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The Tesla Cybertruck has gained attention for unusual features, including its ability to chop vegetables and fake fingers. However, the most serious pinch hazards have come from its powered front trunk (frunk), with a recent incident highlighting dangers associated with the vehicle’s door edges. A Cybertruck owner has issued a warning after a family member endured a “very serious laceration” when his finger became caught in the seam between the front and rear doors during a typical family outing. The owner explained that his father-in-law was attempting to use the door release button mounted on the truck’s pillar but accidentally placed his hand in the wrong location right as his son closed the rear passenger door.
This warning was shared by the owner on the Cybertruck Owners Club on Monday. He stated that he has driven his 2024 Tesla Cybertruck for over 1,500 miles since purchasing it in May, expressing his love for the truck. The owner recalled having to guide his father-in-law on how to open the front door, explaining that it involves pressing the door release button located on the B pillar, which is indicated by a small white light.
After a few attempts to learn the procedure, the family enjoyed their outing. However, trouble arose when they returned to the Cybertruck after dinner. The owner recounted, “As my father-in-law reached for the pillar button to unlock the truck, my son closed the rear passenger door. For some reason, whether it was confusion, distraction, or just looking in the wrong spot, my father-in-law’s finger got caught in the gap between the front and rear doors.”
He cautioned, “I’m sharing this because I believe Cybertruck owners should be particularly vigilant when multiple passengers are using the same side of the vehicle, especially those who may not be familiar with the location of the release button on the pillar. There is less than an inch of space between the button and the door gap, making it easy for someone who isn’t paying close attention to trap their fingers if someone behind them closes their door at the wrong moment.”
Following the accident, a visit to the emergency room was necessary, resulting in “just seven stitches and a splint” for the father-in-law, whose index finger was injured in the door seam. While the incident can largely be attributed to user error, it highlights a significant safety concern that Tesla explicitly warns about in the Cybertruck’s owner’s manual, indicating the importance of keeping hands clear of the door openings and the need for clear communication among passengers to prevent accidents.
In the “Doors” section of the Cybertruck owner’s manual, Tesla cautions, “Keep hands and fingers away from the opening edge and supervise children if they open and close the doors. This is especially crucial when dealing with the front door, where the opening edge can cause injury when the rear door is opened or closed. Failing to follow the proper procedure for opening and closing front and rear doors may result in injury.”
Tesla is aware of the potential pinch hazards at the seams of the Cybertruck’s doors, but this incident raises questions about the design, suggesting that style may have taken precedence over safety. The injury occurred because the user searched for the door release button on the pillar, which is flush with the pillar and close to the door jamb. By positioning the button further from the jamb or providing a more distinct shape, Tesla could potentially reduce the risk of injury and make it easier for users to locate. However, such changes might compromise the truck’s sleek aesthetic, much like the oversized single-blade windshield wiper or the eye-catching wheel covers that can damage sidewalls.
For a closer look at the Cybertruck’s black release button integrated into the black door pillar, check out this YouTube tutorial:
The Tesla Flex YouTube channel highlights a safety feature in the Cybertruck’s doors. Each door includes a stopper that prevents it from closing immediately after being released, allowing the driver or passenger to grasp the door without it shutting unexpectedly. However, this stopper retracts when the door is fully open, failing to protect against potential injuries once the door opens completely.
Participants in the Cybertruck Owners Club discussion noted that pinch and crush dangers have existed in electric vehicles and traditional combustion cars long before the Cybertruck’s debut. The general sentiment on the forum is that while pinched fingers are a common risk, the positioning of Tesla’s release button may increase the danger, reflecting a priority on design over functionality. The owner concluded his alert by stating he has no intention to disparage the Cybertruck; he merely wishes to share his family’s painful experience for the benefit of others.
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