Replying to @MstrHappyJustin
I mount it in the back window of my model Y. @CyberDadx2 has a pretty nice mount in his CyberTruck.
My Sweep Grok Bot just cleaned up 59 bot shells, 55 dormant accounts, a bunch of adult / hookup accounts and most of the crypto scams. Boom!
On to round two....
HUGE time saver for sure. Loving Grok Bot!!!!
@bot
Replying to @JVonFSDinMD
Here is Groks response... still seems crazy.
This is most likely heat damage from concentrated/reflected sunlight (solar convergence), melting the plastic.RedditTorquenews
The images show bubbled, deformed black plastic (typical of heat softening/melting) on the cover over the passenger-side mirror mounting area, next to a carbon-fiber-textured piece (common on aftermarket or styled Tesla mirror/camera housings). The second image shows related surface spotting/damage. This matches the owner’s description of additional “melted” damage beyond the side marker and fender trim, with the top also melted and loose.
Why this explanation fits
Similar cases exist on Tesla Model Y side-repeater camera covers and other cars (Toyota, Honda, etc.), where plastic trims, mirror housings, or camera surrounds melt or deform. Commenters often note an arc-like or focused pattern consistent with a moving sun reflection.Reddit
Reflected sunlight from windows (especially low-E/energy-efficient glass, which can act like a partial mirror or concentrator), glass buildings, or other surfaces can focus heat enough to soften or melt exterior plastics—exactly like a magnifying glass. Famous examples include the London “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper melting car parts and vinyl siding, or residential windows damaging parked vehicles. Plastics melt or soften at far lower temperatures than metal body panels.BBCEnglish.elpais
It fits the owner’s details: damage only on the passenger side (driver’s side fine), present since at least May (unnoticed for months despite washes), rural location (unlikely random vandalism), camera itself still functional, and only the exposed front surfaces affected (not the rear of the marker). No clear signs of sprayed chemicals elsewhere.
Other less likely possibilities include a handheld laser or heat source (some replies speculated this, referencing camera-targeting vandalism), a material defect, or chemical exposure. The long-undetected, one-sided, multi-part pattern and lack of other evidence make focused solar heat the strongest match. Cybertruck cases of plastic melting from the stainless body heating in the sun are related but different (direct heat conduction rather than focused reflection).
What to do
Contact Tesla Service via the app with photos and the history (damage since May, functional camera). Coverage varies by region and discretion—some similar camera-cover melts have been replaced under warranty or goodwill; others are treated as external damage. Many of these covers/trims are clip-on and relatively straightforward (and cheaper) to replace yourself or with a shop.
Park away from large reflective glass surfaces when possible to avoid further issues. The carbon-fiber piece may be aftermarket; confirm fit and material if replacing related parts.
Replying to @elonmusk @AnthropicAI
Wow...Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Replying to @whiningdogs
You aren't special.... he calls me weekly. No matter how many time I tell him I'm busy, he just keeps calling.
Replying to @JVonFSDinMD
Im in AZ and never have seen this. Wtf....
Replying to @JC70769
You know it wasn't that guys idea... or was it?
Replying to @ajmoyle
Ok... good to hear. I get worried at times but am a believer. Thanks for sharing.
Replying to @ChargeTrek @theXtakeover
That looks amazing! What a trip.
Replying to @CreeCoder
I am getting ready to do a cleanup myself. :)
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I knew what the answer was but wanted to be sure.
Going to go with Satin Matte PPF on the Model YL. Can't wait. Just ordered it today.
Now I have to get that Raptor sold and Cyber Truck ordered. Still working out how to get around if I don't have the Raptor. Hmmm.....
Replying to @LiamsDadTravel @BROMAR @CyberDadx2 @TeslaCharging @Tesla @TeslaClubAz @TeslaArizona @teslaownersaz
Great seeing you guys!!!




