DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Cybertruck Owner Injures Finger While Testing Frunk Safety

Joe Fay said he might have broken a finger after testing a Cybertruck’s powered frunk. Tesla’s manual says to keep people and objects clear.
Entry217 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A viral video showed Cybertruck owner Joe Fay put a finger in the path of the truck’s powered frunk after first trying a stick. The hood closed on his finger, and Fay said he might have broken it. The reports do not provide medical confirmation of a fracture. The demonstration is not a safe or reliable way to test the frunk: Tesla’s owner’s manual tells users to keep people and objects clear and to monitor the hood as it moves.

What happened in Joe Fay’s demonstration

In a May 7, 2024 report, Gizmodo described a follow-up video by YouTube user Joe Fay. After viewers questioned whether his earlier video adequately tested the Cybertruck’s obstruction sensing, Fay said he would place a finger flat against the frunk. He first tried a stick, which broke, then put his finger in the hood’s path. The frunk closed on it, and Fay said he might have broken his finger.

The Register’s May 8 account also described Fay’s follow-up and reported injury. Neither report establishes a medically confirmed fracture, so the injury should be described as Fay’s reported experience and concern—not a confirmed diagnosis.

Don’t use a finger to test the powered frunk

Tesla’s Cybertruck Owner’s Manual guidance for the powered frunk is clear: before opening or closing it, check that the area around the hood is clear of people and objects. It warns that failing to do so may result in damage or serious injury. For closing, it says: “Ensure that all hands and other objects are free of the powered frunk before closing it.”

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Amphibious Remote Control Car, 1:18 Monster Truck Toys for Boys RC Cars
  • 2.4 GHz Remote Control Car - 1:18 scale cool design, waterproof RC truck toys made of premium material and sturdy, with LED lights, waterproof remote, one-click demo, 4WD all-terrain 360°rotation, 2.4GHz wireless remote control is responsive, long-distance anti -interference No Chaos, easy to operate, allows multiple cars to race simultaneously. Great gifts for kids, enjoy a fun and relaxing racing activity with their family & friends
  • High Quality & DIY Removable Toys RC Cars - This remote control monster truck structure design quality, flexibility and strength in one. The rc truck toy car shell is upgraded alloy material, removable, with high hardness pvc material body, super anti-collision, durable. Simple assembly , we also provide extra gold color car shell, the children can independently replace & DIY, to play a unique creative ideas, exercise hands-on ability and creativity
  • All Terrain Amphibious Monster Truck - 4-wheel drive off-road design rc trucks for kids, with high-quality tires (shock absorption, strong grip, anti-skid), waterproof sealed electronic components, powerful electric motors, to easily break through any terrain, flexibly drive on puddles, gravel roads, grass, snow and beach, etc! Support 360° rotation in land & water, to surf in pools, rivers, lakes, or other water surface, providing endless fun for hobby RC cars
  • Two 1200 mAh Extended Batteries Double Playtime - Kids remote control car comes with two 3.7V/1200mAh high-performance batteries, optimized & extended use time, each battery 60 Mins playtime. 2 long-lasting batteries can be replaced for use, about 100+ play time, which ensures your child's uninterrupted usage experience and fun. Charging time of 2-3 hours, with USB charging cable and screwdriver to meet disassembly and installation needs
  • Great gifts for boys girls - Amphibious remote control car, designed for RC toy car hobbyist, stylish, fun and durable. Multiple rc cars can be raced together and used on all-terrains, provide kids hours of outdoor fun. Classic pickup truck shape design off-road RC car is a popular children's toy, loved by kids. Monster truck toys for kids is an fun educational toy. Ideal kids birthdays, Christmas and New Year's gifts, great kids toys for boys girls

The manual also instructs drivers to monitor the hood’s movement when an automated feature opens it and says, “Do not try to manually close the powered frunk. Doing so may cause damage.” These are operating instructions, not a promise that the frunk will safely detect every obstruction in every circumstance. A finger-in-the-path demonstration cannot establish that it will.

Tesla separately warns that aftermarket accessories adding weight to the powered frunk may cause it to close on its own or function unexpectedly. The manual’s warning is not a recommendation to add accessories as a safety measure.

