The Tesla Cybertruck, unveiled in 2019 and expected to hit the market starting in 2023, has made a huge impact in the automotive world. Bold, futuristic, and revolutionary, it’s a vehicle that has stirred both excitement and skepticism. Tesla’s electric pickup aims to redefine the truck segment, combining rugged utility with cutting-edge electric technology. But like any groundbreaking vehicle, the Cybertruck may encounter its own set of growing pains, especially during its early production years.
In this article, we’ll delve into common problems with the Tesla Cybertruck (2021-Present), what to look for when buying one, the cost of ownership, and offer some alternatives that could better suit certain buyers’ needs.
Common Problems of the Tesla Cybertruck (2021-Present)
1. Build Quality and Manufacturing Issues
As with many new Tesla models, early production runs of the Cybertruck may be susceptible to build quality issues. While Tesla is known for innovating faster than many legacy automakers, this speed sometimes leads to inconsistent build quality, particularly in the initial phase of production.
Common Build Quality Issues:
- Panel Gaps: Some Tesla models, including the Model 3 and Model Y, have had issues with uneven panel gaps, misaligned body panels, and inconsistent paint finishes. The Cybertruck, with its angular and distinctive design, could be prone to similar issues, particularly if it’s being rushed to meet high demand.
- Surface Finish: Although the Cybertruck is touted for its durable stainless steel body, early prototypes have shown signs of scratches, dents, and imperfections, even if the material is advertised as almost indestructible.
- Interior Fit and Finish: While the interior of the Cybertruck is minimalist, with few moving parts and a futuristic aesthetic, early feedback may reveal issues such as plastic trim pieces or exposed seams that could feel less premium than expected.
What to Look For:
- Inspect body panels: Carefully check for any misaligned panels, gaps between body parts, or signs of poor paint quality. These issues can often be rectified, but they may indicate that the truck has not yet undergone the highest level of quality control.
- Look for visible imperfections: Stainless steel is difficult to perfect, so look closely for any scratches or dents, especially if the vehicle has been used as a demonstration model.
- Check interior features: Examine the interior carefully for any loose or poorly fitting components. The simplicity of the design means there’s less chance for things to go wrong, but the occasional cosmetic flaw could arise.
2. Battery and Charging Concerns
Being an electric vehicle, the Tesla Cybertruck will face the same challenges as other Tesla models when it comes to battery life and charging. While Tesla’s battery technology is industry-leading, owners may still encounter some issues related to battery degradation, charging speeds, and the charging infrastructure.
Common Battery and Charging Issues:
- Battery Degradation: Over time, any EV battery will degrade and lose its ability to hold a full charge. While Tesla batteries are designed to last upwards of 500,000 miles, extreme conditions (hot or cold weather) or poor charging practices can reduce the battery’s efficiency.
- Charging Speed: Depending on your location and access to Superchargers, some Cybertruck owners may experience slower charging speeds, especially when using home chargers or public charging stations that don’t offer Tesla’s proprietary fast-charging technology.
- Charging Port Issues: Issues with the charging port, such as the port not accepting the charging cable properly, could arise, especially in early production vehicles.
What to Look For:
- Battery Health: Check the truck’s battery performance during the test drive and ensure that it holds charge as expected. If the range seems noticeably lower than advertised, it could be a sign of a developing issue with the battery.
- Charging Habits: If you’re using home charging, make sure that the vehicle charges to full capacity without taking excessively long. Slow charging or frequent charging errors might indicate an issue with the charging hardware or the vehicle’s charging port.
3. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) Glitches
Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features are perhaps the most talked-about aspects of its vehicles, and the Cybertruck is no exception. While Tesla has made significant strides with autonomous driving technology, it is still not perfect and can encounter glitches that could impair the driver-assistance features.
Common Autopilot Issues:
- False Activations: Some drivers have reported that Autopilot can be overly sensitive, activating in situations where it shouldn’t, like navigating a winding road or entering tight lanes. In some cases, it might even misinterpret road signs or markings.
- Limited FSD Functionality: While the Cybertruck is expected to include Tesla's advanced FSD capabilities, the system is still a work in progress. It may struggle with certain complex driving environments, like tight city streets, narrow lanes, or sudden changes in traffic conditions.
- Software Bugs: Since Tesla vehicles rely heavily on software, glitches or malfunctions in the system could cause unexpected behavior, from the vehicle failing to stop at a red light to an inability to navigate complex intersections correctly.
What to Look For:
- Test the Autopilot System: During the test drive, take the vehicle on a variety of road types, such as highways, winding roads, and busy city streets. Pay attention to how the Autopilot handles lane changes, speed control, and merging. Any strange or incorrect behavior should be reported and addressed.
- FSD in Action: Ensure that Full Self-Driving functions operate smoothly, without unexpected disengagements or struggles with complex environments like construction zones or unfamiliar roadways.
