My Tesla Cybertruck Front Motor Disabled: Bad Luck or a Massive Trend?
I’m coming to you from the Rivian R1T at the Rivian Adventure Network in San Bernardino. I’m currently sitting at the charger because, once again, my Cybertruck is in the shop. This time, I’m dealing with a Tesla Cybertruck front motor disabled alert that popped up right after I unplugged from a Supercharger.
If you’ve been following the channel, you know I’ve had my fair share of “adventures” with Tesla hardware. From two Model X buybacks to now having my Cybertruck in service, some of you in the comments are calling me a “bad luck magnet.” Honestly? You might be right. But as a consumer and a tech enthusiast, I’m here to give you the raw, unfiltered truth about what it’s like to live with these cutting-edge EVs when the “cutting edge” starts to bleed.
The Reality of the Tesla Cybertruck Front Motor Disabled Alert
When that chime hit and the screen told me my performance was limited, I wasn’t even surprised—just frustrated. My truck is VIN 41,000+. We’ve heard about the early Foundation Series trucks having motor issues, but I thought by the time they hit the 40k mark, these gremlins would be sorted out. Apparently not.
The Tesla Cybertruck front motor disabled issue put me into a sort of “limp mode.” I was curious to see how it handled, so I did a little testing on the street. I managed to get it up to about 56 miles per hour without any further warnings telling me to pull over. While it’s “driveable,” you definitely feel the loss of that dual-motor punch. It’s a 7,000-pound paperweight if you can’t rely on the drivetrain to get you through a mountain pass or a heavy tow.
Dealing with the “Lemon” Label
I saw a comment from mlo99 saying I’m in an abusive relationship with Tesla and that it’s time to move on after three lemons. It’s a funny way to put it, but it’s a tough spot to be in. I love the tech. I love the interface. But when the hardware fails, it tests your patience.
I’ve had a Model X loaner recently—a 2023 blue six-seater—and it immediately reminded me why I left that platform. The Falcon Wing doors started acting up again, refusing to close randomly. It’s those “intermittent issues” that drive you crazy because if the service center can’t replicate it, it doesn’t exist to them. This is why I tend to lean towards my Rivian R1T for the heavy lifting lately. Speaking of which, I have to tow tomorrow, and thank goodness I have the Rivian ready to go since the Cybertruck is MIA.
Cybertruck vs. Model X vs. Model Y: Quality Gaps
There’s a theory I have, and I shared it in the video: Tesla pays the most attention to the Model 3 and Model Y because those are the volume sellers. They are the bread and butter of the company. The Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck? They feel like experiments that we, the consumers, are paying $80k to $120k to beta-test.
One of our community members, Infantry4Life.WarFighters mentioned he actually cancelled his Cybertruck order after his demo unit’s motor failed. That’s a huge statement. When people who want to love the truck are walking away because of reliability, Tesla needs to listen. We aren’t “haters”—we’re customers who want the product to work as advertised.
Is the Model X Still Worth It?
A lot of you asked if you should get a Model X or wait for the Cybertruck glitches to be fixed. If you can get a “problem-free” Model X, it is a fantastic vehicle. The air suspension is world-class, and the comfort beats the Model Y any day of the week. But it is over-engineered. Those Falcon Wing doors are a “wow factor” that comes at the cost of long-term reliability.
If I had to choose between a Model Y and a Model X today, and I knew I wouldn’t have service issues? I’d pick the X for the tech and the secondary screen behind the steering wheel (which the Cybertruck desperately needs, by the way). But for most people, the Model Y is the safer, more logical bet.
What’s Next for the Channel?
While the Cybertruck is in the shop, I’m not slowing down. I’ve got some epic content coming your way from our Anza Borrego trip. Spoiler alert: the Rivian had some “moments” out there too, but the service experience was a bit different. I’ll be sharing a four-part series on that trip soon, so you definitely want to stay tuned.
I’m also heading out on a summer trip soon, so let’s hope my “bad luck magnet” status doesn’t follow me onto any airplanes!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I make these videos because I want to be transparent. I’m not an influencer; I’m a content creator and a consumer sharing my honest life with these vehicles. Whether it’s a middle finger in San Diego or a disabled motor in my driveway, it’s all part of the EV journey.
If you want to see the full breakdown and hear me answer more of your comments directly, watch the video below.
