A Florida Cybertruck owner says his truck protected him during a violent highway crash, but after $63,000 in repairs, he says the vehicle still isn't functioning normally five months later.
Here's what to know
According to Torque News, Matt said on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum that his 2024 Performance Foundation Series truck had 8,000 miles when a highway crash left it badly damaged and kicked off a lengthy repair process.
In Matt's words, "The truck has been at the Tesla collision center for 5 months and has been deemed ready 7 times. Each time, regrettably, something else fails, either immediately upon test drive (service vehicles are limited to 8 mph) or on my way home."
He continued, "This week, the computer failed and caused all sorts of weird and crazy issues, including the high beams not turning off, locks, cameras, GPS, and a multitude of systems failing."
He said the repeated setbacks have left him without confidence that the truck is truly repaired or when it will be fixed. Matt said his insurer, GEICO, has paid the bills "with little objection," though he also said the claim remains open as he weighs whether he should accept the truck back at all.
Matt wrote, "Well, the worst thing happened, but grateful to still be alive thanks to the Cybertruck. It certainly prevented me from rolling over."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
In Matt's account, the truck stayed upright despite a severe chain-reaction crash. He said he was going 78 mph when another vehicle struck the rear passenger quarter at about 115 mph, spinning the Cybertruck 270 degrees across five lanes before a second vehicle hit the driver's side.
Art, another Cybertruck owner, wrote, "Most importantly, you made it through the accident. If it was on I-95, I can feel your pain because there are road incidents every day. As for the truck, I would be more concerned about driving alignment issues. If it's not pulling to one side and FSD is consistent, that is a major feat after an accident."
A second owner was more direct about the truck's prospects, writing, "I know it'll suck to lose FSD, but you should definitely total it. There will always be issues with it."
Even if the vehicle protects the people inside, complex repairs can still raise questions about reliability.
What's being done?
Matt said Tesla is handling the fixes as warranty work through its collision center.
He also said GEICO has covered the repair costs, which he estimated at around $63,000, while the claim remains open. He specifically asked other owners whether he should "accept and sign off on the paperwork" if the issue is finally resolved.
On the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, other owners advised careful evaluation of the truck before taking it back.
Art added, "The electronics should be sortable, since most components are designed to be interchangeable. Hope it gets sorted out for you."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
