Elon Musk Claimed the Cybertruck Could ‘Float on Water’ Like a ‘Boat’ and One Driver Took Him Seriously and ‘Regretted Every Second’

In a scene that might’ve come straight out of a sci-fi satire, a Tesla Cybertruck had to be rescued from California’s Truckee River this week after its driver attempted to treat the futuristic electric vehicle as an amphibious vessel—allegedly inspired by Elon Musk’s repeated claims that the Cybertruck could function “briefly as a boat.”

Photos of the stranded truck—half-submerged and wedged awkwardly against the riverbank—have gone viral, reigniting debate around Tesla’s ambitious marketing and the real-world limitations of its vehicles.

Musk’s Claims: Fact or Folly?

The incident traces back to Musk’s own statements, beginning in 2020, when he said the Cybertruck would be waterproof enough “to serve briefly as a boat.” He doubled down again in 2022, tweeting:

“Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat, so it can cross rivers, lakes and even seas that aren’t too choppy.”

It seems at least one Tesla owner took the billionaire at his word.

Truckee River Rescue: Not Quite a Tesla Triumph

According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver engaged the vehicle’s ‘Wade Mode’, a Tesla feature designed to temporarily raise the suspension and shield the battery for shallow water crossings. However, Wade Mode is not designed for full submersion, nor is it meant for use in open bodies of water.

The CHP, in a now widely shared Facebook post, wrote:

“Cybertruck activated ‘Wade Mode’ and waded a bit too far. We’re all for testing boundaries, but maybe not the waterline. Remember folks, ‘Wade Mode’ isn’t ‘Submarine Mode’.”

There were no injuries reported, and no official word on whether the Cybertruck sustained permanent damage—though water exposure to its electrical components is a strong possibility.

Not the First Cybertruck Water Woes

This isn’t the first time Tesla’s angular electric behemoth has struggled with moisture. In recent weeks, a TikTok video showed another Cybertruck breaking down inside a car wash, prompting questions about whether Tesla’s claims—and driver expectations—are too far ahead of reality.

Tesla’s user manual includes several water-related caveats, warning owners that:

“Failure to put Cybertruck in Car Wash Mode may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers). Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.”

In other words, if a car wash voids the warranty, a river crossing almost certainly will.

Reddit Reacts: ‘CyberStuck’ Grows with Every Post

These aquatic mishaps have become a running joke online, especially in the popular Reddit community “CyberStuck,” which now boasts more than 300,000 members. The subreddit, dedicated to sharing images and stories of Cybertruck malfunctions, has seen a surge in river and car wash-related posts.

One of the top comments this week summed up the sentiment:

“Just because Elon said it floats, doesn’t mean it swims.”

Tesla Silent, Musk Mum

At the time of writing, neither Tesla nor Elon Musk has commented on the Truckee River incident. The company’s lack of response adds to growing frustration among owners facing mixed messages between Tesla’s marketing language and the technical realities outlined in the user manual.

Consumer advocates warn that unverified statements made by executives on social media—even if tongue-in-cheek—can mislead consumers into taking expensive, and potentially dangerous, risks.

Reality Check: What Cybertruck Can Do

To be clear, the Cybertruck’s off-road features are impressive: it includes adaptive air suspension, tough underbody shielding, and Wade Mode, all of which are designed for rugged terrain and limited water exposure. But none of these make it a substitute for a boat, and even brief submersion could lead to battery corrosion, sensor damage, and other high-cost repairs.

Tesla’s warranty does not cover water damage from misuse—meaning drivers who dive in may also be diving into their wallets.

Conclusion: Bold Claims Meet the Cold Water Test

The image of a half-drowned Cybertruck stuck in a California river may become a defining meme of Tesla’s experimental spirit—and its limitations. While Elon Musk’s vision continues to push boundaries, real-world application is still catching up.

For now, Cybertruck owners might want to leave the water-crossing to actual boats—or at the very least, wait until Tesla explicitly says it’s safe to sail.