Elon Musk has long envisioned the Cybertruck as the ultimate conversation starter. Over the weekend, he certainly got his wish, albeit not in the manner he intended. A bizarre video went viral, stoking rumors so wild that Tesla, known for its absence of a public relations team, felt compelled to publicly deny the claims.
This incident underscores the Cybertruck’s contentious standing. It’s a vehicle that evokes strong opinions, heavily promoted by its creator, establishing itself as a focal point for controversy and now, viral misinformation.
The Viral Hoax
The saga began on a seemingly typical Sunday when a user named “bighuey313” shared a dramatic video from inside his purportedly disabled Cybertruck. “Wtf I’m in the middle of traffic, bro,” he exclaimed, showing a dashboard warning that read: “Tesla Cybertruck De-Activated. Critical Issue Detected | Contact Customer Service, Comply with Cease & Desist to Re-Activate.”
“Everything is locked. Cybertruck deactivated,” he added, conveying a sense of desperation. “I can’t move the car, bro, I’m stranded as f**k.”
In a follow-up post, the user even displayed a supposed “cease and desist” letter from Tesla, alleging that the company was taking legal action against him for a song titled “Cybertruck.” The insinuation was alarming, suggesting Tesla had remotely disabled his vehicle over a trivial legal issue.
He also claims Tesla sent him a cease and desist letter because he made a song titled Cybertruck or something like that.
That’s why the error message in the video mentions a cease and desist. pic.twitter.com/1zdtGApEfj
— Jeremy Judkins (@jeremyjudkins_) August 11, 2025
The video gained traction across major social media platforms. However, observant users quickly pointed out inconsistencies, including that the signature on the letter came from a Tesla lawyer who no longer held that title.
Tesla’s Rare Denial
The rumor’s escalation forced Tesla’s official account on X to post an unusual and direct rebuttal the following Monday.
“This is fake – that’s not our screen,” Tesla asserted. “Tesla does NOT disable vehicles remotely.”
This is fake – that’s not our screen.
Tesla does NOT disable vehicles remotely. https://t.co/QFOLG74AJI
— Tesla (@Tesla) August 11, 2025
Why This Hoax Stuck
The need for Tesla to respond reveals the Cybertruck’s tarnished reputation. As previously reported by Gizmodo, the sci-fi pickup has seen a significant downturn in sales, with new vehicle sales plummeting by over 50% in the second quarter, and its resale value falling by more than 30% in the used car market.
This contrasting reality sharply opposes Musk’s zealous promotions of the truck as “apocalypse-level safe” and “bullet tough.” Such a blend of grand expectations and actual disappointments has rendered the Cybertruck susceptible to scrutiny. Consumers are already inclined to believe the worst about it, and the notion of a corporation disabling a customer’s vehicle feeds into electric vehicle skeptics’ deepest anxieties.
For Tesla, the stakes are notably high. Recently, a last-minute surge in demand, partly driven by expiring EV tax credits, has provided a temporary boost in Cybertruck sales. However, its long-term success remains uncertain. The spread of a viral rumor about a remote “kill switch” is the last thing a faltering brand needs. This entire situation illustrates how the Cybertruck has become a cultural lightning rod; Tesla will likely have to continuously address controversies as they arise.
For a vehicle that already faces challenges in attracting buyers — and increasingly appears as a commercial flop — even a fabricated viral story can severely damage its reputation.
How does Tesla’s Cybertruck compare to other electric vehicles? The Cybertruck’s unique design and features set it apart, but it has struggled to meet consumer expectations, especially when compared to traditional electric vehicles that have solid sales records.
What legal actions can a company take over a viral hoax? Companies can issue cease and desist letters and demand retractions, but proving harm can be difficult in such swift-moving situations.
Is Tesla planning updates or improvements for Cybertruck? While the company has hinted at potential improvements to boost sales and consumer interest, specific details have not been publicly confirmed.
How has consumer perception changed regarding Tesla’s vehicles? With increasing competition in the electric vehicle market, consumer perception of Tesla has become more cautious, focusing on product quality and reliability.
If you’re curious to learn more about the Cybertruck and Tesla’s journey, I encourage you to explore more content related to this fascinating topic. Visit Moyens I/O for further insights and updates.