Tesla's Cybertrucks are rusting despite stainless steel
Early Tesla Cybertruck owners are reporting orange specks and staining on the vehicle’s bare stainless steel body, raising doubts about Tesla’s material choices and corrosion testing for a truck marketed as ultra‑durable and “bulletproof.” Commenters debate whether the marks are true rust or removable surface contamination, but note that Tesla’s own manual warns owners to promptly remove bird droppings, tar, salt, and other common grime to avoid corrosion. Many contrast this with decades of proven painted-body technology and past stainless vehicles like the DeLorean, predicting higher maintenance burdens and potential resale and brand‑reputation problems if visible corrosion proves common.
Aesthetics of Rust on Cybertruck
- Some see surface rust as enhancing a post‑apocalyptic / Mad Max vibe; fits the “low‑poly future war” look.
- Others strongly dislike rust on a “brand‑new 80s future” vehicle; say patina on copper/leather is fine but orange rust on “futuristic” stainless looks paradoxical and impractical (stains clothes, holds dirt).
- A few imagine intentional “pre‑rusted” or Corten‑style variants, or brushed metal patterns, but most think Cybertruck is the wrong canvas.
Is the Rust Structural or Cosmetic?
- Concern: rust appearing so quickly suggests possible long‑term structural issues.
- Counterpoint: some think it’s likely surface contamination (rail dust, brake dust, snow‑plow debris) that can be removed with clay bar or specialty iron removers.
- Stainless is repeatedly described as “stain‑less, not stain‑free”; owners of appliances and boats note that various stainless grades do rust, especially with salt.
Steel Grades and Design Choices
- Cybertruck reportedly uses 301 stainless; DeLorean used 304. 301 is said to be stronger and cheaper but more prone to corrosion.
- 304 and 316 examples (boats, cutlery, fasteners) show even “better” stainless rusts in harsh environments.
- Suggestions like layering 304 over 301 are criticized as technically difficult and not worth complexity; if you’re going that far, just paint it.
- Weathering (Corten) steel is raised as a contrast: designed to form a stable rust layer, unlike stainless.
Cleaning, Manuals, and Practicality
- Cybertruck manual warns to remove bird droppings, tar, bugs, salt, etc. immediately, using alcohol and frequent washing.
- Some say similar warnings exist in other car manuals but are mostly ignored without major issues.
- Many argue that needing near‑obsessive cleaning contradicts the “rugged, bulletproof, off‑road truck” marketing; jokes about “don’t drive it in the rain” or needing to “dry clean” it.
- Proposed cleaning methods range from mild abrasives, wax, and passivation to jokes about acids; concern about scratching and effort vs normal painted cars.
Value, Use Case, and Broader Critique
- Anticipation that visible rust will hurt resale value; rust, flood damage, and bad paint are typical red flags.
- Some see Cybertruck primarily as a meme/status object rather than a utility vehicle, though others insist it was intended to be serious and simply failed at execution.
- Thread includes broader digs at Tesla’s build quality, testing, and “cult” fandom, plus jokes about bulletproof claims failing at rust spots.