• A new Cybertruck owner’s first drive allegedly ended in a crash due to unresponsive controls.
  • He claims that the brakes failed to stop the truck, raising concerns about a potential safety defect.
  • A Tesla rep said that the terrain may prevent the accelerator from disengaging when brake is depressed.

A new Cybertruck owner’s honeymoon phase took a sharp turn when seemingly both the accelerator and steering decided to play dead, leading to an unwelcome rendezvous with the neighbor’s house. A foot firmly planted on the brakes apparently wasn’t enough to stop the truck’s impromptu game of demolition derby, evidenced by the 50-foot (15m) long apology scrawled in rubber across the asphalt.

The disgruntled owner aired his grievances on X (formerly Twitter), after reportedly only four hours behind the wheel of the brand-new EV. CCTV footage captured the Cybertruck’s spirited sprint down a narrow alley, showing no signs of slowing before it dramatically concluded its short journey against the wall of a nearby house.

More: Tesla Cybertruck Sends New Owner To ER On Delivery Day

According to the driver, the accelerator and the steering were unresponsive and the truck didn’t slow down even when he slammed on the brakes. He claims that the rear wheels locked, as evidenced by the skid marks left behind. Typically, a vehicle’s brakes should override the accelerator, but this apparently was not the case with this specific Cybertruck.

What is even more troubling than the incident itself, is the response the owner reportedly received from a Tesla representative over the phone: “We have reviewed logs and due to the terrain the accelerator may or may not disengage when the brake is depressed. As far as the back tires locking up, we are reviewing”.

This statement raises concerns about whether similar problems could affect other Cybertrucks. It’s important to note that this issue appears to be distinct from the previous recall related to the faceplate slipping off the accelerator pedal.

Fortunately, the driver was unharmed in the crash, which inflicted significant damage on the stainless steel body of the EV. Photos from the scene reveal a deformed front fender, a cracked windshield, and extensive damage to the bumper and hood requiring replacements. In a subsequent post, the owner disclosed that repair costs are estimated at $30,000. However, he has decided against repairing the truck due to a one-year waiting period for replacement parts.

It’s crucial that Tesla thoroughly investigates this incident to understand the cause of the steering and accelerator malfunction. Furthermore, the company should implement a backup system for the brakes that can deactivate power and halt the vehicle, even when the accelerator is floored.

H/T to Jalopnik!

Opening GIF: @bfreshwa / X