Tesla issued its 11th recall for the angular truck, this time targeting 173 units of the discontinued RWD model whose brake rotors can crack and cause wheels to separate from the vehicle entirely. According to NHTSA documents, the defect affects factory-installed parts on 2024-2026 Cybertrucks equipped with 18-inch steel wheels—a safety nightmare hiding behind Tesla’s futuristic facade.
Hidden Cracks Create Catastrophic Risk
The problem lurks in brake rotor stud holes that crack under road stress and cornering forces. Think of it like metal fatigue in a smartphone that bends until it snaps—except here, failure means losing a wheel at highway speeds. Tesla admits the cracking often goes undetected, though some owners reported vibrations, noise, or brake pulsation before discovering the defect. Only three warranty claims surfaced by April 2026, suggesting many affected trucks remain on roads with compromised brake systems.
Dismal Sales Numbers Tell the Real Story
The small recall numbers reveal Tesla’s bigger problem: virtually nobody bought these trucks. The RWD variant launched around $70,000 as the “affordable” Cybertruck option but died within months due to pathetic sales. Even $10,000 savings couldn’t convince buyers to choose single-motor mediocrity over dual-motor capability. Tesla quietly discontinued the RWD model in November 2025, shifting focus to a $60,000 dual-motor variant that remains unaffected by this recall.
Free Fixes Can’t Repair Tesla’s Quality Pattern
Tesla promises free replacement of brake rotors, hubs, and lug nuts with redesigned parts featuring improved stress distribution and higher-friction components. Owner notifications began April 24, with full remedy communications by June 20, 2026. Yet this marks the 11th Cybertruck recall following issues with accelerators, trim pieces, inverters, and cameras—a troubling pattern for a vehicle positioned as transportation’s future.
Your next EV purchase deserves better than rolling the dice on basic safety components. Tesla’s Cybertruck recalls aren’t isolated incidents—they’re becoming the norm.
