Tesla is recalling its cheaper Cybertruck because the wheels might fall off

Recall details and engineering issue

• Thread centers on recall of all 173 RWD Cybertrucks due to cracking at brake rotor stud holes that can lead to studs separating from the hub and potential wheel detachment.
• Several commenters argue the headline “wheels might fall off” is technically sensational but substantively accurate, since stud failure can cascade into wheel separation.
• Some confusion over terminology (“brake rotor stud” vs hub studs) and exact design; one person inspects Tesla documentation and infers it’s likely conventional studs in a hub whose holes can elongate/crack.
• Comparison raised to other EV recalls (Audi/VW brake issues, VW doors opening) to argue such safety defects are common industry-wide, not unique to Tesla.

RWD vs AWD, traction, and snow

• Long subthread on whether a RWD electric truck is sensible.
• Many emphasize snow tires matter more than AWD for control and stopping; AWD mainly helps acceleration and can give drivers false confidence.
• Others counter that in real-world winter driving, AWD meaningfully reduces “sketch factor,” especially on steep, poorly maintained local roads.
• Discussion of weight distribution in EVs (battery pack low and often spread front–rear) and how that may mitigate classic RWD truck traction issues.
• Some argue that for many drivers who rarely see deep snow or off-road conditions, AWD is unnecessary weight and complexity.

Cybertruck as product: practicality vs image

• Strong criticism that Cybertruck is poorly engineered as a “truck”: weak hitch/frame performance in abuse tests, compromised bed usability, sharp design, perceived pedestrian risk.
• Others frame it as a “big weird car” or lifestyle/status object for affluent business owners, not a work truck.
• One owner defends it as the best vehicle they’ve had: roomy for family, good for bikes/skis/camping, comfortable, powerful, and with software/driver-assist they value. Critics respond that many SUVs/minivans can do the same more cheaply and with better build quality.

Tesla quality, recalls, and FSD

• Broader skepticism about Tesla build quality: references to prior Cybertruck issues (rust, panels, glass, pedals, body glue) and poor inspection-pass rates in some countries.
• Others stress recalls are normal across automakers, and fixing issues via recall is not itself evidence of uniquely bad engineering.
• Debate over driver-assistance: some praise Tesla FSD as uniquely capable “driveway to driveway”; others say competitor systems (Ford BlueCruise, comma.ai, Waymo) are safer or more honest about limitations and question Tesla’s safety statistics methodology.

Media, perception, and humor

• Some complain the linked outlet is biased/anti-Musk; others point out multiple sources carry the same recall.
• Numerous jokes, parodies (e.g., Simpsons “Canyonero” rewrite), and “wheels coming off” metaphors underscore that many see Cybertruck as a symbolic disaster, while a minority argue the underlying cars (especially non-truck Teslas) remain “pretty great.”