Recently, a group of YouTubers set out on an expedition with Tesla’s Cybertruck, venturing into Utah’s Moab desert to test its limits. However, a seemingly ordinary event during their journey grabbed widespread attention on social media.
A video capturing the Cybertruck coming to a stop in a shallow puddle, accompanied by an unsettling noise and peculiar light behavior, swiftly went viral, sparking extensive speculation about the vehicle’s endurance and dependability.
Swift criticism from netizens followed, suggesting that the incident epitomized the Cybertruck’s vaunted ruggedness faltering even in minor trials. It seemed to exemplify yet another occasion where Tesla’s highly-touted vehicle, promoted as capable of surviving doomsday scenarios, stumbled at the smallest hurdle. Nevertheless, a subsequent clarification provided a more reassuring explanation, casting the situation in a less alarming light.
Kyle Field, reporting for Clean Technica and involved in filming the Cybertruck’s excursion, clarified that the unsettling noise and sudden stoppage were attributable to a loose wheel well liner rubbing against the wheel—a relatively minor mechanical issue easily rectified. Field’s disclosure provided a more nuanced understanding of the incident, mitigating concerns about the Cybertruck’s fundamental integrity while navigating off-road conditions.
“I pulled it back and field repaired it like you do…” Field wrote.
Moreover, intermittent headlight disruptions observed in the video were likely the result of the Cybertruck’s water detection system activating lights and wipers upon encountering moisture—a feature intended to enhance safety rather than a sign of malfunction.
Elon Musk’s previous assertions about the Cybertruck’s waterproofing capabilities added further context to the discussion. While Musk had boasted about the vehicle’s potential to function briefly as a boat, promising a future “mod package” for longer underwater traversals, the practicality of such claims remained speculative. Nonetheless, Tesla’s introduction of a “wade mode” optimized for water driving suggested ongoing efforts to enhance the Cybertruck’s versatility in challenging conditions.
“Lights and wiper came on when Cybertruck (belatedly) detected water on the windshield,” one X user suggested.
Redditors were quick to point out that Musk promised in 2022 that the “Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.”
“Mostly just need to upgrade cabin door seals,” he claimed at the time.
Although skepticism about Tesla’s bold assertions regarding the Cybertruck is justified, the incident in Moab seems more like a minor hiccup than a major disaster. While it may not match the capabilities of more conventional off-road vehicles, the Cybertruck displayed resilience in handling basic water crossings and muddy terrain, affirming its suitability for moderate off-road excursions.
While expectations should be adjusted accordingly, the Cybertruck’s performance highlights its ability to endure modest challenges, appealing to enthusiasts interested in adventurous electric vehicles.
