Tesla engineer hits back at disgruntled Cybertruck owners over ‘rust gate’ – after buyers claim their $100,000 EVs started rusting within DAYS

A Tesla Cybertruck engineer has hit back at claims that their $100,000 electric trucks started to rust within just days of use.

Wes Morrill, who has worked at Tesla for more than 13 years, said images on social media of so-called rust were simply “surface contamination” – or stains.

He also pointed out that the widely reported photos had spots no larger than the size of a pinhead, suggesting the criticism had been exaggerated.

The Cybertruck was finally released in December after a tumultuous production process and comes with a price tag of $76,390 for the all-wheel drive and up to $96,390 for the Cyberbeast version.

An owner named Will posted photos showing rust spots on the Cybertruck. He said he had owned the truck for less than two weeks, but the siding was reportedly damaged after just two days of driving in the rain.

Other Cybertruck owners have complained that their newly purchased vehicles are rusting, with one saying they were warned it would rust when the Tesla Cybertruck was delivered.

Morrill explained that the rust spots were not the vehicle’s metal, but rusted metal particles – also known as “rust dust” – that had collected on the vehicle from the factory where it was made or when it was transported. the railway.

YouTuber Justin Demaree, host of the Bearded Tesla Guy channel, said a Cybertruck owner brought the vehicle to him and complained about rust spots, but he said it was “rust dust” that landed on the vehicle.

Rust dust can come from train tracks where metal rubs against metal, or from car factories when vehicles undergo the final polishing process.

Tesla advertises that the Cybertruck does not require major maintenance, saying that the vehicle’s “ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton helps reduce dents, damage and long-term corrosion,” adding that “repairs are simple and quick.”

A Tesla Cybertruck owner posted photos showing rust spots appearing on the vehicle after just 11 days of use

Over time, these particles can collect on the vehicle and rust, making it appear as if the vehicle itself is rusted.

Morril reposted the video about X, with the text: ‘Good myth-busting. Stainless steel is reactive and the free iron on it will rust.’

He continued: ‘It is only surface contamination and can be easily removed. The Bar Keeper’s Friend used here works well, citrisurf77 can also loosen the deposits and easily wipe them away.

‘If something is stubborn, use a blue, non-scratch Scotch Brite pad as it won’t leave marks on the metal.’

Despite Morrill’s assurances that the stains are not the result of corrosion, a Cybertruck owner Posted on Cybertruck Owners Club, saying that when he picked up the vehicle he was told it could develop rust.

“The consultant specifically mentioned that the Cybertrucks developed orange rust spots in the rain and that the vehicle required polishing,” he said.

“I know I’ve heard the story that you should never leave the Delorean in the rain, but I just never read anything about rust and Cybertrucks.”

The Cybertruck is the first vehicle made of stainless steel since the Delorean luxury sports car hit the market in 1983.

At the time, stainless steel corrosion was one of the biggest problems Delorean owners encountered, depending on how it was stored.

Elon Musk announced the Cybertruck in 2019, telling people it would cost almost $40,000

Tesla advertises that the Cybertruck does not require major maintenance, saying that the vehicle’s “ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton helps reduce dents, damage and long-term corrosion,” adding that “repairs are simple and quick.”

The highly anticipated Cybertruck was first announced in 2019, but since CEO Elon Musk launched the futuristic vehicle in December, it has been heavily criticized by buyers for its hefty price tag.

At the 2019 launch event, Musk announced that costs would start at $39,900 to $77,000 and have a range of 500 miles. 2025 and only has a range of 250 miles.

Tesla received additional complaints because it included a provision in the purchase contract stating that the company can sue the buyer if he resells the Cybertruck within one year of purchase.

“Tesla may seek injunctive relief to prevent the transfer of ownership of the Vehicle or seek damages from you in the amount of $50,000 or the value you receive in consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever amount is greater,” the statement said. clause.

It adds: ‘Tesla may also refuse to sell you future vehicles.’