Rivian has issued a recall alert for about 13,000 vehicles – nearly every vehicle it has delivered to customers – because a loose fastener could cause drivers to lose control of their cars.
The recall affects the 2022 Rivian R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and EDV electric delivery van. In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Rivian explains that a nut connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may not have been properly torqued.
That could cause excessive noise, vibration, and harshness during driving. “In rare cases,” the company says, the parts could separate. That could affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Rivian will inspect the steering knuckle fasteners and tighten them, if necessary, free of charge. The repair is simple enough to perform in the field. So, Rivian is arranging to come to owners to perform the service. Owners can call Rivian customer service at 855-748-4265 to arrange the visit.
Recalls Are Common
Over the weekend, the recall caused some controversy on social media as some investors alleged that media coverage of the matter would hurt Rivian’s stock price. We’d note, however, that many, if not most, cars face recalls during their useful lives.
A car is such a complex machine involving so many mechanical and electronic parts that virtually every model experiences multiple problems that require small adjustments over time. The media covers all of them to ensure that we’re all as safe as possible on the roads.
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.
