NHTSA Recall Reveals Tesla Produced 63,619 Cybertrucks Through October 2025
A recently filed NHTSA safety report has inadvertently disclosed Tesla's total Cybertruck production volume: 63,619 units manufactured between November 13, 2023 and October 11, 2025, representing the first official confirmation of production scale for the stainless-steel truck.
Key Takeaways
- The NHTSA recall covers exactly 63,619 vehicles, confirming these represent all Cybertrucks produced to date through October 2025
- This production volume significantly exceeds earlier analyst estimates while falling short of Tesla's initial production targets
- Tesla has already deployed software fix version 2025.38.3 to address the parking light issue, with owner notifications beginning December 13
- The data reveals Cybertruck's production rate averaged approximately 9,088 units per month since November 2023
The Story
Federal safety documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided the first authoritative production figures for Tesla's controversial Cybertruck. According to the recall notice reported by ArenaEV, Tesla is recalling every single Cybertruck ever produced—63,619 units—due to a software defect affecting the brightness of parking lights. The documentation specifies these vehicles were manufactured between November 13, 2023 (just after initial deliveries began) and October 11, 2025, effectively confirming total production volume through that date.
Tesla's practice of not breaking down sales by vehicle model has left analysts guessing about Cybertruck's actual production scale. Previous estimates varied widely, with Kelley Blue Book suggesting approximately 38,965 units sold in 2024 alone. The NHTSA data now provides definitive figures, revealing a production trajectory that shows acceleration after initial low-volume manufacturing but falling short of Tesla's original multi-million unit ambitions for the vehicle. The recall notice also confirms Tesla's rapid over-the-air update capability, having already deployed software version 2025.38.3 to fix the issue on October 8, 2025—just one week after identifying the problem during an internal review.
The Contrarian View (Devil's Advocate)
While the production number appears substantial, skeptics point out this represents only 63,619 units over nearly two years of production—significantly below traditional auto industry standards. The Chevrolet Silverado, by comparison, typically sells that many units in under two months. The Cybertruck's premium pricing ($60,990-$99,990) and specialized stainless steel construction limit its addressable market, raising questions about whether it will ever achieve meaningful scale in the competitive pickup segment. Additionally, the vehicle has faced seven recalls in 2024 alone plus another earlier in 2025 for body panels that could detach—suggesting persistent quality control challenges that may impact long-term profitability despite the impressive production volume revelation.
Context & Implications
The Cybertruck production figure provides critical context for understanding Tesla's manufacturing strategy. With total Cybertruck production sitting at 63,619 units through October 2025, we can calculate an average production rate of approximately 9,088 vehicles per month since November 2023. This represents significant ramp-up from initial production rates but remains substantially lower than Tesla's targeted production volumes. The number also reveals the Cybertruck's contribution to Tesla's overall production mix—while accounting for just a small fraction of Tesla's total output, it serves as a halo product showcasing manufacturing innovation with its exoskeleton design and stainless steel construction.
For Investors
These figures validate Cybertruck as Tesla's third major production vehicle after Model 3/Y, but highlight its niche positioning. At approximately $80,000 average selling price, the Cybertruck generates meaningful revenue despite lower volumes. However, investors should note the vehicle's seven recalls in 2024 alone indicate ongoing quality challenges that could impact margins. The production data suggests Tesla has achieved moderate success with Cybertruck as a premium segment product rather than a volume driver, which aligns with recent production schedule adjustments showing Gigafactory Texas focusing significant capacity on Model Y alongside Cybertruck and upcoming Next Generation vehicles.
Risks & Unknowns
Key uncertainties remain around Cybertruck's long-term viability. Tesla has yet to disclose how many of the 63,619 produced units have actually been delivered to customers versus sitting in inventory. Profitability metrics remain opaque given the vehicle's complex manufacturing process. Additionally, with Tesla planning to shift focus toward next-generation platforms and the Cybercab at Gigafactory Texas, it's unclear how Cybertruck production will evolve beyond 2025. The recent production schedule showing no vehicle manufacturing during the last two weeks of December (per Gigafactory Texas drone footage) suggests potential capacity reallocation that could impact future Cybertruck output.
Source: NHTSA.gov (primary), ArenaEV.com (reporting)
Disclaimer: This is an EIC analysis. Always conduct your own due diligence.