Within days of excitement and anticipation, some owners of Tesla’s latest innovation, the Cybertruck, have encountered a less-than-smooth start. Reports have surfaced across various online platforms from owners experiencing critical malfunctions shortly after taking delivery of their vehicles. This has raised questions about the reliability of Tesla’s much-anticipated electric pickup truck.
Thomas Remo, a popular figure on YouTube known for his channel “Gear Down,” captured a concerning incident on video where his brand-new Cybertruck began malfunctioning just as he drove it off the dealership lot.
The vehicle’s infotainment system issued a stark red alert stating: “PULL OVER SAFELY Critical steering issue detected.” According to Remo, despite his efforts to accelerate, the truck sluggishly moved at a snail’s pace. “My foot is on the floor and it’s not moving,” he described the harrowing experience.
The error message suggested a severe “high voltage system error,” indicating that the vehicle might not restart once turned off. After multiple attempts to reset the truck, Remo’s journey ended with the vehicle being towed to a Tesla service center.
Some Cybertruck owners report getting red warning screen alerts within days of taking delivery https://t.co/g5QF3vezgU
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) April 13, 2024
Cybertruck: Widespread Issues Hint at Larger Problems
Remo is not alone in his troubling experience. At least five other Cybertruck owners have echoed similar frustrations, noting the same red warning screen and critical alerts.
One forum participant shared that their brief joy turned sour, saying, “It was great for 5 minutes… tried everything, restarting, the screen is stuck black and keeps beeping.” These accounts suggest a possible rush in production that may have overlooked critical quality checks.
Despite these glitches, Tesla has responded to service needs promptly. Remo received a no-cost repair involving a replacement of the low-voltage harness connected to the ancillary bay, as noted in the service invoice he shared.
Tesla’s Response and Owner Resilience
Tesla’s official stance, as per the owner’s manual, suggests that the alerts might not indicate a direct steering problem but could involve one of the multiple redundant sensors and actuaries in the steer-by-wire system.
The company advises owners to try exiting and re-entering the vehicle to clear the alert and to seek service if the problem persists.
Interestingly, despite these early setbacks, the Cybertruck community remains largely optimistic. Long-standing members of the Tesla fan base are known for their resilience and resourcefulness. Issues like early onset rust have been met with community-driven solutions, including DIY cleaning hacks and protective wraps for the truck’s stainless steel exterior.
The mixed reviews and experiences with the Cybertruck highlight the challenges Tesla faces as it innovates and pushes the boundaries of automotive technology. While some owners like tech reviewer Marques Brownlee have had impressive experiences, the vocal minority facing serious issues early on cannot be overlooked.
As Tesla continues to address these growing pains, the Cybertruck remains a testament to the brand’s ambitious vision for the future of transportation.
However, the company will need to navigate these early roadblocks effectively to maintain consumer trust and ensure that its revolutionary product can meet the high expectations set by both the brand and its loyal followers.
