Tesla has been compelled to recall every rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck sold in the last two years because of a defect that could cause the wheels to detach. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a warning that fragile stud holes might lead to the wheel stud separating from the wheel hub, heightening the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA Warning Details
According to the NHTSA recall notice, “On affected vehicles, higher severity road perturbations and cornering may strain the stud hole in the wheel rotor, causing cracks to form.” The notice further explained, “If cracking propagates with continued use and strain, the wheel stud could eventually separate from the wheel hub... Wheel hub separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of crash.”
Remedial Action
Elon Musk’s company will replace the hubs, lug nuts, and front and rear brake rotors on all affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Fortunately, due to low Cybertruck sales, only 173 of the stainless steel pickup trucks are subject to the recall.
Sales Performance and Market Context
Before the vehicle’s launch, Musk projected annual sales of 250,000 Cybertrucks by 2025. However, actual sales in 2025 totaled just over 20,000 units. Registration data from S&P Global Mobility indicates that Musk’s SpaceX is the largest buyer of Cybertrucks, accounting for nearly one in five US sales in the fourth quarter of 2025. Despite this, registrations continued to decline in that period.
Earlier this year, Tesla lost its position as the world’s leading electric car seller to Chinese automaker BYD. This followed two consecutive years of falling sales for Musk’s firm, after a decade of annual increases.
Production Delays and Brand Reputation
The sales drop coincides with severe production delays, including a seven-year wait for the Tesla Semi, the company’s first electric truck. Tesla’s brand reputation has also suffered due to Musk’s polarising political views, with criticism for supporting far-right politicians in the UK and Europe. In a ranking of America’s 100 most visible companies last year, Tesla placed among the worst for ethics and ranked last for character.
The Independent has contacted Tesla for comment on the recall.
