Posted on 02/19/2024 11:13:44 AM PST by Red Badger
Tesla's Cybertruck hasn't been on the road for long, but the stainless steel vehicles are already showing signs of rust, some owners are complaining.
The sport utility vehicles, which start at $57,390 and cost up to $96,390, were first delivered to customers in December. Just two months later, buyers are posting images on social media showing orange rust spots appearing on their new EV's exterior, in some cases after driving it in the rain.
Tesla did not immediately respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment regarding the customer complaints.
In one online forum, Cybertruckownersclub.com, a Tesla Cybertruck owner posted close-up photos of little orange spots on his new vehicle which he says he drove in the rain for two days.
The poster, Raxar, said that when picking up his Cybertruck in February, an adviser alerted him to the issue.
"The adviser specifically mentioned the cybertrucks develop orange rust marks in the rain and that required the vehicle to be buffed out," he wrote.
Raxar said he tried using dish soap to remove the spots, but was unsuccessful.
Another forum user said he noticed "corrosion" on his vehicle's exterior, also after driving it in the rain.
"The Cybertruck has 381 miles on it, and has spent much of the 11 days in my custody parked in front of my house. Cold weather, rain and some direct sunlight later, I attached a few photos of the corrosion spots and a video," vertigo3pb, wrote.
Photo posted online of what one Cybertruck owner refers to as "corrosion spots" on the stainless-steel vehicle. SCREENSHOT/ CYBERTRUCKOWNERSCLUB.COM
Stainless steel is typically known for its extreme resistance to corrosion and general strength and durability, but is seldom used as a exterior material for vehicles because it's hard to mold. Indeed, the Cybertruck's design is rigid and angular.
For $6,000, Tesla offers to wrap the trucks in a black or white paint film, which the company says covers all exterior stainless-steel surfaces, and protects against scratches, according to its website. A clear paint film is available for $5,000.
A video of Tesla's not-yet-released owners manual posted online includes instructions for keeping the Cybertruck clean. It refers to potentially hazardous outside elements including oil, tree resin, dead bugs and road salt as culprits that could cause cosmetic damage to the electric vehicles.
Wasn’t this also an issue with DeLorean’s Cocaine Special?
It’s not a defect, it’s a feature.
It’s a giant battery and EMI charged field. Electrolytic action on steel or aluminum turns the body into corroded chalk.
But they drove with pride.
RE: parked in front of my house. Cold weather, rain and some direct sunlight.
///////////////////
Tesla spokesperson: We see the problem right there. Owner failed to be responsible in his normal use of the vehicle. As the TV ads say on the bottom “Do not attempt these offroad maneuvers” and “Follow applicable standards of safe driver use.”
The reckless and foolhardy actions of owners are not our corporate responsibility.
Wasn’t this also an issue with DeLorean’s Cocaine Special?
~~~
Just the opposite. I thought the DeLoreans were stainless Steel
There are all kinds of stainless steel. For this money, you’re not getting a Rolex.
Corrosion is more than likely the LEAST of their worries. 😏
Ehh, what do they care if it rusts?
The EV battery will crap out rendering the truck useless long before the rust does.
They were, and the Cybertruck is supposedly stainless steel as well.
Until they swerved to miss a baby duck, that is.
A Cybertruck is for virtue signaling. You’re not supposed to actually drive it.
Yes................
“I thought the DeLoreans were stainless Steel”
The body was.....the chassis and associated components were more than likely of more conventional materials.
Oh so the trucks have fallout on them...need a good claybar treatment to get that metal off of there.
Yes, there’s different ‘formulas’ for different strengths and uses.
And stainless steel is rust ‘resistant’ not rut proof.............
Chines stainless steel...just like my POS Weber grill!
Elon Musk, the new Bill Gates - where his buggy, broken products are said to have “features” not bugs...
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