Video footage captures a Cybertruck navigating off-road terrain, yet encounters a setback as one of its wheels breaks off.
During the King of the Hammers desert racing event in Johnson Valley, California, a standard bolt on the rear wheel reportedly failed post some intense donuts, as recounted by a Redditor present at the event. The gathering featured approximately 40 vehicles, including Rivian EV pickups and Ford F-150 Lightning trucks.
A photo shared by a former Twitter user, now X, depicts the aftermath, accompanied by a caption humorously noting the drive-it-till-it-breaks mentality.
Considering Tesla’s bold claims about the Cybertruck’s capabilities, this incident raises doubts. Despite the vehicle’s rigorous testing at the event, maintaining all four wheels intact seems fundamental, especially for a recently debuted model.
As noted by InsideEVs, tie rod failures aren’t exclusive to Cybertrucks; a Rivian R1T experienced a similar issue in Moab, Utah, last year. However, the Cybertruck’s unique all-wheel steering capability makes it susceptible to rear tie rod failures compared to its competitors.
Is this bolt failure a flaw in Tesla’s design or an anticipated occurrence during off-road activities?
The owner, Unplugged Performance, responded with a defensive stance, accusing the media of sensationalism and highlighting the commonplace nature of vehicle breakdowns during off-road adventures.
Acknowledging the rigorous nature of the event, there’s ambiguity surrounding whether Tesla’s Cybertruck is overhyped or simply encountering typical teething problems. With Elon Musk’s penchant for ambitious marketing, distinguishing between reality and hyperbole becomes increasingly challenging.
