Rivian Automotive is recalling more than 12,200 electric vehicles in order to tighten a loose fastener that could potentially affect drivers' steering.
The company warns that certain 2022 R1T pickup trucks, R1S SUVs, and electric delivery vans may feature an improperly torqued front upper control arm and steering knuckle retention fastener. This, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 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."
As of late September, Rivian counted six reports "potentially related" to this issue; no injuries have yet been reported. The automaker will notify affected customers "as soon as possible" through email and text messages; official letters will be mailed out by Nov. 24.
"If you experience excessive noise, vibration or harshness from the front suspension, or a change in steering performance or fee, you should call immediately," Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe wrote in a letter to vehicle owners, published by the Associated Press.
As part of the recall, Rivian dealers are required to inspect and, as necessary, tighten the steering knuckle fastener—free of charge. Assuming customers follow recall advice, the firm expects to finish all repairs in about 30 days, the AP said.
The electric vehicle maker, founded in 2009, went public last year, and in September teamed up with Mercedes-Benz Group to open a European factory for large commercial electric vans. In June, it kicked off its planned nationwide "Adventure Network" by opening three fast-charging EV sites in California and Colorado.
Following a disappointing 2021 that saw only 1,015 vehicles produced and 920 delivered to customers, Rivian ramped up production this year, producing more than 7,000 vehicles in Q3 and putting the company on track to meet its goal of 25,000 by year's end.