Buying a used Cybertruck: inspection checklist
What to check before you buy: recalls, warranty, tires, stainless, outlets, charging and paperwork.
Before you see the truck
- Open recalls: run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and compare with our recall list. Ask the seller for proof that recalls were completed.
- Warranty left: Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles and Battery and Drive Unit is 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Coverage depends on the in-service date; read the warranty terms for transfer rules. See our warranty guide.
On the truck
- Stainless: look along panels for scratches (no clear coat, so they're in the steel) and orange spots (usually surface contamination; see care guide).
- Tires: even wear, correct size and load rating, pressures per our tire guide.
- Outlets: test the bed 120V and 240V outlets with a known-good load.
- Charging: plug in and confirm charging starts and the charge port light behaves normally.
- Hitch and bed: look for towing wear; towing damage isn't covered by warranty.
- Service history: Tesla says service history records persist on the vehicle (Controls › Service › Maintenance) and aren't erased by a factory reset. Also ask for invoices, the window sticker and title status.
Never share a full VIN publicly. A pre-purchase inspection by Tesla service or a qualified independent shop is worth it.
General owner information, not factory service instructions. If anything here conflicts with your owner's manual or the Release Notes in your truck, those win.