Tesla Cybertruck owners are facing a safety issue where the vehicle's 'Rollaway Protection' system mistakenly detects the driver as absent, causing sudden braking and shifting into park at low speeds. This 'Phantom Park' problem occurs during slow maneuvers like parking or inching through traffic. Owners report the glitch stems from unreliable seat sensors, raising concerns about potential accidents.
The 'Phantom Park' issue in the Tesla Cybertruck arises when the vehicle's software logic misinterprets the driver's presence, activating emergency measures to prevent rollaway. According to the Tesla Owner's Manual, the system shifts into park and applies brakes if the driver's seatbelt is unbuckled, no weight is detected on the seat sensor, and the speed is below 1.4 mph. This threshold creates risks during creeping actions, such as pulling into a garage, edging out of a driveway, or navigating stop-and-go traffic.
Owners have shared alarming experiences on forums like the Cybertruck Owners Club and Reddit. On November 23, 2025, user 'Cybertruck26' described the problem: "my seat wouldn't recognize I was seated... hence the roll away (sudden stop)." He noted similar sensor issues in his Model Y but emphasized the Cybertruck's more abrupt response. Trauma surgeon and owner 'hemiarch' added, "If this sensor is faulty, the car may interpret that the driver has left, even if they are still there." Simple actions like shifting weight to adjust a wallet or phone can disrupt the capacitive connection, prompting the sudden stop. One owner likened it to "being brake-checked by your own car."
Service centers identify two potential failures: the Restraint Control Module (RCM), part #1872985-00-A, which processes safety data and may show a 'Restraint Control Module MIA' error; or the 48V Seat Occupancy Sensor, part #1879496-00-B, possibly due to a small or strictly calibrated mat. The Cybertruck's 48-volt architecture uses new components, and fixes like replacing the seat cushion face delays from parts shortages.
This defect poses a serious safety hazard, as an uncommanded stop in busy areas could lead to rear-end collisions. It echoes a recent Ford recall of over 23,000 Super Duty trucks for rollaway risks, suggesting the NHTSA may investigate. Owners are advised to check the Service Mode for alerts, remove aftermarket cushions, and log incidents via the Tesla app for technician review.
