Tesla Cybertruck Crashes in Full Self-Driving Mode – What Went Wrong?

The Tesla Cybertruck was marketed as the future of electric trucks, promising an indestructible design, Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, and next-level automation. But recently, reports surfaced of a Cybertruck crashing while in FSD mode, raising serious concerns about Tesla’s self-driving system.

Is Full Self-Driving actually safe?
What caused this crash?
Could AI-driven cars truly replace human drivers?

With Tesla pushing autonomous technology as the future, incidents like these leave many questioning whether self-driving vehicles are ready for real-world use.

What Happened? The Tesla Cybertruck Full Self-Driving Crash Explained

A Tesla Cybertruck driver issued a warning after his truck totaled itself while in Full Self-Driving mode.

Key Facts About the Incident:

The Cybertruck was navigating autonomously when it lost control.
The truck collided head-on with a pole, sustaining severe front-end damage.
Self-driving mode was engaged at the time of impact.
The driver claims he was not touching the controls when the crash occurred.

This accident raises major concerns about Tesla’s FSD technology and whether it can be trusted in real-world driving conditions.

How Does Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Mode Work?

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) is designed to allow a car to navigate, change lanes, and stop at traffic signals without driver input.

Tesla’s Self-Driving Features Include:

Autopilot: Handles highway driving, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control.
Navigate on Autopilot: Allows automatic lane changes and off-ramp exits.
Summon: Lets owners remotely move the vehicle in parking lots.
Autosteer: Enables the car to steer, accelerate, and brake within a lane.
Full Self-Driving Beta: Offers city street navigation with automatic stops, turns, and lane decisions.

While these features sound impressive, Tesla warns drivers to always remain attentive and keep their hands on the wheel.

But if FSD mode still requires driver supervision, is it really “self-driving”?

Why Did the Cybertruck Crash in Self-Driving Mode?

There are several possible reasons why the Cybertruck’s FSD failed in this situation.

1. Sensor & Camera Malfunction

Tesla vehicles rely on cameras and AI-powered sensors to detect obstacles.
If a sensor was obstructed or failed to detect the pole, it could have miscalculated the path.

2. Poor Road Conditions & Visibility

Self-driving technology still struggles with rain, fog, and poorly marked roads.
The crash happened at night, meaning Tesla’s cameras may not have accurately detected hazards.

3. Software Bugs & AI Decision Errors

Tesla’s FSD system is still in Beta testing.
AI-driven vehicles sometimes make unpredictable decisions in complex driving environments.

4. Driver Overreliance on Automation

Despite Tesla’s marketing, FSD is not yet fully autonomous.
Some drivers assume FSD can handle everything, leading to a lack of intervention.

Regardless of the cause, this incident proves that self-driving technology is far from perfect.

The Biggest Risks of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology

While Tesla’s self-driving capabilities are cutting-edge, they still have significant limitations.

1. False Sense of Security

Many drivers trust FSD too much, believing it’s more advanced than it really is.
In reality, Tesla’s system still requires constant monitoring.

2. Unexpected Stops & Sudden Braking

Some FSD users report phantom braking—where the car suddenly stops for no reason.
This can be dangerous, especially at high speeds.

3. Inability to Handle Complex Scenarios

FSD still struggles with construction zones, temporary signs, and unpredictable pedestrians.
Human intuition is still necessary in tricky driving situations.

4. Legal & Ethical Concerns

If a self-driving car causes a crash, who is responsible—the driver or Tesla?
Many countries have yet to create laws regulating autonomous vehicles.

Tesla has faced several lawsuits related to Autopilot crashes, raising concerns about the future of AI-driven cars.

Are Self-Driving Cars Actually Safe? Experts Weigh In

Despite Tesla’s claims that FSD reduces accidents, many experts remain skeptical.

Self-Driving Safety Statistics:

A Tesla on Autopilot crashes every 4.31 million miles driven.
A human-driven car crashes every 484,000 miles.
Self-driving cars are still involved in more rear-end collisions than human drivers.

While Tesla argues that FSD is improving, critics say that AI-driven vehicles still lack human judgment.

What This Means for Tesla & the Future of Self-Driving Vehicles

The Cybertruck crash has reignited debates about whether Tesla’s self-driving technology is truly ready for mass adoption.

Potential Consequences for Tesla:

More lawsuits and legal scrutiny over FSD crashes.
Stricter government regulations on self-driving vehicles.
A slowdown in FSD software expansion.
More skepticism from consumers considering Tesla’s autonomous features.

Tesla continues to push forward, but accidents like this show that AI-driven cars still have a long way to go.

Should You Trust Full Self-Driving Mode?

While Tesla’s FSD is an incredible innovation, it is NOT fully autonomous yet.

If You Use FSD, Follow These Safety Tips:

Keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
Stay alert and be ready to take control immediately.
Do not use FSD in bad weather or poorly marked roads.
Update your vehicle’s software regularly.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving mode is still an evolving technology—treat it as an advanced driver assistance feature, not a replacement for human judgment.