Rank #2
RCOOS Toy Car Alloy Truck Set with Trailer and Motorcycle Cyberpickup Toy with Sound and Light Effect Pull Back Vehicle RV Toy EV Model Ideal Gift for Kids Boys Girls Adult Age for 3+
  • 3-in-1 Design: Versatile toy set featuring a pickup truck with detachable RV camper trailer and bonus motorcycle, offering multiple play scenarios and combinations for extended entertainment
  • Interactive Features: Equipped with realistic light effects and authentic sound effects that bring the vehicle set to life, enhancing the play experience
  • Pull Back Action: Features smooth pull-back mechanism allowing the vehicles to zoom forward with ease, perfect for active play and racing fun
  • Quality Construction: Made from durable alloy die-cast materials ensuring long-lasting performance and detailed finish for realistic appearance
  • Age Appropriate: Specially designed for children aged 3 and above, providing safe and engaging play while developing motor skills and imagination

How this differs from earlier Cybertruck tests

Fay’s stick-then-finger follow-up is distinct from an earlier demonstration by Jeremy Judkins. The Daily Dot’s May 6, 2024 report covered Judkins’s tests and quoted Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill describing frunk pinch detection as a learning algorithm that increases closing force after back-to-back cycles without successful latching. Gizmodo also repeated a secondhand account from Judkins that a Tesla engineer said repeated close attempts detecting resistance could increase pressure.

Those are attributed explanations reported by media outlets, not a controlled independent test or a complete technical description of current Cybertruck software. They do not establish how every vehicle will respond to an obstruction, and they should not be treated as a safety guarantee.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
1/24 Large Toy Truck - FUBARBAR Model Car, 1:24 Diecast Toy Pickup for Kids Boys 3+ Years - Electric Metal Drivable Truck with Sound, Light, and Pull-Back Action
  • 1:24 SCALE MODEL: This collectible toy truck measures 9.1" x 3.03" x 2.4" Inches and weighs 18 ounces. Immerse yourself in the toy truck experience with stunning detail in 1/24 scale. These photos capture its realism perfectly, making it a must-have for all toy truck enthusiasts.
  • HIGH QUALITY & DURABILITY: Crafted from zinc alloy and ABS plastic, this toy pickup truck boasts exceptional durability. The zinc alloy body ensures authenticity, while ABS plastic components guarantee longevity. Equipped with lights and sounds, simply press the front wheels or open the front door to activate engine sounds and lights.
  • COLLECTIBLE GIFTS: Packaged in a beautifully designed color box, it makes for an ideal gift. Whether for play, desk decoration, or collection, this meticulously crafted toy truck is sure to impress. Its high-quality build makes it perfect for kids and collectors alike.
  • DIVERSE FUNCTIONS: Enjoy the pull-back function of the rear wheels, allowing the truck to run forward after a short pull. Additionally, trigger sound and light effects by pressing the car body or opening the front door, creating an immersive experience that lasts.
  • SERVICES: Rest assured with our comprehensive warranty. Should you encounter any issues with our Toy Model Car Toy Trucks, simply reach out through Amazon's messaging system. We offer a hassle-free refund or replacement within 24 hours.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Keep the frunk and door warnings separate

Tesla’s manual contains separate cautions about door handling, panel edges and keeping fingers away from the door opening edge. Those warnings concern the doors; they do not describe the powered frunk’s obstruction response. See the manual’s Doors section for that guidance.

What Cybertruck owners should do

  • Before operating the powered frunk, check that people and objects are clear of the hood.
  • Keep hands and other objects away from the frunk before closing it.
  • Watch the hood while an automated feature opens it.
  • Do not deliberately place a finger or other body part in the frunk’s path to test its sensors.
  • Do not try to close the powered frunk manually, and be mindful of the manual’s warning about weight-adding aftermarket accessories.

The manual’s instructions are the appropriate basis for using the frunk. Fay’s video documents one reported incident; it does not show that the system is universally safe or universally unsafe, nor does it replace Tesla’s operating guidance.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.