Rivian Recalls R1T Pickups, R1S SUVs Over Potential Crash Risk

Electric-vehicle maker Rivian Automotive has issued a recall of its R1T pickups, R1S sport-utility vehicles and EDV delivery vans over an issue that could increase the risk of drivers crashing. The recall covers nearly all the vehicles the company has delivered to customers, according to reports, though Rivian says only a small percentage of those may actually be affected by a problem involving a potentially loose fastener.

Rivian says a loose nut could affect drivers' ability to steer and that owners should have their vehicles inspected and, if necessary, have the fastener tightened. 

"If you experience excessive noise, vibration or harshness from the front suspension, or a change in steering performance or feel, you should call immediately," reads a letter to vehicle owners from Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe.

About 13,000 vehicles are affected by the recall, according to a Saturday report by the Associated Press. Rivian says seven reports potentially related to the problem have been made, with no reported injuries.

The fix takes a few minutes, and Rivian expects to have finished all repairs in about 30 days. 

"An insufficiently torqued steering knuckle fastener could cause excessive wheel camber, or, in rare instances, a separation, affecting the driver's ability to control the vehicle, and increasing the risk of a crash," reads a notice on the Support Center section of Rivian's website.

The notice says Rivian will offer customers free "Mobile Service appointments, no appointment needed visits to Rivian Service Centers or pop-up service locations, and prioritized appointments at Rivian Service Centers" to address the problem. Customers can call (855) 748-4265 with any questions.

Startup Rivian makes the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. It also makes a delivery van developed with Amazon, and it's announced an e-van partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

Of Rivian's e-pickup, CNET's Tim Stevens said: "While it's hard to doubt that the Ford F-150 Lightning is the most significant electric truck of the moment -- outside of the hyperbolic (and still nonexistent) Tesla Cybertruck -- it's the Rivian R1T that seems to have captured the hearts and minds of most would-be EV truckers."

It's also apparently been noticed by Apple CEO Tim Cook. 

Rivian went public last year and its market value quickly took off, the AP noted, but the company's stock is down nearly 70% so far this year.