Two years have passed since the start of sales of the Tesla Cybertruck electric pickup, but the company still cannot cope with one of the most problematic details of its design – the massive single windshield wiper.
Persistent Problem and Investigation
Despite previous attempts to fix the situation with mechanical and software updates, there is information that Tesla is already working on a third version of the wiper system to finally eliminate the remaining shortcomings. A recent case in the US highlights the urgency of the problem. When a Cybertruck owner contacted the service, the company’s response contained a message from the service department stating that “the wiper operation is under active engineering investigation.”
What Are the Shortcomings?
Complaints from owners began immediately with the start of deliveries. The four-foot wiper blade is the largest among production cars, but users report a whole range of problems. Among them are weak blade contact in the middle and upper parts of its travel, incorrect parking at high speeds, and issues with the washer fluid.
Performance is further degraded in the cold season when salt, slush, and snow can overload the system. Some owners have also noted that the wiper sometimes does not clear the area in front of the cameras of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.
A post on social media conveys the frustration well:
Love the Cybertruck. Hate the wiper system. Tesla needs to issue a voluntary service bulletin for a free updated/redesigned wiper arm and sprayer. This is not a one-time event. It happens every time we drive through salt, slush, and snow. It’s very dangerous. Today on I-70 there were several times…
Previous Updates Did Not Help
Tesla recalled the wiper motors in June 2024 and also updated the software, aiming to improve the blade movement and its position when inactive. An updated V2 blade version was also installed on many vehicles, but this version also appears to have its own reliability issues.
The full scope of Tesla’s engineering investigation, first reported by the publication Not a Tesla App, has not been disclosed. It is unclear how long the company has been working on the fix or when an update might appear.
Possible Design Change
There are suggestions that a more serious redesign may have been initiated. NotebookCheck notes that the original concept for the autonomous Cybercab had a single blade similar to the Cybertruck. However, a newer prototype, believed to be close to production, was recently spotted with a more traditional dual wiper system. This has led to speculation that the Cybertruck could receive a similar configuration.
The wiper problem remains a vivid example of how innovative but overly complex design can create lasting challenges even for a technologically advanced company like Tesla. This situation also points to the importance of comprehensive testing in various climatic conditions, especially for vehicles designed for active use. For now, owners can only hope that the next iteration of the system will finally provide the necessary reliability and safety, especially during the winter period.