Untarnished, the Tesla Cybertruck is already rusting!

Tesla Cybertruck owners criticize the manufacturer over improbable rust problems.

How can one imagine a cutting-edge, bulletproof vehicle suffering from rust issues like an Italian car from the 1970s? Yet, the increasing number of Cybertruck owner reports leaves no doubt. The body of the electric pickup, reputed to be indestructible, might actually be its Achilles’ heel.

Expectations are high from Elon Musk and his innovative creations, so even the smallest problem tends to be magnified to match the CEO’s ego. However, recent updates concerning the steel quality of the American vehicle, long delayed, do little to reassure consumers.

Stains that leave a mark

On X (formerly Twitter), reports of orange rust spots appearing on the exterior of Cybertrucks continue to accumulate. The Cybertruck community, already disturbed by other alleged design flaws, is beginning to express its frustration about the growing number of issues.

The Tesla Cybertruck does not come with a traditional paint layer like most cars. Tesla opted for a stainless steel skin intended to resist everything, from rifle bullets to… rust. But it would be a mistake to forget that unlike the steel used in your cutlery or surgical instruments, the steel of a vehicle cannot benefit from a large-scale treatment—such as chrome plating—that guarantees complete rust resistance.

The Cybertruck is not rust-proof

Whether varnished, painted, or chromed, a car’s body is constantly exposed to highly aggressive agents such as animal droppings, oil, gasoline, and insects. A car needs regular washing to stay attractive, but especially to withstand the passage of time. The Cybertruck owner’s manual even recommends cleaning the pickup surface with an alcohol-based solvent for oil stains, tar, or bird droppings. It is also advised to rinse with clean water or a pH-adjusted soap after long trips.

Most of these rust stains are actually tiny surface oxidation marks that a good treatment costing just a few euros can eliminate. The question remains whether the Cybertruck will withstand the years as well as its famous predecessor with its raw stainless steel body — the unforgettable Delorean DMC-12.

READ ALSO: Enjoliveur gate: Tesla Cybertruck loses its charm!