Some Tesla Cybertruck owners have noticed rust spots on their vehicles' stainless steel exteriors within a year of purchase. A content creator suggests this may stem from owners attaching magnets to the surface. Tesla attributes such issues to superficial corrosion or external debris rather than damage to the steel itself.
The Tesla Cybertruck, known for its distinctive stainless steel exoskeleton, has drawn attention after reports of rust formation on some units. Published on February 13, 2026, an article from Supercar Blondie highlights concerns from owners who observed the orange substance appearing soon after acquisition.
Content creator Molesrcool posits that the rust might result from a common owner habit: placing magnets on the exterior. This could compromise the protective chromium oxide layer that makes the Hard Freaking Stainless Steel (HFS) highly resistant to corrosion.
Tesla describes the exoskeleton as requiring no additional surface protection and being corrosion-resistant. However, the company acknowledges that stainless steel can undergo light superficial corrosion through pitting, potentially causing staining. In many instances, what appears as rust is actually metallic debris corroding on the surface, not the steel itself.
According to Tesla, any such rust can be easily cleaned and does not affect the vehicle's structural integrity. Owners in humid climates or those driving on salted winter roads may face higher risks, but the issue seems rectifiable without major intervention.
The Cybertruck's design includes impact-absorbing castings for safety and Armor Glass for a quiet cabin resistant to impacts. Supercar Blondie has reached out to Tesla for further comment on these reports.
While the stainless steel's durability was touted as a key feature, these early observations underscore the need for proper maintenance to preserve its appearance.
