Cybertruck Safety Concerns Surpass Ford Pinto’s Notorious Legacy
The Cybertruck, Tesla’s futuristic electric vehicle, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A recent analysis by the independent automotive blog FuelArc has revealed startling data suggesting that the Cybertruck may be significantly more dangerous than the infamous Ford Pinto, a vehicle synonymous with safety failures. According to the report, fire-related fatalities are 17 times more likely in a Cybertruck compared to the Pinto, a car discontinued in 1980 due to its notorious safety issues. The findings are based on a comparison of reported fire fatalities relative to the number of units sold, with the Cybertruck projected to have 14.52 fatalities per 100,000 units—far exceeding the Pinto’s 0.85.
The controversy surrounding the Cybertruck doesn’t end there. Despite its bold design and advanced features, the vehicle has yet to undergo independent crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tesla has also declined to release its internal safety testing data, leaving both drivers and pedestrians in the dark about the vehicle’s actual safety performance. This lack of transparency has raised concerns, especially given the Cybertruck’s hefty weight of nearly three tons and its self-driving capabilities, which have already been linked to several alarming incidents.
Adding to the growing list of concerns are reports of the Cybertruck’s design flaws, including an apparent lack of crumple zones, problematic self-driving software, and battery issues that have led to fires. Some drivers have even reported their vehicles “bricking” or shutting down completely while on the highway. These issues have sparked widespread criticism, with safety organizations in the European Union considering banning the vehicle from their roads. In the UK, Cybertrucks have been impounded whenever they’ve appeared, further highlighting the global skepticism surrounding their safety and functionality.
Despite these alarming revelations, tens of thousands of Cybertrucks are already on North American roads, leaving civilians to navigate the risks associated with these vehicles. FuelArc analysts have urged Cybertruck owners to familiarize themselves with emergency door releases and ensure their passengers do the same, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in case of an accident. However, the lack of publicly available sales data from Tesla complicates efforts to fully assess the vehicle’s safety record, as the company appears to prioritize protecting its stock price over transparency.
The Cybertruck’s journey from a futuristic concept to a real-world vehicle has been fraught with controversy, and its safety issues are only adding to the growing skepticism. While Tesla continues to market the Cybertruck as a groundbreaking innovation, the mounting evidence suggests that it may be more of a liability than a leap forward. As more incidents come to light, the question remains: will the Cybertruck’s allure fade before its safety concerns are addressed? For now, the public is left to grapple with the risks posed by this polarizing vehicle.