Rivian Automotive has initiated a recall for its R2 SUV after identifying a manufacturing defect involving high-voltage battery pack fasteners. The company warned that improperly torqued bolts could lead to a loss of power while driving. According to Rivian, only around 14 vehicles are affected, and the automaker will repair or replace damaged components at no cost to owners.
This marks the second recall for the R2 since deliveries began this summer. The issue was first detected on September 17 at the company’s factory in Normal, Illinois. A manufacturing operator noticed that an automated assembly station had under-torqued one of the fasteners. Following an investigation, Rivian reprogrammed the station to reject improperly torqued components.
In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Rivian stated it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to the defect. However, some owners reported issues independently; RivianTrackr, a blog covering the brand, and Reddit users documented cases where service departments advised customers to stop driving immediately and arranged for vehicle towing.
The R2 is considered critical to Rivian’s financial outlook, as it is the brand’s first electric vehicle designed for the mass market. The company aims to ship between 20,000 and 25,000 units by the end of the year, a goal that would represent one of the fastest launch timelines for a new EV in U.S. history if achieved. To meet this target, Rivian plans to add a second production shift at its Illinois facility, citing strong early demand for the more affordable SUV.
The first R2 recall, issued last month, addressed visibility issues with the backup camera and was resolved through a software update.
Mass market EVs need to be reliable. Let’s see if they can hit that 25,000 unit target without these kinds of manufacturing headaches.
Honestly, catching this before thousands hit the road is kind of a win. Better a small fix now than a massive safety crisis later.
Did anyone actually get stranded on the highway? The article mentions service departments telling owners to stop driving immediately.
Second recall already? I was really excited for the R2, but this startup growing pain is making me nervous about long-term reliability.
Only fourteen cars affected? That is an incredibly small batch for a recall. Hope their QC improves as they ramp up production.