Tesla has opened an Engineering Investigation into persistent problems affecting the Cybertruck’s oversized single windshield wiper, known as the “Gigawiper,” raising fresh questions about a potential safety recall. As of December 24, 2025, the probe signals that earlier software updates have failed to resolve owner complaints, suggesting the issue may be rooted in hardware rather than software.
Owners have reported that the massive wiper blade does not maintain adequate contact with the windshield, leaving large sections uncleaned, including areas critical to the forward-facing cameras used by Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. In poor weather, drivers say visibility is compromised, particularly at highway speeds where the blade can fail to clear water or debris effectively.
Additional complaints point to the wiper arm improperly stowing at high speeds, in some cases obstructing the driver’s view, as well as washer fluid delivery failures caused by kinked or loose hose fittings. These issues have persisted despite multiple over-the-air software updates rolled out earlier in 2025, including version 2025.2.8, which was designed to refine wiper logic and behavior.
Tesla’s decision to launch an Engineering Investigation indicates growing concern that the problem cannot be fixed through software alone. According to reports from service centers and owners, the company has begun replacing entire wiper arm assemblies on some vehicles with a revised “V2” version. At the same time, engineers are said to be testing a “V3” design aimed at delivering a permanent mechanical solution. Industry observers suggest potential causes include insufficient spring tension, inadequate structural rigidity, or design constraints created by the unusually large single-blade setup.
The development follows earlier action by Tesla related to Cybertruck wiper issues. In June 2024, the company recalled approximately 11,688 Cybertrucks after discovering that excessive electrical current could lead to failure of the wiper motor controller. That recall was addressed through free replacement of the affected motor components at Tesla service centers. The current investigation, however, appears to focus on mechanical performance rather than electrical faults.
More Read
While an Engineering Investigation does not automatically result in a recall, such probes are commonly used by automakers to determine whether a defect poses a safety risk that warrants formal action. If Tesla concludes that the Gigawiper’s performance could impair driver visibility or affect the operation of safety systems, a broader recall could follow.
Tesla has advised Cybertruck owners experiencing wiper-related issues to submit a service request through the Tesla mobile app. Owners can also verify whether their vehicle is subject to any active recalls by using the NHTSA VIN search tool or Tesla’s own VIN recall lookup.
The outcome of the investigation could have wider implications for the Cybertruck, a vehicle already known for its unconventional design choices. As Tesla continues to test revised hardware, the Gigawiper has become a high-profile example of how bold design innovations can introduce unexpected engineering challenges.
More Read
Tesla loses more AI talent as ex-employees join fast-rising robotics startup
