Rivian recalls over 12,000 EVs over loose fastener that could affect steering

Rivian’s recalling 12,212 electric vehicles (EVs) over a loose fastener that could affect drivers’ ability to control the car (via CNBC). The recall affects nearly every vehicle Rivian has produced this year, and spans the carmaker’s entire lineup, covering certain 2022 R1T pickup trucks, R1S SUVs, as well as the electric delivery vans (EDVs) it’s building for Amazon. Rivian produced a total of 14,317 vehicles in the first three quarters of 2022 and delivered over 12,000.

According to a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may not have been “sufficiently torqued.” This could potentially result in separation, “causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.” The safety report says drivers with affected vehicles may notice excessive noise, vibration, harshness from the front suspension, and a change in steering performance or feel.

“It’s important not to minimize the potential risks involved and why we are volunteering to conduct this recall,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe wrote in an email to customers viewed by CNBC. “In rare circumstances, the nut could loosen fully. I want to reiterate that this is extremely rare, but it does reinforce why we are acting with such urgency and caution.”

Rivian issued the recall after investigating seven reports related to the defect, none of which involved any injuries. The EV maker says it will properly secure the steering knuckle fasteners in the vehicles affected by the recall at no added cost. This is Rivian’s second recall this year, with the company recalling about 500 R1T electric pickups in May due to a faulty airbag system that may fail to deactivate when detecting a child in the front passenger seat.

Update October 8th, 11:26AM ET: Updated the headline and text to clarify that the recall affects over 12,000 vehicles.