Tesla reportedly won’t let Cybertruck buyers transfer FSD without paying an additional $20,000

Tesla is facing backlash from customers after reportedly refusing to honor Full Self-Driving (FSD) transfers to the new base Cybertruck AWD trim. Owners say they were led to believe they could move their existing FSD purchase to the least expensive Cybertruck, but delivery advisors are now telling them the transfer only applies if they upgrade to a higher trim. That has left some buyers feeling Tesla changed the terms after orders were placed, prompting complaints online and, in some cases, cancellations.

The issue centers on Tesla’s FSD transfer policy and the launch of the Cybertruck AWD, which starts at about $60,000. Customers who reserved the truck expected that a previous FSD purchase — in some cases a perpetual license — would carry over to the new vehicle. Instead, they are reportedly being told the base trim is not eligible, forcing them to either pay roughly $20,000 more for a higher Cybertruck version or subscribe to FSD again at $99 per month.

The controversy comes after Tesla ended one-time FSD sales in February and shifted the feature to a subscription-only model for new buyers. The company then opened orders for the Cybertruck AWD on February 20, creating what many saw as a limited-time opportunity to lock in the lower price while also preserving the chance to transfer FSD. Tesla also reminded customers that the FSD transfer window would soon close, increasing pressure on owners who wanted the Cybertruck’s full functionality. Since the truck lacks Autosteer without FSD, the software is seen as especially important for buyers.

Tesla later updated its FSD transfer support language on February 27, changing the wording from “customers who place an order for a new Tesla vehicle” to “customers who take delivery of a new Tesla vehicle” by the March deadline. While the policy already used the word “may,” giving Tesla some discretion, owners argue they ordered under the assumption that delivery timing would still allow the transfer. That expectation appears to have been upended for the base Cybertruck AWD, sparking accusations of a bait-and-switch.

According to customer reports, Tesla is offering a refund of the $250 order fee for buyers who decide not to proceed. But many owners say the new rule undermines trust, especially for those trying to transfer FSD from older Hardware 3 vehicles that may never achieve fully unsupervised driving. Some also see the move as a missed opportunity for Tesla to migrate customers to newer hardware and reduce future retrofit obligations.

The dispute adds to broader concerns about Tesla’s shifting policies and brand loyalty. While the company is known for fast-moving product and software changes, owners say sudden changes to a major purchase decision can alienate longtime customers. For now, the controversy appears to be keeping some would-be Cybertruck buyers in their older Teslas instead of moving forward with the new truck.