4. Suspension and Ride Quality
While the Cybertruck promises rugged off-road capability, its suspension system could face durability issues under extreme conditions, especially for buyers who plan on using it for heavy-duty work or off-roading. The truck’s innovative design, with its unique exoskeleton and heavy-duty body, could place additional stress on the suspension components.
Common Suspension Issues:
- Heavy Load Stress: Due to the large and heavy construction of the Cybertruck, the suspension might experience wear and tear more quickly than in lighter electric trucks, particularly when towing or hauling heavy loads.
- Off-road Performance: If the vehicle is used extensively for off-roading, the suspension system could become less responsive or require more frequent maintenance.
- Damping Issues: Given the Cybertruck’s rugged nature, some early models might exhibit issues with damping, causing the vehicle to feel bouncy or less controlled, particularly on rough or uneven surfaces.
What to Look For:
- Test Off-Road Capability: During the test drive, test the vehicle on rough roads, gravel, or dirt paths if possible. Pay attention to how the suspension responds to bumps, dips, and sudden changes in terrain.
- Evaluate Load Handling: If you plan on using the truck for heavy-duty tasks, ensure that the suspension can handle significant loads without affecting ride quality.
5. Visibility and Driving Experience
Due to the Cybertruck’s unique design, some drivers might experience visibility issues, particularly when reversing or parking. The sharp angles and broad body could make it difficult to judge distances or see other vehicles in tight spots.
Common Visibility Issues:
- Large Blind Spots: Due to the angular design, certain parts of the Cybertruck may create larger-than-usual blind spots, particularly around the rear corners.
- Rearview Camera & Sensors: Although the vehicle will be equipped with Tesla’s advanced sensors and cameras, the large size may still make maneuvering in tight spaces challenging for some drivers.
What to Look For:
- Test Parking and Reversing: Take the truck into parking lots or other confined spaces to assess how well you can maneuver the vehicle. Make sure that the rearview camera, sensors, and parking assistance features are responsive and provide good guidance.
What to Look for When Buying a Tesla Cybertruck (2021-Present)
When buying a used or new Tesla Cybertruck, it’s important to do thorough research, especially since the vehicle is in its early production phase. Here are some key things to consider:
- Production Year: As with any vehicle, earlier models might have more manufacturing or software-related issues. The first few years of production could come with glitches that are ironed out in later models.
- Battery Performance: Ensure the battery’s performance aligns with advertised figures. If you’re considering a used model, check for any signs of battery degradation or reduced range.
- Software Updates: Tesla’s software is continuously updated over the air, so make sure the truck is up-to-date with the latest updates and features.
- Warranty: Tesla offers an 8-year warranty on the battery and drivetrain, but other parts of the vehicle may have different coverage. Be sure to check the warranty status, particularly if purchasing a used model.
How Expensive is It to Own a Tesla Cybertruck?
The Tesla Cybertruck is expected to be relatively affordable for an electric vehicle, especially considering its size and capabilities. However, the true cost of ownership will depend on factors like your local charging infrastructure, driving habits, and any potential repairs.
- Electric Costs: Charging costs will depend on your local electricity rates and whether you have access to Tesla Superchargers. On average, charging the Cybertruck at home could cost around $10 to $20 for a full charge, depending on your location.
- Insurance: As an electric truck with advanced technology, the Cybertruck might have higher insurance premiums than smaller vehicles. However, the Tesla brand generally has lower-than-average accident rates, which could help offset some of these costs.
- Maintenance: Like all Teslas, the Cybertruck is expected to have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs than traditional gasoline vehicles. However, any necessary repairs, such as those to the battery or suspension, could be expensive if out of warranty.
Better Alternatives to the Tesla Cybertruck (2021-Present)
While the Tesla Cybertruck is groundbreaking, it may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are a few options to consider:
- Rivian R1T: An electric pickup with impressive off-road capability, a premium interior, and strong towing capacity. It’s a direct competitor to the Cybertruck but offers a more traditional design.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Ford’s electric version of its best-selling truck. The F-150 Lightning is designed to deliver both power and practicality, offering strong towing and payload capacity with advanced features.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: Chevy’s fully-electric pickup truck offers a more conventional design than the Cybertruck while still boasting impressive electric performance and utility.
- Lordstown Endurance: A smaller electric truck geared more towards fleet usage, offering a rugged workhorse with a practical design and competitive range.
Conclusion
The Tesla Cybertruck (2021-Present) is an exciting and ambitious entry into the electric vehicle market, but it’s not without its potential issues. From early build quality concerns to the challenges of adapting cutting-edge technology to a rugged, heavy-duty vehicle, there’s much to consider when buying one. However, its electric drivetrain, stunning performance, and futuristic design make it a bold choice for those ready to embrace the future of driving.
For those who are unsure or looking for a more conventional electric truck, alternatives like the Rivian R1T or the Ford F-150 Lightning could offer a more refined and familiar option. But if you're ready to take the leap into the future, the Cybertruck could be the vehicle that changes everything.