The Tesla Cybertruck, one of Elon Musk’s boldest ventures, is not enjoying the triumphant debut many had anticipated. After months of hype and headlines, the futuristic electric vehicle has been plagued by setbacks that are tarnishing its reputation.
The first major issue surfaced in March, when a flaw was discovered in the adhesive used to secure the truck’s metal body paneling. Several owners reported that the trim was peeling off and protruding from the body, in some cases flapping in the wind while driving. In response to a wave of complaints, Tesla recalled more than 46,000 units to replace the faulty adhesive with more reliable solutions like rivets and welds.
While that problem appears to be on its way to resolution, new headaches are emerging for the company. According to the automotive site Jalopnik, some owners have reported unusually rapid tire wear, with tires deteriorating after just 10,000 kilometers (around 6,200 miles). In some cases, the forum notes, the tires were said to “shred” before reaching 7,000 miles.
The issue may be tied to several factors. The Cybertruck is equipped with Goodyear tires sized at 285/65R20, designed for maximum grip and traction — which makes them more susceptible to wear on asphalt. Add the vehicle’s weight of over 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds) and its powerful torque, and tire stress becomes a real concern, especially with aggressive driving styles.
Replacing just one of these tires is no small expense: around $500 per unit (over €430 at current exchange rates). While cheaper and longer-lasting alternatives are available, the original tires are specifically designed to accommodate the aerodynamic hubcaps that contribute to the Cybertruck’s imposing look.
Jalopnik also criticizes Tesla’s unique development approach, noting that the company doesn’t follow the conventional model of clear, scheduled design updates. “Tesla isn’t like a traditional automaker, where design changes are announced transparently and occur at logical intervals. The company is known for making engineering tweaks on the fly,” the site states.
In the end, what was meant to symbolize innovation is fast becoming a source of controversy. Time will tell whether Tesla can overcome these hurdles or if the Cybertruck will be remembered more for its problems than its promise.
