BREAKING: Rivian is recalling a staggering 34,824 delivery vans due to a critical seat belt safety issue that could fail to restrain drivers during accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed this urgent development, impacting the commercial electric vans used primarily by Amazon for deliveries.
The recall, announced just moments ago, stems from concerns that repeated misuse of the seat belts may lead to potential failures. The NHTSA cited instances where drivers sit on top of the seat belt instead of properly wearing it, which could damage one of the seat belt cables. Rivian has stated that there are currently no known accidents or injuries linked to this issue.
This recall specifically targets the electric vans produced since 2021, a significant part of Rivian’s agreement with Amazon to deliver 100,000 electric vans by 2030. To address the issue, Rivian will implement an over-the-air software update designed to detect seat belt misuse automatically. Additionally, the company will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the driver’s seat belt if necessary.
The urgency of this recall is heightened by the frequent in-and-out activity of delivery drivers, which could lead to misuse of the seat belts. Rivian’s proactive measures aim to enhance driver safety amidst these concerns.
Earlier this year, Rivian faced another setback, recalling approximately 17,260 vehicles in the U.S. over a headlight visibility issue. The electric vehicle industry is facing challenges, with Rivian not alone in its struggles. In March, Tesla recalled nearly all Cybertrucks due to a defect that could lead to a panel detaching while driving.
Rivian competes directly with Tesla in the electric vehicle market, which is currently experiencing turbulence due to policy changes and tariffs. Recent data indicates that interest in EVs may be plateauing in California, where adoption rates have historically been higher than the national average. The expiration of a $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles has also dampened demand.
Rivian is not just facing recalls; the company recently laid off over 600 workers, about 4.5% of its workforce, as part of cost-cutting measures. In a message to employees, CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized the need to rethink scaling strategies in light of a changing operational environment.
As of midday trading, Rivian’s shares saw a modest 1% decline, although they have increased by over 28% throughout the year. The company remains a key player in the electric vehicle market, but with these developments, the focus will be on how Rivian addresses safety concerns and navigates the changing landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
