Connected cars are changing how we drive, offering cool new features through updates, but there’s a catch, and some Tesla Cybertruck owners are finding that out the hard way. The highly anticipated electric pickup truck has hit a roadblock with its locking differential, a key feature for off-roading, showing a ‘Coming Soon’ message when drivers try to use it.
This problem surfaced when Cybertruck owner VoyageATX shared his off-roading adventure on YouTube, showing the truck struggling in the mud and even being beaten by a Subaru Crosstrek, despite its hefty price tag and off-road claims. This video really highlights a growing worry among owners about when promised features will actually arrive.
Locking differentials are not a novel invention.
Locking differentials are super important for off-roading because they make sure both wheels on an axle spin together, giving you maximum grip. It’s quite a big miss for a truck that’s supposed to be a beast off-road, especially since dual-motor Cybertrucks should have both front and rear lockers, and tri-motor ones only need a front locker because the rear wheels are powered independently.
Even the Cybertruck’s lead engineer, Wes Morrill, mentioned that driver skill is a big part of off-road performance. But without the locking differentials working, owners can’t truly test out what their trucks are capable of, leading to a range of reactions from jokes to real frustration. Some folks in the Cybertruck Owners Club have even jokingly suggested swapping other features, like the FM radio or seatbelt reminders, for the missing lockers.
There’s a lingering worry that these missing features might end up being part of a subscription, though Tesla hasn’t said anything about that yet. The lack of clear information on when the locking differential will be available is making owners, who’ve waited years for their Cybertrucks and believed in Tesla’s vision, feel even more uncertain and disappointed.
The Cybertruck’s off-road capabilities are truly impressive, with its adaptive air suspension and massive 17 inches of ground clearance promising some serious adventure.
However, the fact that it shipped without fully functional locking differentials suggests there might still be some engineering or safety hurdles to overcome. While getting these features via an over-the-air update is definitely better than a recall, it doesn’t quite make up for the fact that the vehicle wasn’t fully ready at launch.
As the car world keeps moving forward with connected technology, the Cybertruck’s situation really serves as a wake-up call. It’s a strong reminder that companies need to deliver on their promises and manage what customers expect. We’re all hoping that Tesla, and other automakers exploring this new tech, will learn from this and make sure future car launches aren’t overshadowed by unfinished features.
The ‘Coming Soon’ message for the Cybertruck’s locking differential is more than just a minor annoyance; it’s a clear sign of a bigger issue as the auto industry embraces connected technology.
This whole situation reminds us that with great innovation comes a lot of responsibility, and being open and accountable is more important than ever. For the sake of all Cybertruck owners and the future of connected vehicles, let’s hope Tesla gets this sorted out quickly and smoothly.
