I Took My Cybertruck In For a Few Minor Trim Issues, Tesla Was Supposed To Fix the Beauty Cover, But It’s Still Loose, I Guess This Is Acceptable To Tesla?

The Tesla service center refused to replace a seemingly simple part, hinting at a potentially bigger design flaw in Gary's new Cybertruck.

When "Within Spec" Becomes a Functional Defect

Cybertruck ownership is defining a critical conflict with Tesla service: the line between acceptable cosmetic imperfection and a genuine, functional quality defect, particularly concerning trim and seals. 

I found this account from Gary Mitchell in the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook group that offers a crucial study in how Tesla's service network is managing these non-structural issues.

The Service Center Stalemate: Loose Trim and VOC Fogging

Gary's visit to a Michigan service center highlighted the friction points some owners face. While he successfully had an initial $80 charge waived for pre-delivery trim issues, his primary concern—a loose "beauty cover" above the frunk/windshield—exposed a deeper issue.

Here is Gary Mitchell's account: "I took my Cybertruck into the service center here in Michigan for a few minor trim issues and two spots on the frunk and to get the camera area cleaned. The only thing I had an issue with was that they didn't replace the beauty cover with a new one. The Tesla advisor said he checked two or three other trucks in their shop, and they were all like that, and that the tech compared the original to a new part, and it was the same, so they just installed the original. So apparently that's acceptable to Tesla. Seems like a simple fix to put a gasket on there and make sure no infiltration is allowed in that area from the off-gassing."

Gary's response—that a loose part is "acceptable to Tesla" because other trucks have it—is the classic "within spec" defense. However, in this case, the loose cover isn't just cosmetic; it's a functional liability. As Gary correctly identified, the gap allows airflow that brings volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the frunk cavity and dash area into contact with the cool windshield glass. 

This accelerates off-gassing condensation, which can dangerously fog the windshield, specifically over the crucial forward-facing Autopilot/FSD camera housing.

This is a safety and functional hazard disguised as a minor trim issue. The trim's fit and finish must meet the standards of an $80,000+ vehicle, and when loose, it compromises the vision system's clarity.

What the Community is Saying

Gary's experience is far from unique. Across multiple forums and social media platforms, owners are sharing similar stories that underscore the growing pains of this revolutionary vehicle. It's clear that owners must be vigilant in addressing cosmetic and structural concerns in early Cybertruck models.

John Lopez - It's funny, I was just about to open a ticket for this. Mine is not as loose, but there's definitely a gap compared to the left side. It doesn't rattle, so other than that, it checks good.

Julian Colicchio - Mine was perfect until they took it upon themselves to take it off and clean the glass for no reason during an appointment to replace my door. Now mine hangs down a 1/4" and I just have a bad feeling that I'm going to start having off-gassing issues inside when I didn't before.

Alexander Chen - They cleaned mine for free. I complained about the same thing. But we look at the other cyber trucks, and they're all loose on that side. So I let it go.

Beyond the off-gassing and minor trim fixes, we see a pattern of persistent issues requiring lengthy service visits, including:

• Squeaks and Rattles: Persistent squeaking noises from the A-pillar and dash areas that multiple service visits have failed to resolve, leading some owners to request buybacks under lemon law provisions.
• Structural Adhesion Failures: The highly publicized recall affecting nearly all delivered Cybertrucks due to the exterior cantrail trim potentially detaching while driving—a clear adhesive and manufacturing failure that Tesla is addressing by replacing the assembly with stronger bonding and mechanical reinforcement.
• Long Wait Times: Reports of trucks spending weeks—even a month—in service for issues that should be simple fixes, demonstrating that the service infrastructure is still grappling with the truck's unique construction methods.

These stories confirm that while the Cybertruck is rugged on the outside, the interior trim, seals, and non-structural components demand intense owner scrutiny.

My Related Tesla Service Center Coverage

Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, "Less Than 2K Miles and My Seat Squeaks, Pillars, Door trim, and Center Dash Rattles, It's A Rattle-and-Squeak Nightmare"

Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, "It's My Cybertruck's First Time at the Service Center, and 6 Things Are Already Wrong With It"

Advice for Cybertruck Owners

If you are currently driving a Cybertruck, or are waiting for your delivery, here are my recommendations for new Tesla Cybertruck owners to navigate these production hurdles:

• Document and Reject: Do not accept delivery if you notice unacceptable panel gaps, loose trim, or misaligned body panels. The time to fight "within spec" is before you drive it off the lot.
• Focus on Function, Not Just Form: If your trim issue affects a key function—like water infiltration into the frunk or condensation affecting the camera housing—frame your service request around the functional failure (e.g., "FSD camera visibility is compromised due to internal windshield fogging," or "Water intrusion into frunk cavity," not just "Loose trim").
• The Gasket Solution: For the beauty cover issue Gary faced, if the service center maintains the current fit is "acceptable," consider a self-installation of a high-quality automotive gasket material along the contact edge to create a positive seal and stop the airflow loop that is causing condensation on the interior camera housing.
• Know the Recalls: Stay current on all NHTSA and Tesla recalls. If your issue involves trim, reference the recent cantrail recall (even if it's a different part), as it establishes a precedent for adhesive failure and poor panel retention being a manufacturer's defect.

In The End

The Cybertruck is rugged on the outside, but its interior trim and seals demand intense owner scrutiny. Your vehicle is part of a living beta test, and reporting issues based on functional failure—not just aesthetics—is critical for both your safety and the entire community

Question for Cybertruck Owners:

Given the ongoing challenges with early Cybertruck fit and finish, are you finding that Tesla's unique stainless-steel structure is worth the current trade-off in interior trim quality and service center patience, or does the 'within spec' defense need to be retired? Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the red Add New Comment link below.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Gary Mitchell