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Tesla’s Cybertruck, touted as the most durable truck ever made, has encountered a surprising number of issues since its introduction. The vehicle has been subject to seven recalls and is currently under two investigations. Reports have surfaced that the Cybertruck has sustained structural failures during durability tests, has struggled in a car wash, and is known to get stuck in snowy conditions. Additionally, owners have reported issues with sharp body panels that can pose safety risks. The connection between the ongoing issues and Tesla’s management raises questions, especially with the CEO reportedly preoccupied with other political matters. Insights from industry experts, such as those shared by Road & Track, could reveal potential reasons behind these persistent problems.
Understanding Body Panel Issues
Reid Tomasko, the owner of Shock Auto Styling in New Hampshire, has a unique perspective, having worked on numerous Cybertrucks, including his own. He experienced firsthand the alarming detachment of a roofline trim piece while driving, which posed a risk to others on the road—a scenario he documented on video. Tomasko’s findings indicate that Tesla uses plastic frames to attach body panels, relying on adhesive rather than mechanical fasteners. Though advanced adhesives can be robust, questions arise regarding the quality or application processes used by Tesla. Tomasko suggests that these adhesives may be failing, as seen when his trim piece detached.
The issue seems to extend beyond just the roof trim. Tomasko mentioned other problematic areas on his vehicle, including quarter panels and the tailgate. Fortunately, the tailgate has some welded components that may provide a safety net if the adhesive fails, unlike the other trim pieces. He estimates that about 15% to 20% of the Cybertrucks he’s worked on have had body panel issues, and he notes a worrying trend: newer models appear to suffer these problems more frequently than older ones.
Previous Complaints About Cybertruck Failures
Recent complaints filed with the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration underscore Tomasko’s experiences. One complaint from a Brooklyn owner described how their roof trim piece started to detach at high speeds. A similar complaint from Illinois raised concerns over another upper trim piece falling off while driving. When one owner sought replacement for a detached piece, a Tesla representative indicated that they would only replace it after it fell off completely.
Discussions in Cybertruck owner groups reflect other cases of trim pieces coming loose, with reports of trim components detaching while vehicles were in motion, amplifying concerns over safety and reliability.
Potential Causes for Adhesive Failure
Tomasko speculates that the adhesive’s failure might correlate with temperature fluctuations, stating, “The glue seems to be brittle and does not flex with the panels.” He compared the experiences of owners in similar climates and noted inconsistencies in reported problems. This raises the possibility of variable quality in adhesive batches or manufacturing inconsistencies.
Tomasko’s Perspective on the Cybertruck
Despite these challenges, Tomasko remains a supporter of the Cybertruck. Currently, he’s seeking a buyback from Tesla while his vehicle is undergoing repairs. His affection for the truck remains strong, marking him as a loyal customer rather than a critic. He notes, “I love the truck. I wrap, mostly, exclusively Teslas in the Northeast at my wrap shop. So I love Teslas.” Yet, he acknowledges the disappointment in facing issues with his new vehicle, especially as he attempts to advocate for improvements in the Cybertruck’s build quality.
Tomasko’s enthusiasm for the Cybertruck’s potential contrasts with the growing public skepticism surrounding its build quality and safety concerns. As he puts it, “It does suck, because everybody kind of makes fun of the Cybertruck… To the outside person, it’s kind of weird, it’s ugly, whatever. Once you actually get in it and drive it, you realize it’s pretty frickin’ cool.” His comments highlight the ongoing tension between consumer excitement for innovative vehicles and the realities of product execution.
Additional Issues Encountered by the Cybertruck
Since the Cybertruck’s production began, numerous recalls have arisen. The inaugural recall occurred within months of launch, highlighting unaddressed issues, including the possibility of unintended acceleration caused by a malfunctioning accelerator cover. Further recalls involved serious concerns such as faulty inverters, risking loss of power while driving. The frequency and nature of these recalls continue to raise doubts about the Cybertruck’s overall reliability and safety.
For those interested in a broader overview of the challenges the Cybertruck has faced since its launch, a comprehensive review of incidents and recalls is available, underscoring the tumultuous journey of Tesla’s latest vehicle.
Ultimately, the experience of current Cybertruck owners highlights the stark contrast between expectation and reality in a market eager for innovation but cautious of quality challenges. The Cybertruck’s journey thus far serves as a case study on the perils of rushing bold designs into production without adequate quality assurance.
Source
autos.yahoo.com