Rivian recalls vehicles: US Regulators Probe 115,000 Rivian Vehicles over Rear Toe Link Defect

Rivian recalls vehicles: NHTSA opened a preliminary probe into 114,922 Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles after reports of rear toe link separation causing dangerous swerving and crashes. The Silicon Review reports the Rivian recalling vehicles.

Rivian recalls vehicles: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary probe into 114,922 Rivian R1S and R1T electric vehicles following two complaints that the rear toe link can separate while driving, causing vehicles to swerve across multiple lanes of traffic. One incident resulted in a collision with an adjacent vehicle and a roadside barrier.

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation received two vehicle owner questionnaires reporting left rear toe link separation in certain 2023-2024 Rivian R1S SUVs. In both cases, investigators found that the bolts responsible for holding the toe link assembly together had fractured. The agency is reviewing repair records, onboard video footage, images of damaged components, and a police accident report to determine the root cause.

The two affected vehicles had dramatically different histories before the failures. One had received service work prior to the separation, while the other had been involved in a previous collision. Both SUVs reportedly drove for months and covered thousands of miles without any apparent warning before the toe link failures occurred.

Rivian disputes NHTSA's premise. "Vehicle safety is a top priority at Rivian. Rivian data indicates R1 toe link joints are operating as intended. We are cooperating with NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, but our internal investigation revealed that the two VOQs do not implicate the joint itself," a Rivian spokesperson said.

This is not Rivian's first toe link issue. The company issued a recall in January 2026 for nearly 20,000 previously serviced R1S and R1T vehicles over incorrectly assembled rear toe links, replacing the bolts free of charge. Rivian had earlier acknowledged the joint's sensitivity to servicing procedures in a March 2025 internal service bulletin.

NHTSA's investigation will assess the rear toe link joint's sensitivity to foreseeable road and service conditions, evaluate Rivian's current repair procedure, and compare the physical failure evidence from both incidents.

Rivian reported first-quarter revenue of $1.38 billion, up 11 percent year-over-year, and reaffirmed its full-year delivery guidance of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles. The probe does not cover Rivian's new R2 vehicles.

As NHTSA opens a preliminary probe into 114,922 Rivian recall vehicles over rear toe link failures, The Silicon Review examines how the investigation could impact the EV maker's reputation and production momentum.

Q: How many Rivian vehicles are under investigation by NHTSA?
A: NHTSA opened a preliminary probe into 114,922 Rivian R1S and R1T electric vehicles over potential rear toe link defects.

Q: What problem is NHTSA investigating in Rivian vehicles?
A: NHTSA is investigating complaints that the left rear toe link can separate while driving, causing vehicles to swerve across multiple lanes unexpectedly. One incident resulted in a collision with another vehicle and a roadside barrier.

Q: Has Rivian recalled vehicles for this problem before?
A: Yes. In January 2026, Rivian recalled nearly 20,000 previously serviced R1S and R1T vehicles due to incorrectly assembled rear toe links. The company replaced the rear toe-link bolts free of charge.

Q: Does Rivian agree with NHTSA's concerns?
A: No. Rivian disputes NHTSA's premise, stating that its internal data indicates R1 toe link joints are operating as intended. The company says it is cooperating with NHTSA's evaluation.

Q: What will NHTSA examine during its investigation?
A: NHTSA will assess the sensitivity of the rear toe link joint to road and service conditions, evaluate Rivian's current repair procedures, and compare physical failure evidence from both reported incidents.

Q: Are Rivian's new R2 vehicles included in the probe?
A: No. The NHTSA investigation does not cover R2 vehicles, which are not included in the 114,922-unit probe scope.