Rivian announces recall for the R1S

The US start-up Rivian has to recall vehicles again, this time 5,030 units of the R1S electric SUV are affected. Apparently, the reversing light on these vehicles does not meet the specifications and must be replaced.

Specifically, the reversing light may not be sufficiently visible from certain angles. This would mean that the vehicle would not meet the legal requirements for the visibility of this light, which increases the risk of an accident – which is very relevant in the USA, especially in liability issues.

The 5,030 affected vehicles are said to be all R1S built in the period from 19 November 2021 until 21 March 2023, because Rivian no longer installed the faulty tail light from then on. Rivian’s action involves replacing the tail light with a redesigned unit that meets the visibility requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Rivian will notify all affected owners of the exact action beginning May 20.

The R1S recall is the second major Rivian recall to be announced in a matter of weeks. The other problem is a possible defective sensor in the safety system, which may cause the passenger airbag not to deploy correctly in a crash. The problem affects 12,176 vehicles – all R1S and R1T built from the start of production until 15 September 2022.

insideevs.com, nhtsa.gov (PDF)