Tesla Cybertruck Wade Mode Test Ends in Texas Lake Recovery
A Tesla Cybertruck owner in Texas turned a simple off-road experiment into a viral cautionary tale after attempting to test the electric pickup’s Wade Mode in Grapevine Lake. Instead of proving the truck’s water-crossing ability, the drive ended with a flooded vehicle, an emergency recovery, and plenty of online criticism.
According to the Grapevine Police Department, the Cybertruck was driven into Grapevine Lake as the driver tried to see how well the vehicle could handle water. The attempt did not go as planned. The electric pickup became stuck and took on water, forcing emergency crews to recover it from the lake.
Fortunately, the driver and the other occupants reportedly made it out safely, and no injuries were reported.
Tesla’s Wade Mode is designed to help the Cybertruck travel slowly through shallow water. When activated, the feature raises the suspension and prepares the vehicle for limited water exposure. Tesla lists the Cybertruck’s maximum wading depth at around 32 inches, meaning it is not intended for deep-water driving or lake exploration.
Images from the scene suggest the driver may have been traveling near the shoreline rather than straight into deep water. However, the water level appears to have exceeded the Cybertruck’s safe limit on one side of the vehicle. The driver reportedly believed water may have entered through the charging port, which he suspected caused steering problems. That explanation has not been officially confirmed.
The incident quickly spread across social media, where users mocked the failed test and questioned the real-world usefulness of Wade Mode. Many commenters argued that the feature may sound impressive in advertising but still requires careful judgment and respect for water depth limits.
Police also said the driver was arrested after the recovery. He is reportedly facing charges related to operating a vehicle in a restricted park or lake area, along with multiple violations involving required water safety equipment.
The Texas lake incident highlights a key point for Cybertruck owners and off-road enthusiasts: Wade Mode is not a license to drive through any body of water. Even vehicles built with rugged features have limits, especially when electronics, charging systems, and deep or uneven water are involved.
For Tesla, the Cybertruck continues to attract attention, but not always for the reasons the company may want. This latest viral moment adds to the ongoing debate over the electric pickup’s durability, practicality, and how far owners should push its headline-grabbing features.
