Tesla Issues Physical Recall for Cybertruck 18-Inch Steel Wheels; Reveals RWD Cybertruck Sales

Tesla has issued a physical safety recall for a specific subset of Cybertrucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a notice describing a mechanical issue affecting vehicles equipped with factory 18-inch steel wheels.

In addition to the safety details, the filing also sheds light on production numbers for a recently discontinued trim.

The Defect and Remedy

According to NHTSA Campaign Number 26V255, the brake rotor stud holes may crack. Such cracking could allow the wheel stud to separate entirely from the wheel hub, leading to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

There have been zero reported accidents or injuries associated with this issue. The recall was initiated after Tesla identified the problem through three standard warranty claims.

To correct the defect, Tesla Service will replace the front and rear brake rotors, wheel hubs, and all lug nuts at no charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 20, 2026.

The Short-Lived Long Range

The recall documentation specifies the exact number of affected vehicles because these 18-inch steel wheels were shipped only on the Cybertruck Long Range trim before that configuration was canceled, confirming how many Long Range units reached customers.

This short-lived model removed several of the Cybertruck’s unique features. The data shows that Tesla sold just 173 RWD Cybertrucks.

The trim was available for nearly 3 months before Tesla introduced the new Cybertruck AWD.

What About New AWD Orders?

Customers who recently ordered a new base model Cybertruck AWD should not be concerned.

Tesla is using the same wheel design, now officially known as the 18-inch "Molten" wheels (previously referred to as the Standard wheels), as the default option for incoming Cybertruck AWD base models.

However, because deliveries for these AWD models are not scheduled to begin until June at the earliest, the trucks are expected to leave the assembly line already equipped with revised, defect-free parts.