Poll Reveals 67% of Americans Wouldn’t Buy a Tesla

Tesla’s grip on the American EV market might be slipping, and a new survey suggests that CEO Elon Musk is playing a major role in that decline. A recent poll conducted by Yahoo News and YouGov has revealed that a staggering 67% of Americans would not consider buying or leasing a Tesla. Even more strikingly, 37% of those surveyed specifically cited Musk as either the primary or a contributing factor in their decision.

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The Numbers Tell the Story

The survey, which included 1,677 U.S. adults between March 20 and 24, 2025, uncovered some stark statistics:

• Yes, I would consider a Tesla – 18%
• No, I wouldn’t – 67%
• Not sure – 13%
• I already own/lease a Tesla – 2%

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For a brand that was once synonymous with the future of transportation, seeing over two-thirds of Americans outright reject Tesla is a worrying sign. When respondents were asked specifically about Musk’s influence on their decision:

• Musk is the whole reason I wouldn’t consider a Tesla – 20%
• He is part of the reason – 17%
• Total impact (whole/part) – 37%
• Not a factor in my decision – 27%
• Not sure – 3%
• Owns/leases or is open to Tesla – 33%

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Elon Musk’s Reputation Is Declining

While Musk has long been seen as a visionary entrepreneur, his personal brand appears to be taking a hit. The survey shows that 55% of Americans now hold an unfavorable opinion of him:

• Very favorable – 21%
• Somewhat favorable – 18%
• Total favorable – 39%
• Somewhat unfavorable – 10%
• Very unfavorable – 45%
• Total unfavorable – 55%
• Not sure – 6%

Tesla itself isn’t faring much better. The company’s favorability closely mirrors Musk’s, with 49% of respondents holding an unfavorable view of the automaker and just 37% seeing it in a positive light.

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Why Does This Matter for Australia?

While this is a U.S.-focused survey, it has significant implications for the global EV market, including Australia. Tesla remains a dominant force in Australia’s EV sector, but sentiment in key markets like the U.S. often influences global trends.

Musk’s polarising nature could affect Tesla’s reputation Down Under as well. Australian EV buyers tend to be pragmatic—focused on cost, charging infrastructure, and government incentives rather than company personalities. However, public perception still plays a crucial role in a company’s success. If Tesla’s brand takes a nosedive internationally, it could affect resale values, market confidence, and even government policy regarding EV incentives.

Tesla’s Challenges Go Beyond Musk

It’s not just Musk’s divisive persona that’s causing trouble. Tesla’s product lineup has stagnated in recent years. The Cybertruck, the company’s first new model in five years, has been met with mixed reactions. Meanwhile, legacy automakers like Ford, GM, and Hyundai are ramping up their EV offerings, while Chinese brands like BYD are growing quickly in international markets, including Australia.

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Furthermore, Tesla has lost significant talent in the past two years. A string of executive departures and reported workplace turmoil suggest that internal management struggles could be just as concerning as Musk’s public antics.

Where Does Tesla Go From Here?

If Tesla wants to maintain its stronghold in the EV market, it needs to shift the narrative—fast. That could mean refocusing on innovation, addressing concerns about after-sales service, and potentially creating some distance between the brand and Musk’s more controversial public statements.

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For Australian EV buyers, this news is a reminder to consider the bigger picture when investing in an electric vehicle. Tesla still offers cutting-edge technology and an extensive charging network, but emerging competitors are quickly catching up. Whether Musk’s influence continues to erode Tesla’s brand remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the EV landscape is evolving, and brand loyalty can no longer be taken for granted.