Rivian recalls more than 12,000 EVs over loose bolts

The Rivian R1S SUV. Source: Rivian

American electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive has issued a recall for virtually all the vehicles it has delivered over the past year due to potentially loose suspension.

Rivian issued the recall through the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A total of 12,212 vehicles across the range of 2022 Rivian R1T pickup trucks/utes, R1S SUVs, and Rivian EDV delivery vans.

Rivian reportedly discovered in August that an upper control arm had separated from the steering knuckle on one of its vehicles. This led to an internal investigation and Rivian subsequently identified six further reports related to the issue.

This led Rivian to conclude by the end of September that “a safety-related defect exists” and to immediately issue a recall. According to Rivian’s safety recall report, the issue “had accumulated over the production of R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles” at a rate of 0.037%.

Remedying the issue appears to be relatively simple, with Rivian promising to “properly secure the steering knuckle fasteners in the affected vehicles.”

Rivian customers can expect to hear from the manufacturer by November 24.

Importantly, it appears from Rivian’s own production and delivery numbers that this recall affects virtually all vehicles delivered.

Rivian began deliveries of its electric vehicles late last year and finished the year having delivered 920 units – though the breakdown between the three EVs is unclear. Production has been ramping up through 2022, and by the end of the third quarter Rivian had delivered a total of 13,198 models.

It would appear, then, that virtually all 2022-made models have been issued with a recall.

Despite all of this, however, Rivian remains confident it will be able to reach its annual production guidance of 25,000, which would suggest a huge fourth quarter of production seemingly unaffected by the recall.