Tesla is recalling its cheaper Cybertruck because the wheels might fall off
Tesla’s entry-level rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck is being recalled after reports that brake rotor defects could cause wheel studs to separate from the hub, potentially leading to wheel loss; all 173 units sold are affected. Commenters contrast the small scale of this recall with much larger historical recalls from other automakers, but argue that it reinforces broader concerns about Tesla’s engineering quality, safety culture, and rushed execution on the Cybertruck. The thread branches into technical debates over RWD vs AWD in EVs, braking and traction on snow, and how design choices and manufacturing variability can make seemingly “solved” components like wheels and brakes fail in unexpected ways.
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.”