Leaking Oil? This Cybertruck Owner’s Bill Will Leave You Shaking Your Head!

When Joey Arrowood from Hartland, Michigan, bought his Tesla Cybertruck, he didn’t expect to deal with something typically associated with traditional vehicles—an oil leak. However, that’s exactly what he found when a puddle of oil formed under his all-electric truck. The cause? A small rock punctured the rear motor casing, leaving Joey surprised and staring down a hefty $7,665 repair bill.

A Shocking Discovery

Joey took to Facebook to share his experience with fellow Cybertruck enthusiasts in the Tesla Cybertruck group.

“I took delivery of the truck last June. Since then, I’ve put just shy of 9,000 miles on it. The only off-road it’s ever done is my local dirt roads. The other day, I came out to the truck and found a puddle of oil under the rear motor.”

For an electric vehicle, the sight of an oil leak can be startling. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, Teslas are known for their minimal maintenance requirements. As the company proudly states, “Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel system maintenance, spark plug replacements, or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing brake wear.”

What Went Wrong?

Upon further inspection, Joey discovered that a small rock had managed to bypass the Cybertruck’s protective belly pans and covers. The rock wedged itself between the rear subframe and gearbox, eventually wearing a hole in the aluminum casing.

“At some point, a small rock bounced over the belly pans and covers and wedged itself between the rear subframe and gearbox, wearing a small hole into the aluminum case. I find it absurd to comprehend that such a small rock can cause this kind of damage,” he wrote, expressing frustration over the unexpected vulnerability.

Joey also shared photos showing oil dripping from the puncture. Though electric motors require far less maintenance than internal combustion engines, they do rely on oil for lubrication. The rock’s damage caused this vital fluid to leak from his rear motor.

The Cost of Repairs

Tesla’s response left Joey disheartened. The service center in Clarkston, Michigan, informed him that the entire rear drive unit would need to be replaced at a staggering cost of $7,665. Joey shared his frustration in his post:

“The service center is saying the entire rear drive unit has to be replaced because of this pinhole to the song of $7,660.55. So far, the service center in Clarkston, Michigan, has not been helpful. They will not repair it unless I pay them or file an insurance claim.”

Despite the setback, Joey maintained his affection for the truck, ending his post with, “I love the truck and driving it, but come on, Tesla… A little help here is needed, please.”

Community Solutions and Challenges

Many commenters suggested an alternative: repairing the small hole with welding and refilling the oil. While this approach could save thousands of dollars, Joey pointed out the difficulty of such a repair.

“I highly doubt any welder is going to touch this with everything still assembled,” he wrote, highlighting the complications of working on electric vehicles. With massive battery packs and intricate components, repairs outside Tesla’s service network often prove impractical.

Tesla’s Service Woes

Tesla’s service reputation has often come under fire, with owners sharing frustrating stories of long wait times and expensive repairs. Joey’s case isn’t unique—another Cybertruck owner faced a catastrophic failure involving multiple systems, only to be told they had “chosen the worst day” for service.

The situation underscores a broader issue: while Tesla’s vehicles boast impressive engineering, the cost and complexity of repairs can make even minor incidents financially daunting.

Room for Improvement

Joey’s experience raises important questions about Cybertruck durability and Tesla’s service model. Could better undercarriage protection have prevented the damage? Is there room for Tesla to improve its repair policies and support for owners facing unexpected issues?

For now, Joey and other Cybertruck owners are left to navigate these challenges as they wait for Tesla to address these gaps. Meanwhile, the broader EV community continues to weigh the benefits of electric vehicles against the challenges of service and repair.

What do you think Tesla could do to improve the ownership experience? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more updates on EV innovations.