Tesla Recalls 173 Cybertrucks Over Wheel Detachment Risk: What Owners Need to Know

Tesla is recalling 173 Cybertrucks after discovering a dangerous defect: the wheels can literally fall off while the vehicle is in motion. The issue stems from cracked stud holes in the brake rotor, which may cause the wheel stud to separate from the hub. This defect increases the risk of loss of vehicle control and potential crashes.

The recall applies to Cybertrucks equipped with 18-inch steel wheels, manufactured between March 21, 2024, and November 25, 2025. Tesla will replace the affected wheel hubs and rotors at no charge to owners. Notifications will be mailed by early July 2026.

Cybertruck’s Troubled History: A Timeline of Quality Failures

The latest recall underscores the persistent quality control issues plaguing the Cybertruck since its inception. Even during its high-profile unveiling, Tesla CEO Elon Musk demonstrated the truck’s flawed design by shattering the so-called "indestructible" bulletproof driver door window with a steel ball.

Since then, the Cybertruck has faced a series of recalls and manufacturing defects, including:

• Accelerator pedal stuck at full throttle
• Windshield wiper failure
• Exterior trim detaching at highway speeds
• Cameras losing image while shifting into reverse
• Frunk closing on hands, risking severe injury

Sales Collapse: Cybertruck Fails to Meet Musk’s Ambitious Targets

Tesla’s Cybertruck has struggled in the market since its launch. In 2023, Musk predicted annual sales of 250,000 to 500,000 units once production scaled up. However, the truck delivered only 38,965 units in 2024, its first full year, representing just 15% of Musk’s lower target.

Sales declined sharply in 2025, dropping to 20,237 units—a 48% year-over-year decrease, the steepest decline among EVs in the U.S. market that year. Industry data from S&P Global Mobility reveals that Tesla’s own companies, including SpaceX, xAI, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, purchased a significant portion of these vehicles. In Q4 2025, SpaceX alone acquired 1,279 Cybertrucks, accounting for 18% of all U.S. registrations that quarter. Including purchases by Musk’s other companies, the total rose to 1,339 units. Excluding these sales, Cybertruck registrations would have fallen by 51% year over year.

Update Timeline: Key Cybertruck Recalls and Issues

November 21, [Year]: Tesla announces the latest recall for wheel detachment risk.