Rivian will recall nearly all of the vehicles it’s made so far to double-check and address what the company calls a rare issue with a fastener on the steering system.
The voluntary recall, announced Oct. 6, will impact over 12,000 Rivian R1T (pickup truck), R1S (SUV), and EDV (delivery) vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Rivian says it estimates around 1% of those vehicles have the defect, with fewer than 10 reports of problems so far.
The nut connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may not have been sufficiently torqued. That could cause excessive wheel camber (the tilt of the tire and wheel assembly), or in rare instances, a separation, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and increasing the risk of a crash. Customers with affected VINs may experience excessive noise, vibration, and harshness from the front suspension and/or a change in steering performance or feel.
Rivian says it will offer mobile service appointments, “no appointment needed” visits to Rivian Service Centers or pop-up service locations, and prioritized appointments at Rivian Service Centers. Rivian will inspect and, as necessary, properly secure the steering knuckle fasteners in the affected vehicles. One of those Pop-Up Service Events is in Normal, where the vehicles were made.
Rivian, which is now McLean County’s second-largest employer, will hold its third-quarter financial results call with investors and the media on Nov. 9.
