Tesla Recalls Cybertruck EVs Due to Brake Rotor Issues
Elon Musk’s Tesla is recalling all rear-wheel drive Cybertruck electric vehicles because of a faulty brake rotor that might cause the wheels to detach while driving.
Tesla has announced the recall of its rear-wheel drive Cybertruck Long Range models due to a significant issue with the brake rotor system that could lead to wheels separating from the vehicle. This recall was first noted by MotorTrend and later confirmed in a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
Document filings with NHTSA reveal that the problem stems from the brake rotor stud holes. Tesla stated that these holes “could cause cracks and the stud to become dislodged from the wheel hub.” It’s worth noting that this issue affects only the $70,000 rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck model equipped with 18-inch steel wheels. Surprisingly, fewer than 200 vehicles are involved in this recall, especially considering Musk’s projections of Cybertruck sales being in the thousands annually.
Tesla elaborated on how the failure might occur, explaining that “in affected vehicles, more severe road turbulence and cornering may put stress on the wheel rotor stud holes, potentially causing cracks.” The company further cautioned that “as the cracks propagate with continued use and strain, the wheel studs may eventually separate from the wheel hub.”
Interestingly, Tesla has pinpointed three warranty claims that could be associated with this brake rotor problem. However, the company maintains that it is “not aware of any crashes, deaths, or injuries” linked to the defect.
This recall marks the 11th time the Cybertruck has faced a safety recall since its introduction. Earlier recalls have addressed various problems, such as issues related to the vehicle’s gas pedal, detachable exterior components, inverter system, and even the font size on display screens.
In related news, Tesla was reported to have recalled over 200,000 vehicles due to a critical flaw in the backup camera system, which causes a delay in the image display.
The affected vehicles cover a broad range of model years. This includes specific 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Model Y vehicles, along with 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Model S and Model X vehicles released during those same years.
NHTSA indicates that all vehicles identified in this recall are equipped with hardware version 3, which Tesla ceased production on in January 2024. The primary concern is a lag in the rearview camera display when the driver shifts into reverse, which can severely impair visibility and might lead drivers to mistakenly believe there are no obstacles nearby, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tesla has promised to remedy the issue at no cost to vehicle owners. The company will replace the front and rear brake rotors, hubs, and lug nuts on all affected vehicles for free. Owners of the recalled Cybertrucks will be informed and guided to schedule service appointments for necessary repairs.
