Tesla Cybertrucks are demonstrating significant shortcomings in performing typical truck functions. A recent post on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum highlights this issue, describing the damage a truck sustained while hauling a load it should have easily managed.

Forum user xhawk101 recently described an incident where their Cybertruck sustained damage while transporting twelve-foot composite decking boards. Despite confirming that the truck was not overloaded, the load shifted, placing excessive weight on the tailgate.

This resulted in a warped tailgate and misaligned stainless steel body panels. While xhawk101 acknowledged their initial unawareness of the potential issue, it’s clear that the vehicle’s structural integrity is compromised.

Cybertruck Owner Reports Structural Failure

Images shared by the forum user depict a significant bend in the Cybertruck Foundation Series tailgate. This is a significant aesthetic flaw. The user attributed the damage to the following:

“Boards were as far in bed as possible until the truck accelerated faster than should (using traffic-aware cruise). I should have been driving manually very carefully which I did the rest of the way. However, I’m pretty sure when it lurched forward it shifted the load. Note to use chill mode IF using TACC probably would be ok. And yes I’m sure a new tailgate is not cheap…”

“Tailgate was down and agree the bendy composite boards sliding further out was definitely contributory,” xhawk101 added.

This is undoubtedly a costly lesson to learn. The forum user, xhawk101, has indicated that they do not anticipate Tesla covering the repair costs, a prediction I concur with. While Tesla hasn’t specified a load limit for the tailgate, the Cybertruck Dual Motor has a bed capacity of 2,500 pounds, while the tri-motor variant can handle 2,000 pounds.

The Cybertruck owner has decided to tolerate the damage, as the tailgate still functions despite its unsightly appearance. They intend to explore potential adjustments to improve its alignment.

This latest incident adds to the growing concerns surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck’s capabilities as a functional pickup truck. Concerns linger about the Cybertruck’s structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. Tesla has yet to address these issues.