Today we’re talking about a milestone every Tesla owner knows all too well: the first service visit. This was a “rectification” appointment for our new Cybertruck—basically a post-delivery check-up to fix those “within spec” (or not so within spec) issues we’ve noticed over the first few weeks.
I had a busy weekend planned that required the truck, so I wanted to see how much we could get done in a single day at West Covina Tesla and a follow-up visit at Upland. Along the way, I got to spend some quality time with two very different loaners: a 2022 Model 3 Performance and a Model Y 7-seater. Let’s dive into the technical details and the service results.
The Cybertruck Service Report: Fixes & Findings
I brought the truck in with a laundry list of concerns, ranging from cosmetic misalignments to potential mechanical warnings. Here is how it all shook out:
- Front Frunk Misalignment: This was top of the list for Abby. The service team was able to adjust the frunk, and it looks much better now. There’s still a tiny gap that I didn’t notice before, but for a truck, it’s plenty good for me.
- Stainless Steel Scratches: Our demo vehicle came with a few scratches on the rear door. The team sanded and buffed them out, and honestly, the result is fantastic. It’s smooth, and the finish matches the rest of the truck.
- The B-Pillar Scratch: The glass housing for the B-pillar camera had some deep scratches (likely from key card use). They replaced the entire housing with a brand-new unit.
- The Suspension Mystery: I had a “Ride Height Unavailable” error early on. Diagnostics revealed a fault in the rear steering actuator. Tesla’s approach here is fascinating—it’s actually cheaper for them to swap the entire part than to have a tech troubleshoot the failure. They replaced the actuator and performed a four-wheel alignment.
- Seat Cushion “Wear”: I noticed some wrinkling on the driver’s seat after only 3,000 miles. Tesla inspected it and declared it “within spec.” While it’s slightly annoying, it’s not a mechanical failure, so we’re letting it slide for now.
Total Cost: $0. Everything was covered under the rectification period, including the alignment which originally carried a $129 estimate.
Loaner Life: A Model 3 Performance Blast from the Past
While the truck was in the shop, Erica at West Covina hooked me up with a July 2022 Model 3 Performance loaner.
The Fun Factor: If you can find a used 2022 Performance at a good price, do not sleep on it. It’s a riot to drive, even if the suspension is a bit stiff for a daily.
The Nostalgia: Getting back into a Model 3 felt like being home. Even though it wasn’t the Highland, the speed and the tight handling reminded me why I loved my 2020 Model 3 so much.
The Noise: Moving from the silent cabin of the Model X and Cybertruck, the road noise in the older Model 3 was very noticeable.
The Model Y 7-Seater: A Brutally Honest Look
Later, I was given a Model Y 7-seater loaner at Upland, which gave me the perfect chance to document something I’ve mentioned in dozens of videos: the third row.
- The Space: I’m 5’5″, and even I struggle back there. My head almost touches the rear glass, and there is virtually zero legroom unless the second row is slid significantly forward.
- The Feet Problem: The seat rails in the third row are very narrow. I have to overlap my feet (size 9.5) just to make them fit between the metal rails.
- The Verdict: The 7-seater is a great option for families with kids between 2 and 5 years old. For anyone older—teenagers, pre-teens, or adults—it is not a viable long-term solution. Plus, there are no air vents in the back, making it a “hot box” during Southern California summers.
Tech Specs: Loaner vs. Fleet
| Feature | Model 3 Performance (Loaner) | Model Y 7-Seater (Loaner) | Cybertruck (Our Truck) |
| Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Hardware | Hardware 3 | Hardware 3 | Hardware 4 |
| Seating | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Charging | 250 kW Max | 250 kW Max | ~250 kW (on V3) |
Thoughts on Tesla Service
The “Geo-fencing” tech at Tesla is really cool. As soon as you pull into the service center, they can run diagnostics on your car remotely without even putting it on a lift. It saves them time and gives them a clear picture of any faults (like our rear actuator) before a tech even touches the car.
I’m crossing my fingers that this is the last time the Cybertruck needs to visit the shop for a while. We’ve got a big road trip coming up, and I’m ready to see how the truck handles the open road!
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