NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Tesla Cybertruck is a full-size electric pickup truck, not a sedan, and it targets tech-forward buyers who want maximum utility paired with Tesla's signature electric performance. Launched for the 2024 model year, it occupies a unique space in the pickup segment with its angular stainless-steel construction and over-the-air software architecture. It competes against the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T for EV truck buyers.
The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 11 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally acknowledge the Cybertruck as a polarizing but technically ambitious vehicle, praising its electric performance and distinctive design while raising concerns about build quality consistency and the practical challenges of its unconventional stainless-steel body. Most reviewers treat it as a first-generation product that shows real promise alongside real rough edges.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19998
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS26V255000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2026-04-22
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V735000
Risk: 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-25-9
Reported 2025-10-28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V699000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-10-15
STRUCTURE:BODY25V170000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-03-18
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS24V935000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-12-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:INVERTER24V832000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-11-05
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE24V718000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-09-26
STRUCTURE:BODY24V457000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-06-19
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR24V456000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-06-19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL24V276000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-04-17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V051000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-01-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
158 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.