The rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of the Tesla Cybertruck, introduced approximately a year ago, was intended as a more accessible entry point into Tesla's electric pickup lineup. Despite being priced $10,000 less than the base all-wheel drive variant, the model was poorly received by the public and quickly discontinued due to low sales. A recent recall related to potentially defective brake rotors on RWD Cybertrucks equipped with 18-inch steel wheels has shed light on just how few of these units were sold.

Tesla typically combines Cybertruck delivery figures with those of the Model S and Model X under "Other Models" in its quarterly reports, making precise sales data difficult to ascertain. However, the recall notification offers a rare glimpse into specific model sales, revealing that only 173 RWD Cybertrucks with 18-inch wheels are covered. This unexpectedly low figure strongly supports the decision to discontinue the model, underscoring its lack of market appeal compared to its all-wheel drive counterparts or other EV trucks.

The safety issue at the heart of the recall is severe: the truck's wheels could potentially detach. The problem lies not with the steel wheels themselves, but with the brake rotors. The holes designed for the wheel studs within the rotor can develop cracks. These cracks are attributed to "road perturbations" and the stress exerted on the hub assembly during cornering. If these cracks go unnoticed by the owner – a common scenario given they can be concealed behind the wheels – they could ultimately lead to a complete failure, causing the wheel studs to separate from the hub and the wheel to come off entirely.

This defect is not confined solely to trucks manufactured at Gigafactory Texas. Tesla service centers also stocked the same problematic rotors, meaning the issue can manifest even after repairs where these rotors were installed. In several instances, these replacement rotors were used precisely because customers had reported similar cracking or unusual brake pulsation. Prior to issuing this recall, Tesla acknowledges having received only three warranty claims that "may be related" to this specific failure condition. Encouragingly, the company has stated that it is unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities directly linked to these brake rotor and wheel stud failures.

To address this critical safety concern, Tesla has engineered redesigned rotors and wheel hubs. These new components feature an increased contact area between the components and the wheel, a modification aimed at reducing the stress loads that caused the original rotors to fail. Furthermore, Tesla has introduced a new lug nut with a higher-friction coating, intended to improve torque retention, especially under heavy loads. Owners began receiving recall notices on April 24, though the necessary replacement parts are not yet available. Remedy notifications, detailing when repairs can be performed, are anticipated to be sent out around June 20.

As per standard recall procedures, all necessary repairs will be conducted free of charge to the owner. Tesla has clarified that any similar repairs that were completed before the official recall was issued should have already been covered under warranty, and consequently, owners who paid for such repairs will not be reimbursed.