Fresh off announcing disappointing Q4 2022 and full year financial results on Tuesday, Rivian has more bad news today. The automaker has issued a voluntary recall for the R1T and R1S over a possible issue with the front passenger seat belt system and as a result the air bag deployment.
This recall is one that will require a service visit and can not be over through an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
According to a copy of the recall notice posted to the NHTSA website the issue affects 12,716 2022 R1 vehicles built between September 10 2021, the very start of production for Rivian, and September 15 2022. Rivian explains the seat belt system sensors are “dimensionally out of tolerance” in these vehicles which may prevent the automatic locking retractor (ALR) from working as it is supposed to, resulting in a possible error for the front passenger seat which may incorrectly display as ‘On’ when it is actually off.
If this occurs the airbag deployment could be affected, leading to a higher risk of injury in a crash. Rivian says they are not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.
“If a passenger is seated in the front passenger seat and the ALR is reporting “on” incorrectly, the passenger air bag may not deploy as intended. In the event of a crash which is supposed to deploy the front passenger air bag, the occupant may have an increased risk of injury due to a reduced deployment or lack of deployment,” Rivian says in the recall notice.
To correct the issue Rivian inspect and if necessary replace the passenger seat belt system free of charge. Owners will not have to set up an appointment to have their vehicle inspected as Rivian will offer “no appointment necessary visits” at Service Centers and pop-up locations, according to an email sent to owners today to notify them of the recall. (via RivianForums)
Here is a full copy of that email, and the NHTSA recall notice.
RCLRPT-23V109-5283We have initiated a voluntary recall that affects your vehicle. Certain model year 2022 R1S and R1T vehicles fail to conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 “Occupant Crash Protection.”
This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: x7xxx
What is the problem?
A sensor in the front passenger seat belt system may incorrectly report its status as “on” when, in fact, it is off. If a passenger is seated in the front passenger seat and this happens, the passenger air bag may not deploy as intended. In the event of a crash which is supposed to deploy the front passenger air bag, the occupant may have an increased risk of injury due to a reduced deployment or lack of deployment.
How many vehicles are affected?
The recall affects 12,716 vehicles, however we believe less than 1% of those vehicles – fewer than 100 vehicles – will require part replacement. While the number of vehicles impacted is very limited, we will always exercise caution when it comes to safety. As of February 27, 2023, we are not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
What will Rivian do?
Rivian will offer no appointment necessary visits to Rivian Service Centers and pop-up locations up to 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, to inspect and replace, if necessary, passenger seat belt system components in the affected vehicles. If your vehicle is not brought in for inspection, we will inspect it for this issue at a future service appointment.
How long will the inspection and repair take?
Inspections are estimated to take less than 10 minutes. For the very small percentage where part replacement is necessary, the work can be completed in less than 30 minutes during the same visit. This service will be available at no cost to you.
What should you do?
Information about Rivian Service Centers and pop-up service locations offering expanded hours of operation and service without an appointment are listed on our website. Before your visit, please install the latest software update to your vehicle.
If you have further questions, or if you prefer to schedule an appointment, please call Rivian Service at 1-855-748-4265. We are available 24/7/365. Additional information will also be posted at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to resolving it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Noe Mejia
VP Service Operations
