Rivian Automotive is recalling 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles for suspension failures, according to the required NHTSA filing just made public. The fastener connecting the front upper-control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened on 12,212 vehicles. An improperly torqued steering knuckle fastener could cause excessive wheel camber or a separation, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Rivian will inspect and, as necessary, properly secure the steering knuckle fasteners in the affected vehicles. In the event that components require replacement, Rivian will replace components, as necessary. Rivian said it has a policy and practice of reimbursing owners who have paid for a repair that subsequently becomes the subject of a field action.
“To ensure consistency, Rivian, as part of the owner letter, will request that customers send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense,” Rivian said. In the case of recalls, of course, the manufacturer must pay for the repair, according to Federal regulations.
Rivian will begin notifying affected customers as soon as possible through emails and text messages. “We will mail notifications on or before November 24th, 2022. As a direct-to consumer manufacturer, Rivian owns and operates all of the Company’s sales and service operations. As all ‘dealers’ are Rivian owned entities, notification will be through internal means to our licensed store and service operations addressing this recall on or before the date set forth in this response,” Rivian said.
Owners can contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261 about recall FSAM 997. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology
- On August 13, 2022, Rivian identified a vehicle where the upper control arm had separated from the steering
knuckle. The incident was reviewed by engineering and an investigation into root cause and scope was
initiated.
- On September 24, 2022, Rivian became aware of two vehicles where the steering knuckle had become loose or
separated.
- As of September 28, 2022, Rivian had become aware of six reports potentially related to this issue that had
accumulated over the production of R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles (a rate of 0.037%).
- On September 29, 2022, Rivian completed its investigation, confirming the suspected root cause, risk assessment, remedy, and affected population.
- On September 30, 2022, Rivian determined that a safety-related defect exists.
Rivian Recalls 2022 Vehicles for Suspension Failures
Rivian will inspect and, as necessary, properly secure the steering knuckle fasteners in the affected vehicles. In the event that components require replacement, Rivian will replace components, as necessary. Rivian said it has a policy and practice of reimbursing owners who have paid for a repair that subsequently becomes the subject of a field action.
“To ensure consistency, Rivian, as part of the owner letter, will request that customers send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense,” Rivian said. In the case of recalls, of course, the manufacturer must pay for the repair, according to Federal regulations.
Rivian will begin notifying affected customers as soon as possible through emails and text messages. “We will mail notifications on or before November 24th, 2022. As a direct-to consumer manufacturer, Rivian owns and operates all of the Company’s sales and service operations. As all ‘dealers’ are Rivian owned entities, notification will be through internal means to our licensed store and service operations addressing this recall on or before the date set forth in this response,” Rivian said.
Owners can contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261 about recall FSAM 997. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology
knuckle. The incident was reviewed by engineering and an investigation into root cause and scope was
initiated.
separated.
accumulated over the production of R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles (a rate of 0.037%).