Fact Check: Tesla Cybertruck is dangerous and unreliable

Tesla Cybertruck: Is It Dangerous and Unreliable?

Introduction

The claim that the Tesla Cybertruck is "dangerous and unreliable" raises significant concerns about the vehicle's safety and performance. This assertion invites scrutiny, particularly in light of recent safety ratings and reviews. This article will examine the available evidence regarding the Cybertruck's safety features, crash test results, and reliability assessments, while critically evaluating the sources of this information.

What We Know

1. Safety Ratings: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Tesla Cybertruck a five-star safety rating overall, indicating strong performance in crash tests. It reportedly excelled in side impact tests and received high marks for frontal crash safety 1358.

2. Rollover Risk: Despite the overall five-star rating, the Cybertruck received a four-star rating in rollover tests, with a reported 12.4% risk of rollover, which is higher than some competitors 9. This aspect could contribute to perceptions of danger.

3. Driver Assistance Features: The Cybertruck comes equipped with Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, which have been subjects of controversy and scrutiny regarding their reliability and safety 6. Critics argue that these systems may not be fully reliable, potentially leading to dangerous situations.

4. Public Perception and Reviews: Some reviews have pointed out flaws in the Cybertruck's design and functionality, leading to mixed opinions about its reliability. For instance, one review described the act of reviewing the Cybertruck as "pointless," suggesting that the vehicle's unique design may overshadow practical considerations 7.

Analysis

The claim that the Cybertruck is dangerous and unreliable is complex and requires careful examination of the evidence.

• Source Reliability: The NHTSA is a credible source for vehicle safety ratings, as it is a government agency responsible for ensuring vehicle safety standards. However, the interpretation of these ratings can vary. For instance, while a five-star rating suggests high safety, the four-star rollover risk indicates potential vulnerabilities that could lead to dangerous situations 19.

• Bias and Conflict of Interest: Some sources, such as automotive news outlets, may have a vested interest in promoting or criticizing Tesla due to the company's controversial reputation and the polarized views surrounding its products. For example, articles from sites like CarBuzz and InsideEVs tend to focus on the positive aspects of Tesla's safety ratings, which may lead to a biased portrayal of the Cybertruck's overall safety 459.

• Methodology Concerns: The NHTSA's testing methodology is generally regarded as rigorous, but it primarily assesses crashworthiness rather than real-world reliability or performance under various driving conditions. The reliance on controlled crash tests may not fully capture the complexities of everyday driving scenarios, particularly with advanced driver-assistance systems 13.

• Contradictory Evidence: While the Cybertruck has received high safety ratings, critics highlight the potential risks associated with its Autopilot and FSD features. The ongoing debates about the effectiveness and safety of these technologies could contribute to the perception of the Cybertruck as unreliable 67.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The assertion that the Tesla Cybertruck is "dangerous and unreliable" is partially true based on the available evidence. The Cybertruck has received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, indicating strong performance in crash tests. However, it also has a notable four-star rating in rollover tests, which raises concerns about its safety in certain scenarios. Additionally, the reliability of its advanced driver-assistance features, such as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, remains contentious, with critics pointing to potential risks that could contribute to perceptions of danger.

It is important to recognize that while the Cybertruck's safety ratings are commendable, they do not encompass all aspects of real-world driving conditions and reliability. The mixed reviews and ongoing debates about its technology add layers of complexity to the claim of danger and unreliability.

Limitations in the available evidence include potential biases in reporting and the inherent challenges in assessing vehicle performance outside of controlled environments. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when forming conclusions about the safety and reliability of the Tesla Cybertruck.

Sources

1. NHTSA awards Tesla's Cybertruck five-star safety rating. CBT News. Link
2. The official crash test results for the Tesla Cybertruck, straight from NHTSA. YouTube. Link
3. The Cybertruck is the latest Tesla to score a 5-star crash rating. The Verge. Link
4. How The Tesla Cybertruck's Safety Score Compares To Other Electric Trucks. CarBuzz. Link
5. The Tesla Cybertruck's First Crash Results Are Here. InsideEVs. Link
6. 2025 Tesla Cybertruck Review, Pricing, and Specs. Car and Driver. Link
7. Reviewing The Tesla Cybertruck Is Totally Pointless. The Autopian. Link
8. Cybertruck gets FIVE STAR safety rating from NHTSA. Cybertruck Owners Club. Link
9. The Tesla Cybertruck Is Officially Safer Than It Looks. CarBuzz. Link