Tesla has announced a recall of its Cybertruck models due to a significant safety concern involving the wheel studs. The recall, facilitated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affects a total of 173 vehicles equipped with the base 18-inch steel wheels that were sold between 2024 and 2026.
The recall issue arises from potential separation of the wheel studs, which could lead to the wheels detaching from the vehicle. According to reports, the problem is linked to the brake rotors and is exacerbated under severe road conditions, which may create stress on the stud holes in the rotor, eventually causing cracks to form. If left unaddressed, these cracks could grow more significant, ultimately resulting in a complete detachment of the wheel.
Tesla has indicated that this issue was identified during pre-production testing in 2025. Engineers determined that the particular design of the wheel hub and bearing might contribute to the cracking of the rotors. While earlier testing did not indicate any impact on vehicle function or control, it was concluded that prolonged usage under high stress could lead to the separation of the wheel stud from the hub.
A complication arose because planned durability improvements to the brake rotors were omitted at the start of production on August 28, 2025, due to a change management oversight. In October 2025, Tesla received its first real-world report of braking vibrations from a customer, which led to the discovery of cracked brake rotors during a subsequent service inspection. Although the rotors were replaced, Tesla has confirmed that no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been associated with this issue.
The NHTSA report highlights early warning signs that a vehicle may be affected by this issue, including vibrations or unusual noises emanating from the wheels while driving. As of mid-April, Tesla had identified three warranty claims potentially related to this condition, prompting the company to initiate the recall as a precautionary measure.
Tesla has informally notified all its stores and service centers about the recall. Formal notification letters are expected to be sent to affected owners by June 20.
This recall follows a recent announcement from Tesla regarding another recall affecting more than 218,000 vehicles due to a separate issue with the rearview camera that could delay image display, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
