Tesla’s recent decision to revise its Full Self-Driving (FSD) transfer promotion has sparked intense debate within the Tesla community. The company quietly updated its terms in late February 2026, shifting the eligibility requirement from “order by March 31, 2026” to “take delivery by March 31, 2026.”
Initially introduced as a flexible incentive to boost sales, the promotion allowed buyers to transfer their paid FSD (Supervised) to a new vehicle. However, the updated terms now exclude many, particularly Cybertruck owners who are facing delivery delays until summer or later.
Tesla has stated that it will honor transfers for orders with initial delivery windows before the deadline and offers full deposit refunds for orders that do not meet the new criteria. The company cites its longstanding fine print that the program is subject to change at any time.
The change in eligibility has divided the Tesla community, with some accusing the company of a “bait-and-switch” tactic, while others defend it as a necessary business decision. Many owners who placed orders under the original wording feel betrayed, especially as production backlogs and the rollout of new unsupervised FSD features complicate timelines.
Critics argue that the revision disadvantages loyal customers who have supported FSD development and view it as poor communication and a revenue grab as Tesla shifts towards a subscription-based model. Influencers within the Tesla community have amplified this divide, with some taking a measured approach and others expressing frustration and disappointment.
Popular Tesla influencer Sawyer Merritt highlighted the frustration felt by many owners, particularly those with pre-change Cybertruck orders that may now lose FSD eligibility if their initial delivery window falls after March 31. The controversy underscores the tension between Tesla’s need for revenue discipline and owners’ expectations of goodwill.
As FSD technology advances towards unsupervised capability, the community remains divided on whether the change in promotion terms is a necessary business decision or a broken promise. The question remains whether Tesla will reconsider its stance under pressure or maintain its current position. Despite the backlash, it seems that Tesla is standing firm on its decision.