Rivian has issued a recall order for nearly 13,000 R1S SUVs and R1T pickups from the 2022 model year over a defect that could prevent the airbags from deploying properly in an accident.
In most modern cars, seatbelts and airbags work together. A system of sensors and microchips determines which seats are occupied and turn airbags on and off accordingly.
In documents filed with federal safety regulators, Rivian explains that it may have installed some sensors that are “dimensionally out of tolerance.” That might prevent the passenger’s airbag from deploying even when that seat is occupied.
Owners might notice a “passenger airbag off” light in the lower corner of the center display even when a passenger is in the seat. That’s how engineers discovered the problem, Rivian says. The company is aware of no accidents or injuries related to the defect.
Rivian will inspect the sensors and replace them if necessary.
Recall repairs, by law, are always free.
Manufacturers attempt to contact every owner, but they don’t always reach them all with the news. Find out if your car has ever been recalled at our recall center.
Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
