Tesla Addresses Widespread Cybertruck PCS Failures, Extends Warranty
The Tesla Cybertruck is nothing if not a point of contention. Perhaps the world's most divisive automobile, the electric pickup is cause for debate and arguments of endless capacity.
But when opinions end and facts take over, it's a very flawed vehicle. The latest source of its ongoing problems comes by way of the Power Conversion System (PCS), the issues for which are so bad that Tesla is going so far as to extend Cybertruck warranties.
Long story short, the PCS units on Cybertrucks are failing. These modules handle converting AC electricity from the chargers into DC electricity for the vehicle's high-voltage battery, along with being a part of supporting the Cybertruck's 48-volt electrical architecture. So yes, it's a big 'ol problem that translates to the inability to charge the vehicle via a home charger. Which, we might add, is part of the allure of buying an electric vehicle in the first place.
Because of these widespread failures, a senior Tesla Service executive told Not A Tesla App that further communication about the procedure going forward would be coming soon. Though that official statement still remains to be seen, Cybertruck owners are being notified that they will be reimbursed for the costs associated with repairing these faults. Additionally, new coverage for PCS2 is extended to eight years or 150,000 miles, which is a lot longer than the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty of four years or 50,000 miles.
This is another instance of Tesla rolling out what appears to be a product that isn't fully developed, and putting the burden of the testing on the consumer. The company went on to say, "We have identified an opportunity to improve the long-term reliability of the PCS2 on earlier Cybertruck models. Newer vehicles already feature an updated part revision designed for improved performance.” Not that this kind of thing doesn't happen with other manufacturers, but when the core issue is a part of the vehicle's fundamental sales pitch, it's hard to ignore.
Based in Connecticut, Ross hosts The Hooniverse Podcast. He has been in the off-road world since he was a kid riding in the back of his dad’s YJ Wrangler. He works in marketing by day and in his free time contributes to Hooniverse, AutoGuide, and ATV.com, and in the past has contributed to UTV Driver, ATV Rider, and Everyday Driver. Ross drives a 2018 Lexus GX460 that is an ongoing build project featured on multiple websites and the podcast.
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A very flawed vehicle. They didn't have all the kinks worked out when they started production. That's true of any car. The A pillar strips and the bed-wall tops getting loose, and the hubcap issues. All real issues for early trucks. All taken care of by Tesla.
PCS, also real - also being taken care of by Tesla and, of note, already taken care of in new trucks.
The CT was a slightly flawed vehicle. The problems have been fixed. Buy a late 2025+ and you'll have none of that.
I've owned my CT since 2024. It had a couple of those issues. Like any good dealership they took care of issues as soon as they learned about them. Usually preemptively.
Meanwhile I've driven it cross country multiple times, it turns tighter than many sedans, has better pedestrian awareness than any non Tesla out there and is so comfortable to ride in and useful for hauling (lumber, furniture, gravel, power-tools, refrigerators(haha), gravel, bikes, etc) that it's become my go-to vehicle.
Most people keep their CTs. The early ones have flaws like most 1st edition vehicles, but they're very good vehicles. You should borrow one for a week (when you need to do some hauling or a very long distance drive).