Over 12,000 Rivian EVs Recalled After Reports of Loose Fasteners that could Affect Steering

Rivian recalls 12,212 electric vehicles (EVs) because of a loose bolt that can impact drivers’ capability to control the vehicle (CNBC reported). The recall impacts almost every EV Rivian has manufactured this year. It covers the carmaker’s complete lineup, encompassing 2022 R1T pickup trucks, R1S SUVs, and the electric delivery vans (EDVs) Rivian is manufacturing for Amazon. The automaker created 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 attaching the front upper control arm and steering knuckle might not have been “sufficiently torqued.” potentially resulting in separation, “causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash”. The safety report states drivers with faulty EVs might notice vibration, substantial noise, harshness from the front suspension, and a difference in steering performance.

“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 e-mail to customers seen 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.”

After seven reports associated with the problem, Rivian announced the recall, none of which included injuries. The EV manufacturer states it will correctly fasten the steering knuckle bolts in the vehicles impacted by the recall at no added price.

This is Rivian’s second recall this year, with the firm recalling around 500 R1T electric pickups in May because of a defective airbag system that could malfunction and not deactivate when identifying a child in the front passenger seat.

Originally published by: The Verge