NHTSA opens investigation into Rivian R1S and R1T rear suspension failures

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a new defect investigation into the Rivian R1S and R1T after reports of rear suspension component failures that allegedly caused vehicles to suddenly swerve across lanes while driving.

According to documents released on Thursday by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), the agency has launched Preliminary Evaluation PE26004 to examine reports of left rear toe link separation in certain 2022-2025 Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles. The investigation currently covers 114,922 vehicles.

Two reported incidents prompted the probe

The probe was launched after two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) were submitted to NHTSA involving 2023 and 2024 model year R1S SUVs. In both incidents, owners reported the left rear toe link separated while the vehicle was in motion, resulting in an immediate loss of stability and causing the vehicles to veer across multiple lanes of traffic.

One of the reported incidents resulted in a collision involving another vehicle and a roadside barrier. Fortunately, NHTSA says no injuries or fatalities have been reported as part of the investigation so far.

Investigators determined that in both cases, the bolt responsible for maintaining the integrity of the toe link assembly fractured. NHTSA reviewed repair histories, onboard camera footage, photographs of the damaged components, and even a police accident report as part of the early stages of the investigation.

Vehicles had different histories before failures

Interestingly, the two vehicles involved had different histories leading up to the failures. One vehicle had previously undergone service work related to the suspension, while the other had reportedly been involved in an earlier collision.

However, NHTSA noted that both vehicles continued operating for several months and accumulated thousands of miles without apparent issues before the failures occurred.

Rivian had already issued a recall

The investigation also points to Rivian’s earlier recognition that the rear toe link assembly may be vulnerable if not serviced using the proper procedures. The automaker revised its repair guidelines for the component in March 2025, and later expanded those updated instructions through a recall issued earlier this year covering vehicles that had previously undergone toe link-related service work.

NHTSA says the purpose of the Preliminary Evaluation is to better understand several key issues, including whether the rear toe link assembly is vulnerable to foreseeable road or service conditions, whether the failures share common characteristics, and whether Rivian’s updated repair procedures adequately address the problem.

Investigation could lead to additional action

At this stage, the investigation does not automatically mean a new recall will be issued. However, depending on what investigators uncover, the probe could eventually lead to expanded recalls, additional service campaigns, or engineering changes.

You can read the full NHTSA ODI Resume below.