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| Cybercab wiper redesign. |
Tesla, a company celebrated for revolutionizing electric vehicles and autonomous driving, continues to grapple with a surprisingly analog problem: windshield wipers. From the erratic, insect-confused behavior of the dual wipers on its Model S and X to new, widespread owner dissatisfaction, the automaker’s approach to keeping windshields clear is facing increased criticism. The latest and most visually striking chapter in this saga centers on the Tesla Cybertruck and its massive, single-arm “Gigawiper,” which is now the subject of an official engineering investigation following a flood of owner complaints.
From Novelty to Nuisance: The Cybertruck Wiper Struggle
Since its delivery event, the Cybertruck’s unconventional mono-wiper—a single, long blade meant to sweep the vast, angular windshield—has been a topic of debate. For many owners, that debate is over: it simply doesn’t work well enough. Reports consistently detail the wiper’s failure to adequately handle heavy rain, road slush, and mud, leaving large portions of the driver’s field of view obscured.
Tesla has already issued one recall to address a faulty wiper motor that could fail prematurely. However, owners report that even after service visits and adjustments, core performance issues remain. A recent customer complaint, detailed in correspondence with Tesla service, starkly illustrates the problem: “the wiper blade is not clearing the windshield beyond a half radius from the root”—meaning a significant portion of the passenger side stays dirty. This was reported even after the service center replaced the motor and readjusted its parking position.
In response to this specific case, Tesla’s team gave a revealing answer: the single Cybertruck wiper’s performance is now “under active Engineering investigation.”
A Sign of Things to Come? Cybercab Drops the Mono-Wiper Concept
This formal investigation signals that Tesla may be considering significant changes. The possibility of a complete redesign of the wiper assembly, or even abandoning the single-wiper concept altogether, has been bolstered by a recent development in Tesla’s other futuristic vehicle line.
The production-ready version of the upcoming Cybercab robotaxi has been spotted sporting a conventional dual-wiper setup—two arms, two blades—a clear departure from the mono-wiper style that was initially showcased and seemed inspired by the Cybertruck. This pivot suggests Tesla’s engineering team may have already concluded that a traditional system is more reliable for critical visibility, especially on a vehicle designed for fully autonomous ride-hailing.
What’s Next for Cybertruck Owners?
The investigation raises major questions for current and future Cybertruck owners. If Tesla determines the Gigawiper cannot be perfected through adjustments, it could lead to a substantial physical recall. This might involve retrofitting existing trucks with a new dual-wiper system similar to the Cybercab’s or an entirely reengineered single-arm mechanism.
For now, owners are left with a compromised system while Tesla engineers seek a solution. The situation underscores the challenges of translating radical design concepts into all-weather, real-world functionality. As one owner succinctly put it on social media (@Cory__17), “Love the truck, but driving in the rain is a legitimate safety concern right now.”
In the meantime, some Cybertruck owners are exploring aftermarket solutions to protect wiper components. Products like the Cybertruck windshield wiper cover trim (available on Amazon) have gained popularity as a way to shield the wiper mechanism from debris and the elements.
The coming months will reveal whether Tesla can solve the Gigawiper’s problems or if the Cybertruck’s most controversial feature will be wiped clean from the design in favor of a more traditional approach.
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| The original Cybercab monowiper. |
Love the Cybertruck. Hate the wiper system. Tesla needs to issue a voluntary service providing a free upgraded/redesigned wiper arm and sprayer. This is not a one-time event. Happens every time we hit salt/slush and snow. It’shighly unsafe. There were a few times today on I-70… pic.twitter.com/ajy2BYFQDA
— Spotted Model: Cars & Tech (@spotted_model) December 18, 2025