Tesla’s Cybertruck is issuing a recall for its rear-wheel drive version due to a critical flaw that could result in the wheels coming loose while in motion. This concerning problem underscores the persistent challenges surrounding this highly anticipated electric pickup.
Announced last month and highlighted by MotorTrend this week, the recall pertains to the more budget-friendly rear-wheel drive variant, which retails for $70,000. This model is equipped with 18-inch steel wheels but has faced serious safety issues linked to its brake rotors.
In a notice to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla stated that “higher severity road perturbations and cornering” can place excessive strain on the stud holes that secure the brake rotors. Over time, this strain may cause cracks to develop, increasing the likelihood of the stud detaching from the wheel—a significant danger to driver safety.
The notice stresses the seriousness of the issue: “Wheel stud separation can lead to a loss of vehicle control, heightening the risk of a crash.” This declaration highlights the need for Tesla to promptly resolve this defect to avert potential accidents.
This situation adds to a mounting list of hurdles for the Cybertruck, which has had difficulty living up to the lofty expectations set by Elon Musk’s assertion that it is an “apocalypse-proof” vehicle. Such a claim is becoming increasingly dubious, especially given the vehicle’s dependence on a reliable electrical system that could fail under extreme conditions.
The alarm was initially raised when a customer reported experiencing “braking pulsations.” Technicians validated the concern during an inspection, finding cracks on the surfaces of the brake rotors and confirming the user’s report.
This recall represents the eleventh time the Cybertruck has come under scrutiny since its debut late last year. Previous recalls involved critical issues such as the accelerator pedal becoming stuck and the vehicle losing power while in use. Furthermore, the stainless steel body panels and lightbar attachments have also been recalled due to insufficient adhesive, raising concerns about quality control standards.
Another alarming aspect of this recall is its breadth. The defect impacts all 173 rear-wheel drive Cybertrucks sold, which may clarify why Tesla chose to discontinue this model shortly after its launch. It was succeeded in February by a new all-wheel drive variant priced at $60,000, featuring two motors—one fewer than the $99,990 “Cyberbeast” model.
Tesla has identified three warranty claims that may be related to the wheel detachment issue and estimates that roughly five percent of the recalled vehicles could have this defect. The ongoing problems faced by the Cybertruck raise significant concerns about Tesla’s quality assurance practices and the long-term prospects for this vehicle line.
