- The Budget Cybertruck was quickly discontinued due to poor sales
- NHTSA has described a manufacturing defect that could lead to problems
- Tesla is now recalling all 173 Cybertruck RWD models to fix it
Tesla made much fanfare for the Cybertruck RWD trim level, which debuted about a year ago and was tipped to be a more affordable entry into the brand’s divisive electric pickup.
Unfortunately, it sold in very limited numbers, perhaps due to the fact that Tesla removed most of the best parts of the Cybertruck to keep costs down.
Now, a recent recall highlights just how few the company sold, cementing the fact that many critics feel the model is one of the biggest flops in automotive history.
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Thanks to holes in the brake rotors that are prone to cracking due to “road disturbances,” NHTSA has highlighted that the cracks can eventually lead to the 18-inch steel wheels becoming separated from the rotor itself.
That’s not something you want to hear, especially when the vehicle is advertised as a rugged and capable off-roader. As a result, Tesla has recalled all 173 Cybertruck RWD models for a fix.
This solution involves new hubs, redesigned rotors and a higher friction coating on the nuts to improve torque retention under heavy loads, according to Motor Trend.
Tesla will make the necessary changes free of charge, and owners have already been notified of the recall.
Analysis: recall reveals shockingly low sales
Tesla is rarely one to reveal exact numbers of particular models, with the likes of the Cybertruck and the now-defunct Model S and Model X grouped together and relegated to the “Other models” category when reporting sales numbers in recent years. This total also includes early, low-volume versions of the Semi truck.
That means the public never really got a handle on why Tesla revealed the Cybertruck RWD and then promptly dropped it.
But with just 173 sold, it quickly becomes clear why that decision was made.
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