Technicians inspect a Cybertruck wheel hub, addressing recall concerns.
Tesla is initiating a recall for 173 Cybertrucks equipped with 18-inch steel wheels, citing concerns that wheel studs could separate, potentially leading to wheel detachment while driving. The issue, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stems from brake rotor stress.
The affected Cybertrucks, sold between 2024 and 2026, may experience cracking in the wheel rotor’s stud holes, particularly under severe road conditions. This cracking could worsen over time, ultimately resulting in the wheel detaching from the vehicle. Tesla’s pre-production testing in 2025 had previously flagged potential issues with the wheel hub and bearing geometry contributing to rotor cracking, though early tests did not indicate a loss of vehicle control.
A change management error led to planned durability improvements for the brake rotors not being incorporated when production began on August 28, 2025. While Tesla has recorded one real-world case of a customer reporting braking vibrations in October 2025, leading to rotor replacement, the company states that no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been linked to this specific defect.
The company is issuing the recall out of an abundance of caution, particularly after identifying three warranty claims that may be associated with the condition as of April 14. Early indicators for affected vehicles could include vibrations or unusual noises emanating from the wheels during operation.
Tesla service centers and stores were notified of the recall on April 20, and owners are expected to receive notification letters by June 20. This recall follows a separate, recent recall of over 218,000 Tesla vehicles due to a rearview camera issue that could delay image display.
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