In the rapidly advancing electric vehicle industry, technical issues are emerging with newly released models. For example, Xiaomi’s inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7, was recently reported to have suffered system failure after just a 24-mile trip post-release in China on May 8, 2024.
In a recent turn of events, Tesla’s highly anticipated new EV, the Cybertruck, has also fallen victim to similar technical glitches. Although it managed to drive a bit further than Xiaomi’s SU7, the handling of the vehicle’s issues by Tesla has sparked widespread discussion and dismay.
Initial Troubles for Cybertruck’s Top-Tier Foundation Model
Reports from the Cybertruck Owners Club online community emerged on May 9, 2024 (local time), where one owner detailed encountering a defect in their vehicle after only driving it for 35 miles subsequent to delivery. This customer had purchased the Foundation Series Cybertruck, of which only 1,000 limited edition units were sold.
The top-spec Foundation model features a tri-motor setup and was priced at $122,135. Nevertheless, the owner reported problems beginning right at the delivery of the vehicle, which was presented in an unclean state with only 47% battery charge remaining. This lack of charge at delivery is seen to be highly unusual for brand new vehicles.
Coolant Leak Occurs Just After 35 Miles Journey
Shortly after setting off to a nearby supercharger to charge the battery from its 47% level, the owner experienced a shocking issue. The delivery mileage showed 15 miles, and when he reached the charging station after driving an additional 20 miles, he discovered coolant leaking in large quantities from the rear end of the vehicle. Unlike some known cases where Teslas emit small amounts of steam during charging, this incident was clearly more severe. Upon contacting Tesla’s service center, the owner was informed, to his surprise, that “the warranty does not cover coolant leaks.”
Ambiguity Over Potential Warranty Coverage for Repairs
The situation escalated when, after a few exchanges with Tesla’s service center, a tow truck was dispatched to collect the problematic Cybertruck. It is now parked at the service center, but there has been no clarity provided on the exact issue and whether the repairs will be covered under warranty. There is still uncertainty if the repair costs will have to be out of pocket for the owner even though the fault might be due to a manufacturing defect.
FAQs About Tesla Cybertruck Issues
- What issue has been reported by new Tesla Cybertruck owners?
- Some owners have reported encountering defects such as a significant coolant leak after driving only a short distance from delivery.
- What was Tesla’s response to the reported coolant leak issue?
- The service center stated that the vehicle warranty does not cover coolant leaks, a response that has led to customer dissatisfaction.
- Will the repairs be covered under Tesla’s warranty?
- It remains unclear whether the repairs for the encountered defect will be covered under warranty or if the owner will have to incur the repair costs.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation with Tesla’s Cybertruck reflects challenges in the EV industry, with even established companies like Tesla facing hurdles with new releases. While the company’s innovation is often celebrated, customer service and warranty coverage issues have surfaced as areas that need attention and improvement. Tesla’s handling of these issues will be a critical measure of their commitment to supporting their customers and maintaining trust in their brand. The resolution of these Cybertruck incidents will be closely watched by potential buyers and the wider EV community.