A Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says His Truck’s Stainless Steel Got Severely Stained by Tree Sap – Adds, “Tesla Told Me Tree Sap Must be Removed 'Immediately' or It’ll Cause Damage”

Travis Stoliker, a Cybertruck owner from Michigan, says he doesn’t know what to do after tree sap severely stained his Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior.

The damage caused by the tree sap was so severe that one-third of the Cybertruck looks as if it has corroded.

Moreover, Travis mentions that he reached out to Tesla service, but the staff informed him there was nothing they could do to assist him. They then forwarded him a link to the Cybertruck owner's guide, emphasizing a section that states: “to prevent damage to the stainless steel, immediately clean tree resin off the Cybertruck.”

However, Travis says, he’s cleaned his Cybertruck according to Tesla’s recommendation, but the deeply stained marks all over his Cybertruck are not coming off.

Now he’s questioning if Tesla has sold him a vehicle that could be permanently stained by tree sap.

The frustrated Cybertruck owner shared his story on the Tesla Cybertruck Owners group on Facebook.

He writes…

“I need your help with a frustrating issue. I’ve been a Tesla fan for over 10 years—owned three Teslas during that time (now on my Cybertruck), and I’ve loved every one of them.

But I’m dealing with tree sap that got on both sides of my Cybertruck in the same spot from one branch.

I tried fixing it myself: hand-washed 4 times with mild soap, used Mr. Pink solution, and applied denatured alcohol as recommended online and in their FAQs. Unfortunately, the sap left permanent stains and etching on the stainless steel.

I expected fingerprints, but not permanent damage from something so common. I reached out to Tesla Service, and here’s what they said: They haven’t seen trucks with sap and don’t do detailing, suggesting I try a detailer or Tesla’s cleaning kit.

They linked Tesla’s Cybertruck cleaning guide, which states sap must be removed “immediately” or it’ll cause this damage.

I found that shocking—like I was sold a product that can’t handle tree sap? I asked to escalate to a manager because I assumed this was just a mistaken employee and wanted to know if this staining and etching is expected behavior.

They apologized, spoke with a manager, and later suggested the cleaning kit again or a detailer. 

They also mentioned they won’t assist with this concern and told me to contact the sales team where I took delivery for more information. (My service request was sent to the location in Grand Rapids even though I took delivery in the Detroit area.)

This was very odd, too. I’ve never had service redirect me to a different location like that.

Has anyone else experienced this with tree sap on their Cybertruck? Is this normal for the stainless steel exoskeleton? Should I expect permanent staining and etching? Did you know this could happen? Am I being unreasonable to think this shouldn’t be an issue? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you’ve got! Thanks in advance.”

Below his post, Travis included several pictures of his Cybertruck stainless steel exoskeleton.

As you can see from the pictures he shared, Travis's Cybertruck is covered in stains, and he says this level of staining persists even after he cleaned his truck four times using Tesla’s recommendations.

Looking at the comments, several Cybertruck owners shared that their vehicles have also been difficult to keep clean.

A fellow Cybertruck owner, Brandon Williamson, says his truck has a permanent stain caused by bird droppings.

Brandon writes…

“My Cybertruck has a permanent bird dropping stain.”

On the other hand, some Cybertruck owners claim that it's Trevor’s own fault for leaving the truck under a tree, and that Tesla and the Cybertruck’s stainless steel aren’t at fault here.

A fellow Cybertruck owner, James O'Leary, writes…

“Stop parking your Cybertruck under the tree for a start.”

Another Cybertruck owner seconds this sentiment, writing…

“Get a grip, dude. This is not Tesla's problem or fault. Do yourself a favor.. stop playing victim and buy yourself some Bar Keeprs Friend and put in some elbow grease…”

Overall, Cybertruck owners seem divided on this issue. However, please let me know what you think in the comments. Share your ideas by clicking the RED “Add new comment” button below. Also, be sure to visit our site, torquenews.com/Tesla, regularly for the latest updates.

Image: Screenshot from Travis Stoliker’s post on Tesla Cybertruck Owners group on Facebook; reposted under fair use copyright rule.

For more information, check out: A Tesla Cybertruck Buyer Says Tesla Sold Him a Previously Vandalized Truck – Shows the Red Paint & Scratches Still Visible on His Truck

Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and the evolution of the EV space daily for several years. He covers everything about Tesla, from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.