Rivian has to recall more than 12,000 pickups (R1T), SUVs (R1S) and electric vans (EDV) that rolled off the production line this year (2022) to the garage due to a manufacturing defect. In those vehicles, two parts, a steering arm and coupling, of the steering system are not properly attached. As a result, they can come loose while driving and make the car uncontrollable.

The recall has since been reported to the US Road Safety Authority (NHTA). The letter also states that Rivian will notify its customers of the recall at the end of November, which is more than six weeks away. Given the seriousness of the possible consequences of the production error, this seems somewhat late.

Rivian sinks?
From the great ‘Tesla challenger’ to the schlemiel of the EV manufacturers. That might be a bit exaggerated. Anyway, not so long ago, Rivian was the rising star in the EV firmament. At one point, the stock market value even exceeded that of Tesla. And barely a year ago Born (VDL Nedcar) from Limburg was still in the running to become Rivian’s European production seat.

The world now looks very different for Rivian. Price increases, which had to be reversed, the cancellation of cheaper models, so that customers suddenly have to pay more for their already ordered Rivian. Admittedly, almost all car manufacturers (EV and ICE) face the necessary (production) problems. But the recall of almost the entire year’s production is certainly not a good sign.