Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck has been making headlines since it launched—but not all of them have been positive. In a surprising development, some Cybertruck owners have reported that Tesla is refusing to take their vehicles back unless they go through the formal Lemon Law process. According to reports from forums and news outlets, Tesla has informed certain owners—especially those with trucks stuck in service centers—that a buyback is only possible if the vehicle qualifies under state Lemon Law protections.
This revelation comes as Tesla faces record-high stockpiles of unsold Cybertrucks, with the company reportedly declining trade-ins for the vehicle. For frustrated owners, this presents a difficult dilemma. The only path toward returning their defective vehicles appears to be a legal one. And that path, while effective, is not always easy without proper guidance.
If you’re a California resident dealing with a defective Cybertruck, it’s critical to understand your rights under California’s Lemon Law. This post explains what’s happening, what Tesla is (and isn’t) doing for its customers, and how The Barry Law Firm can help you take action if you’re affected.
Tesla Reportedly Refusing Trade-Ins and Recommending Lemon Law Claims
According to recent discussions on the Cybertruck Owners Club forums and reporting by Electrek, some Cybertruck owners have experienced long repair delays and unresolved mechanical or software issues—leading them to ask Tesla for a buyback. In response, Tesla has reportedly told customers that they must pursue a Cybertruck lemon law claim before any buyback can be processed. This highlights the growing issue of Tesla Cybertruck problems in California.
This isn’t just hearsay. Multiple forum users have shared direct quotes from Tesla representatives, including letters confirming Tesla’s willingness to repurchase the vehicle—but only after the customer completes the Lemon Law process. The company has requested detailed paperwork such as registration documents, payment history, and loan payoff amounts as part of their buyback protocol.
While this may appear like a legal workaround, it’s actually a recognition of a key fact: Tesla knows that state Lemon Laws entitle customers to relief when a vehicle cannot be repaired in a reasonable number of attempts. However, the burden of proof lies with the consumer. That means owners must properly document service attempts, provide evidence of unresolved issues, and in many cases, hire an attorney to make Tesla take the matter seriously.
This new development reflects a shift in Tesla’s strategy for dealing with Cybertruck complaints. Rather than initiate buybacks proactively, the company appears to be pushing the responsibility onto the consumer—requiring them to navigate complex legal processes before Tesla will act.
What Is Required to File a Lemon Law Claim for a Cybertruck? 
Every state has its own version of Lemon Law, but in California, the rules are especially strong in protecting consumers. To qualify under the California Lemon Law, a vehicle must meet several criteria. First, the defect must occur within the vehicle’s original warranty period, and second, the issue must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Most importantly, there must be a reasonable number of repair attempts or the vehicle must be in the shop for an extended period—typically 30 days or more—without a resolution.
For Cybertruck owners, common reported issues include:
- Software glitches that affect driveability or safety features
- Power system malfunctions
- Suspension and steering defects
- Extended periods at Tesla service centers with no clear resolution.
These types of problems—especially when unresolved—may qualify the vehicle as a lemon under California lemon law for electric vehicles. Once a Cybertruck meets Lemon Law criteria, owners are eligible to pursue a legal claim that may result in a full refund, vehicle replacement, or monetary compensation.
The biggest hurdle? Many consumers don’t know how to navigate this process on their own. Forum users have expressed frustration with delays, mixed messages from Tesla, and an overwhelming amount of paperwork. As one Cybertruck owner put it bluntly: the process only became manageable after they got a lawyer involved.
That’s why having a knowledgeable legal partner makes all the difference. Tesla is a powerful company with vast resources—and they are not quick to admit fault. If you’re going up against them, you need a legal team that knows how to hold them accountable.
What Tesla Owners Should Do Now 
If you are a Cybertruck owner in California and your vehicle has spent weeks in the shop or continues to experience serious issues, you should act quickly to protect your rights. The longer you wait to begin the Lemon Law process, the more difficult it may become to recover your losses. In addition, Tesla has not provided any timeline for when, or if, they plan to issue formal buybacks without legal pressure.
Here’s what we recommend Cybertruck owners do:
- Document Everything – Keep a detailed record of your vehicle’s defects, service appointments, time in the shop, and any communication with Tesla.
- Verify Your Warranty – Ensure the issues occurred while your Cybertruck was still covered under Tesla’s factory warranty.
- Avoid Delays – Don’t wait for Tesla to act on its own. The company is already instructing consumers to use Lemon Law as the path forward.
- Consult With The Barry Law Firm – Legal representation can help ensure your claim is taken seriously and processed correctly.
California’s Lemon Law was designed to protect consumers in exactly these situations. You are not required to simply accept the loss or trade your vehicle at a reduced value. If your truck qualifies as a lemon, you have the legal right to seek a refund or replacement—and Tesla must comply.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we have years of experience holding automakers accountable for vehicle defects and safety failures. If your Cybertruck—or any other Tesla vehicle—has spent significant time in the shop, suffers from recurring issues, or cannot be safely driven, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Why Choose The Barry Law Firm?
- Lemon Law & Auto Defect Experts – We focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases.
- Tesla Lemon Law Advice – We help clients across California take on EV manufacturers like Tesla.
- No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees if you win your case. And At The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
- Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
- Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations, so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If you believe your Cybertruck has a serious defect, contact us today for a FAST & FREE consultation to learn more about your legal rights.
Final Thoughts
Tesla’s decision to require customers to file Lemon Law claims before accepting buybacks is an important reminder: even the most advanced vehicles can suffer from serious defects, and automakers will not always offer easy solutions. If you’ve invested in a Cybertruck and now find yourself dealing with extended service delays, mechanical failures, or repeated repair attempts, you are not alone—and you have rights under California law.
At The Barry Law Firm, we are here to help consumers navigate this process, hold Tesla accountable, and get the compensation they deserve. Our legal team will evaluate your case, manage the paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf—all at no cost to you unless we win because the California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees if you win your case. And at The Barry Law Firm we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
Whether you’re dealing with Tesla defects and lemon law disputes, or just looking for guidance on what to do if your Cybertruck has issues, The Barry Law Firm is here to support you through every step of the process.
Don’t wait for Tesla to act on its own terms. If your Cybertruck is defective, take the first step toward a resolution today. Contact The Barry Law Firm for a free consultation and learn how California’s Lemon Law can work in your favor.
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