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Normally, that would be a major crisis for an automaker, but in the case of this particular Cybertruck, it's more of a rounding error (no pun intended). Just 173 Cybertruck RWD models were sold.
Even for a line of trucks that have failed to live up to expectations (2), that's a startlingly low number. Tesla [NASDAQ:TSLA] scrapped the model after just five months due to poor sales (3). The $69,000 truck (which was $10,000 less than other Cybertruck models) was unpopular because buyers felt some of the most desirable aspects of the Cybertruck line had been removed, such as power outlets in the bed and air suspension.
Now, on top of all of that, the wheels could go rogue.
Blame the brakes
Holes in the vehicle's brake rotors could be prone to cracking due to "road perturbations" (irregularities on a road or traffic flow that range from potholes to stop and go traffic), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (4).
That could cause the wheel studs to separate from the hub, making it harder to control the vehicle and potentially causing the wheel to fall off. Drivers might feel a vibration or hear a noise before the wheel stud separates, the company said.
Tesla says it will completely replace the affected wheel hubs and rotors and the repairs will not cost owners anything. Owners have already been notified. Tesla says it is not aware of any collisions, fatalities or injuries that are or may be related to this issue.
The news comes just a few months after word spread that overall Cybertruck sales had nosedived 48% last year. The company sold 20,237 Cybertrucks in 2025, compared to 38,965 the previous year, according to Kelly Blue Book's electric vehicle sales report (5). That's a 48% decline.
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Tesla sales were lower overall last year, as only the Model 3 saw an increase in demand and that was a mild 1.3% gain.
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Not the only recall
While wheels falling off a vehicle is nothing to ignore, Tesla's recall attentions are perhaps a bit more focused on a different recall issued this week. The company recalled more than 200,000 vehicles because of delayed rearview camera images that could increase the risk of a wreck.
Some 218,000 Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X vehicles, featuring hardware version 3, are impacted by that action.
"Loss of the rearview camera image may affect the driver's rearview and increase the risk of a collision," the NHTSA said in its recall notice (6). "The driver may continue to reverse the vehicle by performing a shoulder check and using their mirrors."
As with the Cybertrucks, there have been no reports of any collisions, fatalities or injuries due to that issue. A free over-the-air software update, which was sent to customers last month, can resolve the problem, Tesla said.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Driving.ca (1); CNBC (2); TechRadar (3); National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (4),(6); Cox Automotive (5)
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Chris Morris is a veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience at many of the internet's biggest news outlets. In addition to his activities as a writer, reporter and editor, Chris is also a frequent panel moderator and speaker at major conferences, including CES and South by Southwest.
