Tesla Recalls Lower-Priced Cybertruck Over Wheel Detachment Risk

Tesla is recalling its cheaper, base-spec Cybertruck after concerns that the wheels could come off, according to multiple published reports. The recall targets a small number of vehicles and centers on a safety issue that could increase the risk of a crash if a wheel separates while the truck is in motion.

The affected vehicles are described as “cheap” or base-spec Cybertrucks in coverage by outlets including The Verge, WIRED, Gizmodo, driving.ca, MobileSyrup and Carscoops. Carscoops reported the recall involves 173 vehicles, and other reports characterized it as limited to the lower-priced configuration rather than the broader Cybertruck lineup.

Details about the specific component at issue and the exact fix have not been confirmed in the information provided here. Still, the core concern across the reports is consistent: the wheel could detach from the vehicle. Recalls tied to potential wheel separation are treated as serious because they can lead to loss of control, increase stopping distance, or create road hazards for other drivers.

The development matters because the Cybertruck is one of Tesla’s most closely watched products and has faced repeated scrutiny over quality and safety issues. A recall involving the possibility of wheels coming off goes directly to basic vehicle integrity, raising questions about manufacturing consistency and inspection processes, especially on a configuration positioned as a lower-cost entry point.

It also underscores how quickly safety issues can ripple into public perception for new and unconventional vehicle designs. A pickup’s wheels are a fundamental safety-critical system, and any suggestion of detachment can prompt heightened attention from owners, regulators and the broader auto industry.

For customers, the most immediate impact is straightforward: vehicles covered by the recall will need to be inspected and repaired. Owners typically receive recall notifications with instructions on how to schedule service and whether the remedy can be performed quickly or requires parts. Drivers who suspect a problem are generally advised to stop driving and contact the manufacturer, though specific guidance for this recall was not included in the provided context.

Next steps will depend on Tesla’s remedy and the timeline for completing repairs. The company will be expected to identify affected vehicles, notify owners and carry out the fix. Additional information may also emerge about whether the issue is isolated to the base-spec build or if it shares a cause with problems seen on other versions of the vehicle.

For now, the recall adds another high-profile safety concern to the early life of the Cybertruck, with Tesla moving to address reports that the wheels could come off.