Tesla Cybertruck Quality Issues: Who’s Responsible for Repairs?

Tesla’s popular new vehicle, the Cybertruck, has a unique design and powerful performance. Even though more than half a year has passed since its official launch, it continues to attract attention. Of course, it is difficult to see only the positive aspects. Despite its popularity, the Cybertruck’s manufacturing and assembly quality defects are already notorious.

More than two cases have been of car owners being injured due to various software defects and sharp exterior finish issues. Since this model can bleed if touched incorrectly, you cannot help but be sensitive to the issue of panel assembly steps. However, the Cybertruck was no exception to Tesla’s chronic gap problem. In the end, consumers took responsibility for correcting the problem themselves.

Tesla’s warranty repairs are not a perfect solution

Contrary to consumer concerns, the assembly quality of the Cybertruck when it was first launched was not bad. Due to the design’s focus on flat and straight lines, even a tiny difference in steps is bound to be noticeable. Still, many evaluations showed it was generally within an acceptable range. However, the situation began to worsen as Tesla expanded Cybertruck production rapidly. Even at a glance, a severe level of difference was found in several deliveries.

Foreign media outlet Autoevolution reported the story of one of the owners of such a vehicle, a Tesla enthusiast who solved the problem himself. The owner of the YouTube channel, Chuck Cook, shared a video of the process from identifying the problem to correcting it himself. Tesla offers warranty repairs if defects are found in new cars, but this is not a perfect solution. This is because gaps may appear in other panels as the driving distance accumulates.

Using screw adhesive is essential for prevention

The owner claimed that the bolts that secure the vehicle body panels were not sufficiently fastened, causing a gap. As it is an electric vehicle, there is no vibration in the power unit. Still, the vibration transmitted from the road surface is bound to accumulate and eventually lead to the bolt loosening. He said you only need an 8 mm (0.3 inches) socket and Loctite adhesive to prevent problems.

Loctite is a company that manufactures screw-fixing agents. By applying the product to the screw threads and then tightening them, you can firmly fix them. The car’s owner opened the frunk (A compound word for front and trunk) and explained that Loctite should be used on the bolt between the A-pillar trim and the windshield glass. Then, tighten the bolts until the trim is securely fastened without leaving gaps between the panels.

Although it’s seen as a practical and straightforward approach, some critics argue it is a temporary solution effective only in specific scenarios. This perspective stems from the issue that Cybertruck’s gap problem isn’t localized but relatively widespread. Numerous reports have surfaced across online communities about Cybertrucks being delivered without these gaps being corrected. Specifically, there are concerns about potential injuries caused by the sharp edges where the front fender meets the bonnet and between the rear quarter panel and the cargo compartment cover.