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Why a Mechanic Was Startled by How Hard It Is to Fix a Totalled Cybertruck

A 2024 report on Kyle Wade’s damaged Cybertruck captures an early repair attempt, while Tesla’s manual explains the strict limits and procedures for collision work.
Entry621 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team

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A 2024 report on mechanic Kyle Wade’s attempt to revive a crash-damaged Cybertruck shows why collision repairs can be unusually constrained: the truck would not run after his initial efforts, and Tesla’s repair manual specifies strict procedures for structural work and stainless-steel parts. The account documents an early attempt on one vehicle—not a completed repair or proof that Cybertrucks cannot be repaired.

What happened to the damaged Cybertruck?

Futurism reported on July 24, 2024, that Kyle Wade, the mechanic behind BoostedBoiz, bought a Cybertruck that had been struck by a Ford Edge at an intersection. The article described damage to two passenger doors and a bent rear tie rod, among other problems, and said the vehicle was undriveable.

In a roughly 30-minute video, Wade tried replacing the battery and resetting onboard sensors, but the truck still would not start at that point in the project. Futurism quoted him joking: “All right Cybertruck, if you don’t start acting right soon, we’re going to rip you apart and put a diesel [engine] in you.” The report does not establish what ultimately happened to the truck. Read Futurism’s July 24, 2024 report.

Why can Cybertruck collision repair be difficult?

Structural repairs have prescribed methods

Tesla’s Cybertruck Collision Repair Manual says Tesla does not support pulling or pushing components with frame-straightening equipment. For structural repairs, it directs repairers to use the specified methods and approved fasteners, adhesives and chemicals, and welders. Tesla warns that deviations can compromise structural integrity, crash integrity or safety. These are the manufacturer’s repair requirements; they do not establish that no other repair is technically possible.

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The manual also says a part with an attached crash sensor cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Where damage is near safety-related components, it calls for replacing the damaged body or structural component. The appropriate action therefore depends on the damage location and the relevant repair procedure, not simply on whether a panel looks fixable.

Stainless steel has limits—and cosmetic work is different

Tesla’s materials guidance says stainless-steel components cannot be repaired using welding. It separately describes professional methods for refinishing light and deep scratches on exterior stainless panels. Scratch refinishing is a limited cosmetic operation, not a method for restoring collision-damaged structural parts.

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Some operations call for specialized tools

For drilling ultra-high-strength steel, Tesla recommends high-quality tungsten carbide or boron drill bits and a drill equipped with a C-frame. That is a tool requirement for a particular procedure, not a general endorsement of DIY collision repair; having the tool does not establish that a repair is safe or authorized.

Who should repair a crashed Cybertruck?

Tesla’s collision manual says repairs should be performed by technicians with the knowledge, training and equipment needed to meet Tesla standards, and advises using Tesla-authorized repair facilities. Tesla’s owner manual tells collision owners to contact Tesla or a Tesla-approved body shop and recommends genuine Tesla parts. Follow the applicable procedure for the specific damage and confirm that the facility is eligible to perform the work.

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How to assess repair versus a total-loss decision

The reported truck was described as totaled, but the article does not provide an insurer’s estimate, a repair-cost figure or the final outcome. A total-loss decision is not established here as a universal judgment about Cybertruck repairability. For an individual vehicle, the assessment should address:

  • Whether damage is cosmetic or affects structural parts, crash sensors or other safety-related components.
  • Whether Tesla’s manual permits repair of the affected part or requires replacement.
  • Whether the proposed facility has the authorization, trained technicians and equipment called for by Tesla.
  • Whether the estimate uses Tesla-approved procedures and the specified parts, fasteners, adhesives, chemicals and welders.
  • How the insurer’s repair estimate compares with its total-loss assessment for that vehicle.

The sources cited here provide no verified figures for Cybertruck collision-repair cost, repair time or total-loss rates, so those cannot be inferred from Wade’s attempt.

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