The Tesla Cybertruck was supposed to be a halo product, one delivering a bold, futuristic, and disruptive experience in America's most popular vehicle segment. Instead, it largely landed with a thud. For a company built on redefining segments, the stainless-steel electric pickup truck hasn’t come close to expectations. And while the broader Cybertruck lineup has struggled, one specific model flopped so badly that Tesla quietly discontinued it just months after launch.That model was the long-promised Cybertruck Long Range RWD, which launched in April 2025 and brought the price of entry down by $10,000 to a new low of $69,990, though this was still higher than the $60,990 price Tesla had been promising for the truck. Unsurprisingly, the inflated sticker combined with some feature cuts didn’t help demand, and Tesla removed the model from the configurator by September 2025. A recent recall disclosure now highlights just how much of a disaster it actually was. The Wheels Could Come Off TeslaTesla doesn’t even reveal Tesla Cybertruck sales figures, let alone a breakdown by individual models, instead grouping the pickup’s total with the Model S and Model X under “Other Models” in its financial reports. However, a recall notice for the Cybertruck Long Range RWD published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on April 22 (campaign number 26V255000) lists 173 affected units. That figure applies to the US, where most Cybertrucks are sold.The recall only covers versions equipped with standard 18-inch steel wheels, which may affect the total, as the model was also available with optional 20-inch wheels that aren’t included. Tesla says production of the affected vehicles began in August 2025 and ended in November due to low demand.The issue involves faulty brake rotors, where the stud holes could crack and cause the stud to separate from the wheel hub, potentially leading to wheel detachment in extreme cases. Tesla service centers also stocked the same rotors, meaning the defect could still surface after replacements. Some owners reported a pulsing sensation under braking, though Tesla says there have been no crashes or injuries tied to the issue.TeslaThe fix requires service centers to replace the brake rotors, hubs, and lug nuts free of charge. Affected owners will be notified by mail starting June 30. For more information, owners can contact Tesla at 1-877-798-3752 or visit the company’s recall page. Entry-Level Cybertruck Returns With AWD TeslaIn an effort to boost sales, Tesla relaunched a more affordable Cybertruck earlier this year, briefly offering it at just $59,990. That teaser price lasted just 10 days before getting a $10,000 increase, which made it way more expensive than most gas-powered pickups with more features. The new variant, dubbed the Dual Motor, retains the all-wheel-drive setup buyers prefer, but cuts costs by dropping features like adaptive air suspension and once again making 18-inch wheels standard.As noted earlier, the Cybertruck hasn’t been a strong seller, with cumulative US sales estimated at around 70,000 units. One of the biggest issues is steep depreciation, something early buyers are now starting to experience firsthand as resale values fall. It all underscores the uphill battle Tesla faces in turning the Cybertruck into a mainstream success.
+39 others
![Cybertruck, Man Buys Cybertruck. Then It Starts To Rust: 'I Thought Magnets Didn’t Stick [To] Stainless Steel'](https://cdn.topcarnews.net/media/id/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4ubW90b3IxLmNvbS9p-bWFnZXMvbWdsL0FrbmVROS9zMS9tYW4t-YnV5cy1jeWJlcnRydWNrLmpwZw/675942d4162d04de8e0cdd9c36ebc142.jpg)
The Cybertruck once again shows that bold design alone isn’t enough if build quality and reliability don’t match expectations.
A brake-related issue like this is pretty serious—anything involving components coming loose is more than just a minor defect.
When a recall only affects a few hundred units, it already says a lot about how limited the demand for this version really is.