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Tesla has issued a recall covering its entire production run of rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck models after discovering a manufacturing flaw that could cause wheels to separate from the vehicle while in motion. The action affects fewer than 200 of the $70,000 Long Range RWD trucks equipped with 18-inch steel wheels and stems from defects in the brake rotor stud holes.

Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the stud holes may crack under normal driving stresses, allowing the wheel stud to detach from the hub. Tesla described the problem in straightforward terms: higher severity road bumps and cornering can initiate cracks that spread with continued use until the stud fails. The company identified the issue through warranty claims and has notified owners, though it reported no crashes, injuries, or deaths linked to the defect so far.

The recall arrives as Tesla attempts to ramp up Cybertruck deliveries after years of delays and production challenges. Elon Musk has repeatedly promised large-scale output, yet the total number of RWD units involved remains small. Industry observers note that even limited recalls can damage consumer confidence in a vehicle already facing scrutiny over build quality and unusual design choices.

This marks at least the eleventh safety-related action tied to the Cybertruck line since its introduction. Previous campaigns addressed issues ranging from accelerator pedal misplacement to roof glass detachment and structural weaknesses under certain load conditions. Each episode has required Tesla to issue over-the-air software updates or schedule service visits, underscoring ongoing difficulties translating ambitious prototypes into reliable consumer products.

Safety advocates point out that wheel separation represents a particularly serious failure mode, one that could occur without warning on highways or during routine maneuvers. While the affected population is tiny compared with Tesla’s broader vehicle fleet, the incident raises questions about quality control at the Austin, Texas factory where the trucks are assembled. The NHTSA will monitor whether the fix fully resolves the root cause or if additional vehicles produced later require similar attention.

Tesla stated it is not aware of any field incidents resulting from the rotor flaw, yet the company still moved quickly once the pattern emerged in warranty data. Owners of the recalled trucks are being instructed to schedule inspections and repairs at service centers, where technicians will replace the affected brake rotors and related components at no cost.

The episode fits into a wider pattern of regulatory scrutiny facing Tesla and other electric vehicle makers as production volumes increase. Federal agencies have investigated everything from Autopilot performance to battery fire risks across the industry in recent years. For Tesla specifically, the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton and heavy curb weight introduce unique engineering demands that appear to have outpaced initial validation testing.

Market analysts suggest the recall could further complicate Tesla’s efforts to meet internal sales targets for the unconventional pickup. Early buyers have already voiced frustration over panel gaps, paint defects, and delayed software features. Adding a safety campaign to that list risks reinforcing perceptions that the vehicle remains a work in progress despite its high price tag.

Tesla has not indicated whether the same rotor design appears in other Cybertruck variants or future models. The company continues to emphasize its rapid response once problems surface, but critics argue that repeated recalls signal deeper shortcomings in the product development process. Regulators and consumers alike will watch closely to see whether this latest fix holds up under real-world conditions.