Sam Altman, the founder and CEO of OpenAI, has raised eyebrows by revealing that he is still awaiting delivery of a Tesla vehicle he reserved over seven years ago. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Altman detailed his experience since making a $45,000 pre-reservation payment for a Tesla car in July 2018. He shared screenshots of three emails confirming his vehicle reservation, his request for a refund, and a bounced email notification indicating that the contact address was not found.
Altman expressed his disappointment about the prolonged wait, stating, “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.” This frustration mirrors sentiments previously expressed by Tesla Roadster reservation holders, as the production of this highly anticipated vehicle has witnessed numerous delays since its unveiling. Though Altman did not confirm which Tesla model he reserved, it is widely believed to be the Tesla Roadster, which has faced significant setbacks—initially expected to begin production in 2020 but pushed back repeatedly.
In 2024, during an investor call, Elon Musk acknowledged the delays faced by Roadster deposit holders, assuring them that the company is still working on the vehicle, albeit after prioritizing projects with a broader impact. Musk emphasized the Roadster’s significance, promoting it as “the fastest production car ever made.”
As of now, neither Tesla nor Musk have publicly addressed Altman’s claims, leaving unclear whether any actions have been taken to resolve the issue. The mystery surrounding the unfulfilled order raises questions not only about Altman’s experience but also about Tesla’s broader customer service and delivery effectiveness.
Altman’s revelation sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by consumers in the electric vehicle market, particularly for highly anticipated models. Even as Tesla continues to push the boundaries of innovation, customer satisfaction remains a key aspect that needs to be addressed.