Rivian is recalling 12,212 electric vehicles — because loose fasteners could affect a driver’s ability to control the car. The recall affects nearly every vehicle Rivian makes this year and spans the automaker’s entire lineup, including certain 2022 R1T pickups, R1S SUVs, and the electric delivery vehicle (EDV) it builds for Amazon.
Rivian produced 14,317 vehicles and delivered more than 12,000 in the first three quarters of 2022.
According to a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fasteners connecting the front upper control arms to the steering knuckle may not have been adequately torqued. This has the potential to cause separation and result in loss of vehicle control and increased risk of a crash. Drivers of affected vehicles may notice excessive noise, vibration and harshness in the front suspension and changes in steering performance or feel, the safety report said.
“It is important not to underestimate the potential risks involved and why we are voluntarily conducting this recall,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe wrote in an email to customers viewed by CNBC, “In rare cases, the nut may come completely loose. I want to reiterate that this is an extremely rare occurrence, but it does reinforce why we are taking such urgent and cautious action.”
Rivian issued the recall after investigating seven reports related to the defect, none of which involved any injuries. The electric vehicle maker said it will properly secure the steering knuckle fasteners in vehicles affected by the recall at no additional cost. This is the second recall this year for Rivian, which recalled about 500 R1T electric pickups in May for a faulty airbag system that may not deactivate when it detects a child in the front passenger seat.
