Tesla Forced Me to Buy A 2024 Cybertruck Or Lose My $250 Deposit Even Though I Placed My Order Yesterday, But Another Showroom Gave Me A Sweeter Offer

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been making waves since its release, but for some buyers, the ordering process has presented unexpected challenges. Eldhose Nariyelil, a member of the Tesla Cybertruck Owners Facebook group, recently shared her frustration about an unusual problem after placing her order for a new Cybertruck in 2025. Here’s what happened, how she resolved it, and why this situation could be important for you if you’re planning to order a Cybertruck.

Eldhose explained in her post: “Hi, has anyone received a 2025 model Cybertruck? I placed an order yesterday and they assigned me a VIN number within minutes. When I called the insurance, I realized it was a 2024 model year. I reached out to the delivery team and asked them to assign me a 2025. They told me they haven’t seen any 2025’s yet and put me on a 14-day hold. They said if I don’t place the order before Jan 20th, my $250 will be forfeited. Do you know how to reach customer support in Tesla’s corporate offices?

Why Tesla Assigned a 2024 VIN

For those unfamiliar with how Tesla’s VIN assignment works, the process can sometimes feel confusing. Here are a few reasons why Eldhose, despite ordering her Cybertruck in 2025, was assigned a 2024 model year VIN:

1. Inventory Management: Tesla often prioritizes clearing out inventory of vehicles from the previous model year. Assigning 2024 VINs helps Tesla ensure these vehicles are sold before they become “aged inventory.”
2. Production Timing: Even if a customer orders a vehicle in 2025, Tesla might still have unsold units from 2024 in their system. If the specifications of the 2024 vehicle match the customer’s order, Tesla may assign the older model by default.
3. VIN Assignment Automation: Tesla’s system likely auto-generates VINs based on availability and proximity. Unless a specific model year is requested, the system may not differentiate between model years.

A Community-Sourced Solution

Fortunately, the Tesla Cybertruck Owners group came to Eldhose’s rescue. Raj Bindra shared this insightful advice in the comments: “They will automatically assign you a 2024 because they want to get rid of them. I was at Tesla last weekend, and they have 2025’s ready for delivery. You need to order it at the Tesla showroom, and they will get you a 2025. You can go there and try to get them to reassign.”

Taking Raj’s advice, Eldhose headed to a Tesla service center and discovered an easy fix. She later updated her post, writing: “So all I had to do was go to a service center and pick whatever VIN I wanted. I chose S for the 10th digit, and it is a 2025 Cybertruck.”

This simple solution highlights the importance of being proactive and seeking out alternative ways to resolve issues when dealing with Tesla’s automated systems.

Why This Matters to You

If you’re planning to order a Cybertruck or any Tesla vehicle, here’s why Eldhose’s experience could benefit you:

• Avoiding Model Year Confusion: Knowing how Tesla’s VIN assignment works can help you ensure you get the model year you’re paying for. If you’re set on a specific year, make it clear during the ordering process or visit a service center.
• Saving Money: Eldhose’s situation revealed that Tesla’s automated system may put orders on hold, risking forfeiture of the $250 order fee. Acting quickly to resolve the issue can save you from losing this deposit.
• Empowering Yourself as a Consumer: By sharing her story, Eldhose empowered others in the Tesla community to advocate for themselves. If you encounter a similar problem, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue or visit a Tesla showroom for assistance.

A Lesson from the Tesla Community

This story also underscores the value of online communities. Eldhose’s quick resolution wouldn’t have been possible without advice from fellow Tesla enthusiasts like Raj Bindra. When navigating the Tesla ecosystem, these groups can be an invaluable resource for troubleshooting and insider tips.

What’s Next?

Tesla’s delivery process may have its quirks, but solutions are often just a conversation away. If you’re facing a similar situation, consider visiting your local Tesla service center or showroom to take control of the process.

Have you encountered a VIN or delivery issue with your Tesla? How did you resolve it? Share your story in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota, Tesla, and other car brand news.