Tesla Initiates Engineering Investigation into Cybertruck's Windshield Wiper System
Although software updates were implemented earlier in 2025, the controversy surrounding the Cybertruck’s oversized windshield wiper — popularly dubbed the “Gigawiper” — is far from resolved. According to a new Tes...
Despite software improvements earlier in 2025, the Cybertruck’s oversized windshield wiper—nicknamed the “Gigawiper”—continues to present problems.
A Tesla Service bulletin shared by an owner shows an active Engineering Investigation into the wiper’s performance. While engineers work toward a permanent fix, Tesla has been replacing entire wiper arm assemblies. Many early Cybertrucks that shipped with a V1 arm have already received a V2 replacement, and service staff indicate a V3 arm is in early testing.
Why the Gigawiper is problematic
The Cybertruck uses the largest single wiper on a passenger vehicle: a roughly 4-foot blade built to clear the truck’s extensive flat windshield. Despite that scale, owners have reported persistent issues. A recall in June 2024 addressed faulty wiper motors, but complaints about cleaning effectiveness—especially in cold weather—have continued. Reported problems include:
- Improper stowage at high speeds, where the wiper fails to settle at the correct angle and partially overlaps the windshield’s visible edge, slightly obscuring vision.
- Poor contact across the blade’s stroke, with inadequate wiping at the top and middle. This sometimes leaves the area over the forward-facing FSD cameras and the passenger side uncleared, which can render FSD unavailable in salty or messy road conditions.
- Washer-fluid delivery problems caused by kinks in the hose assembly or improperly tightened fittings, resulting in dribbling or leaking instead of an effective spray.
Software attempts and the move toward hardware fixes
Tesla rolled out software changes in update 2025.2.8 to refine wiper logic, making movements crisper and improving stow behavior. The recent service document, however, indicates that software alone is not resolving the issue. Tesla’s investigation suggests a likely mechanical deficiency in the wiper arm assembly—potentially related to spring tension, hose mounting, or structural rigidity—rather than merely a calibration problem.
The service note confirms the investigation is active and that Tesla will contact customers when a solution is available. Engineering Investigations can precede manufacturer-initiated recalls.
Advice for owners
Owners experiencing wiper problems should file a service ticket. Fitting a new wiper blade can alleviate some symptoms but does not solve every issue. In the meantime, Tesla appears to be developing revised parts and is replacing arm assemblies in the field while it completes the investigation.
A Tesla Service bulletin shared by an owner shows an active Engineering Investigation into the wiper’s performance. While engineers work toward a permanent fix, Tesla has been replacing entire wiper arm assemblies. Many early Cybertrucks that shipped with a V1 arm have already received a V2 replacement, and service staff indicate a V3 arm is in early testing.
Why the Gigawiper is problematic
The Cybertruck uses the largest single wiper on a passenger vehicle: a roughly 4-foot blade built to clear the truck’s extensive flat windshield. Despite that scale, owners have reported persistent issues. A recall in June 2024 addressed faulty wiper motors, but complaints about cleaning effectiveness—especially in cold weather—have continued. Reported problems include:
- Improper stowage at high speeds, where the wiper fails to settle at the correct angle and partially overlaps the windshield’s visible edge, slightly obscuring vision.
- Poor contact across the blade’s stroke, with inadequate wiping at the top and middle. This sometimes leaves the area over the forward-facing FSD cameras and the passenger side uncleared, which can render FSD unavailable in salty or messy road conditions.
- Washer-fluid delivery problems caused by kinks in the hose assembly or improperly tightened fittings, resulting in dribbling or leaking instead of an effective spray.
Software attempts and the move toward hardware fixes
Tesla rolled out software changes in update 2025.2.8 to refine wiper logic, making movements crisper and improving stow behavior. The recent service document, however, indicates that software alone is not resolving the issue. Tesla’s investigation suggests a likely mechanical deficiency in the wiper arm assembly—potentially related to spring tension, hose mounting, or structural rigidity—rather than merely a calibration problem.
The service note confirms the investigation is active and that Tesla will contact customers when a solution is available. Engineering Investigations can precede manufacturer-initiated recalls.
Advice for owners
Owners experiencing wiper problems should file a service ticket. Fitting a new wiper blade can alleviate some symptoms but does not solve every issue. In the meantime, Tesla appears to be developing revised parts and is replacing arm assemblies in the field while it completes the investigation.
