
A Reddit user says his $59,000 2026 Cybertruck has a warped windshield that distorts objects when viewed from certain angles. Dozens of other owners in the same thread report similar issues, with some noting the distortion is more noticeable after tinting.
The user, posting under the name churningcents2011, says he noticed the problem after getting his windshield tinted with XPEL XR film by an authorized installer. The tint shop removed the film, revealing the distortion was in the glass itself, though it was more visible with the tint applied.
Distortion Found in Multiple Trucks
When he took his truck to a Tesla service center, staff checked six other $59,000 models in inventory. All six showed the same distortion, which he described as a “wavy, wrinkled look” when viewing objects through the bottom right portion of the windshield. A 2024 model checked at the same time did not have the issue.
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The service center agreed to replace the windshield but couldn’t guarantee the new one would be distortion-free. The user also mentioned a possible future service bulletin, though this hasn’t been confirmed by Torque News.
How to Check for the Issue
Owners suggest a simple test that takes about 30 seconds: Open the driver’s door or window, look at a fixed object about 20 feet away through the bottom right section of the windshield, and move your head slightly up and down. Watch for blurring or a wavy appearance. Another user, funnbobby1973, recommends checking from outside the truck by rolling down the windows and looking across the windshield to the opposite corner.
One owner, sidzeller, said the distortion in his truck was so severe it made his wife motion sick. After a replacement, the new windshield still showed some distortion, but it was less noticeable. WSArmy88 also reported the issue in his 2026 base AWD, calling it a “safety issue” due to its impact on night driving.
Not all owners experience the issue. Some report no distortion, while others say it’s minor and doesn’t affect driving. One user, dantodd, claims all Cybertrucks have some distortion, but service centers only replace the windshield if it’s in an unsafe location. ton2010 noted the distortion on his truck sits in the bottom few inches and “isn’t obvious,” while txbrady wrote, “Mine has it also, I’ll live with it.”
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Tint seems to exacerbate the problem. mistulio, a 2025 AWD owner, said a darker tint made lights appear doubled or tripled, but switching to a thicker film reduced the effect. Owners are concerned about the cost and hassle of replacements, especially if they need to redo ceramic tint, and suggest documenting the issue with video before tinting.
If you believe the distortion creates a safety problem, you can report it to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency that tracks vehicle safety complaints.
Service Experiences Vary Widely
Owners report mixed responses from Tesla service centers. Some had their windshields replaced within 2.5 days, while others were told the distortion is normal. A few owners say their glass appears flawless. jeffputts stated his August 2026 Premium AWD model showed distortion covering about a quarter of the windshield, but a technician refused to replace it under warranty, claiming the issue is expected for glass of this size.
Older models aren’t immune. Wrong-Car-7227 mentioned his 2025 AWD model had its windshield replaced three times under warranty. Effbonkers said his 2024 Foundation Series underwent four replacements before he pursued a lemon law claim.
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Tint and Replacement Concerns
Funnbobby1973 advised ensuring the service center inspects the new windshield with a tool that has straight lines and avoids driving the truck for 24 hours after installation. Theories about the cause abound, but none have been confirmed. Tesla has not issued a statement explaining the issue or its scope.
If you suspect your windshield is warped, owners recommend documenting it with a video before tinting and attaching it to a service request. For those who believe it poses a safety risk, reporting the issue to the NHTSA is an option.
Glass issues have been a recurring theme for Cybertruck owners. Previous reports include windshield fogging from interior off-gassing and the owner community identifying changes before Tesla addresses them. Armen Hareyan, founder and Editor in Chief of Torque News, has covered such issues for over 15 years, specializing in electric vehicles and real-world owner experiences. Based in Indian Land, SC, he founded Torque News in 2010, providing expert analysis and attending major automotive events nationwide.
