Rivian Pulls 12,212 EV Production Due To Steering System Problem

JAKARTA – Electric car maker Rivian is recalling its 12,212 EVs due to loose ties that could affect the driver's ability to control the car. The recall affects nearly every vehicle Rivian has produced this year.

In fact, this recall covers their entire lineup of cars, which includes select R1T 2022 pickup trucks, R1S SUVs, as well as the electric delivery van (EDV) it built for Amazon. Rivian alone produced a total of 14,317 vehicles in the first three quarters of 2022 and delivered more than 12,000.

According to a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the strap that connects the front upper control arm and the steering knuckle may not be "turned sufficiently".

This could potentially result in separation, "causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of an accident." Safety reports say drivers with affected vehicles may notice excessive noise, vibration, loudness from the front suspension, and changes in performance or steering feel.

“It is important not to minimize the potential risks involved and why we are voluntarily making this recall,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe wrote in an email to subscribers seen by CNBC.

“In rare circumstances, the nut may loosen completely. I want to reiterate that this is extremely rare, but it reinforces the reason why we are acting with such urgency and caution," he added.

Rivian issued the recall after investigating seven reports related to the disability, none of which involved injuries. The EV maker says it will secure steering knuckle fasteners properly in vehicles subject to recalls at no additional cost.

This is Rivian's second recall this year, while the company already recalled about 500 R1T electric pickups in May due to a faulty airbag system that may have failed to deactivate when it detected a child in the front passenger seat.