despite this incident, he remains a staunch supporter of Tesla, often praising the “exceptional customer service” he has received over the years.
Known as RoRo among fellow enthusiasts, he commented on the attack, saying, “I always say there is a right and a wrong side of history - the people doing this are definitely on the wrong side of history.” His lament from deep personal investment was palpable: “You are not hurting Elon, he already has my money - you are hurting me. I worked my bones off to get a Cybertruck. It is so sad that people are doing this.”
RoRo’s loyalty to Tesla spans back to 2014, and his Cybertruck marks his fourth Tesla model. “If anything it has probably made me a bigger one,” he said, expressing a desire to eventually purchase another Cybertruck despite the recent violence and vandalism surrounding the brand.
The Tesla vandalism incidents have become a broader issue, with reports indicating consistent protests against Tesla showrooms across the U.S., particularly in locations like Bellevue, Tacoma, and South Lake Union. The FBI has announced that it is investigating a cluster of cases involving attacks on Tesla properties and charging stations. In a statement, the FBI mentioned they are working closely with local law enforcement to address these disturbances, urging the public to report any suspicious activities.
Adding to the national conversation, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi characterized these attacks as “nothing short of domestic terrorism.” She stated, “The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism,” indicating the severity with which law enforcement regards these incidents. This escalation in threats has far-reaching implications for the company, which has already faced numerous challenges regarding the quality of its latest vehicle—the Cybertruck.
In recent weeks, Tesla announced a temporary suspension of Cybertruck sales due to ongoing concerns about build quality. Reports from owners in forums highlight recurring issues, including metal panels detaching mid-use, particularly a major point of failure being the cantrail—a decorative roof trim. Given the vehicle’s advertised durability, concerns have been exacerbated as owners report adhesive failures in cold weather. Tesla has been forced to announce multiple recalls, addressing these panel detachments, software glitches, and even critical failures related to the accelerator pedal’s design.
Despite once being regarded as an industry disruptor, the Cybertruck has seen a steep decline in sales, with only around 40,000 sold last year—representing merely 2% of Tesla’s total deliveries. Walton Clark from the Automotive Industry Association noted, “Sales may have already peaked, hitting more than 5,000 a month in September but falling below 3,000 by February.” The decline has prompted Tesla to introduce significant price discounts and rebrand its high-end “Founders Series” models as standard versions to clear inventory—a move seen as an effort to ameliorate growing buyer skepticism.
Unfavorable reflections on the vehicle also emerged during the New Orleans Mardi Gras festival, where five Cybertrucks transporting event marshals encountered hostile reactions from the crowd. Pelted with beer cans and booed throughout their presence, two of the vehicles sustained cracked windows amid the chaos. The dislike appears to stem partially from the perception of Cybertrucks as emblematic of Musk’s increasingly conservative political shift—a viewpoint that has solidified the vehicle’s status as a polarizing symbol.
Musk’s ties to Donald Trump have been highlighted, with critics describing the Cybertruck as a “Maga hat on wheels.” This sentiment was reflected by owners who claimed the vehicles have attracted unwarranted negativity, with one owner reporting incidents of drivers gesturing aggressively at them and another recounting how a bystander urinated on a parked Cybertruck. “It takes a big personality to drive a Cybertruck,” noted Gene Munster, a managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management. “It’s not for everybody because it just stands out so much.”
As tensions escalate, a recent incident in Las Vegas has caught the country’s attention. On March 18, 2025, multiple Cybertrucks at Tesla’s facility were set ablaze, with the word “Resist” sprayed on the doors, further invoking federal scrutiny. In light of these incidents, Tesla’s reputation hangs precariously in the balance.
The abrupt suspension of Cybertruck sales, alongside an array of quality issues and polarized public sentiment, presents a formidable challenge for Musk and Tesla. The road ahead is fraught with difficulties, compounded by a market increasingly skeptical of the brand's direction and viability.
Despite these setbacks, the Cybertruck remains widely recognized beyond conventional vehicle status, becoming part of the cultural zeitgeist—a symbol of both celebrity and controversy. From owner complaints surfacing on social media to viral videos catching panels falling off mid-drive, the narrative surrounding Tesla’s ambitious venture continues to evolve, highlighting a narrative of innovation mingled with unresolved chaos.
