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Airbag / Occupant Detection Defect — Recall 22V319 (2022, Front Passenger OCS)
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Safety2022
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2022-2024 Rivian R1T has 13 NHTSA recalls including 4 seat belt campaigns. Learn your California lemon-law rights for OTA failures, drive unit issues, and more.
You spent $70,000 to $98,000 on the promise of the future of trucks. The Rivian R1T was supposed to be the truck that could do everything: haul adventure gear to a trailhead, power a campsite, outrun a sports car, and drive itself down the highway. What many 2022, 2023, and 2024 R1T owners got instead was a vehicle that spent its first year accumulating recalls, a touchscreen that could be bricked by the company's own software update, a 12V battery that died overnight in a parking lot, an air suspension that wouldn't rise when you needed it most, and a power tonneau cover that jammed shut with your gear inside.
The 2022-2024 R1T Gen 1 carries thirteen formal NHTSA recalls, four of them specifically targeting seat belt and occupant restraint systems. A fifth recall, 23V783, was introduced by Rivian's own over-the-air software update, demonstrating a pattern that would repeat more dramatically in November 2024, when an OTA push left some R1T owners unable to start or move their vehicles. A preliminary federal investigation (PE25-001) opened into rear toe link separation on over 114,000 Rivian trucks and SUVs, ultimately spawning two additional recalls.
Beyond the recall record, R1T owners face a pattern of recurring defects that Rivian acknowledges through technical service bulletins but has not formalized as recalls: front drive units grinding and failing before 30,000 miles, DC fast charging throttling far below the rated 200 kW, Driver+ Highway Assist phantom braking on freeways, and heat pump failures leaving owners cold in winter. For California owners, the state's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act was written for situations like this: a vehicle with serious recurring defects that the manufacturer and its dealers cannot fix in a reasonable number of attempts. The R1T's recall and TSB record, combined with its OTA-induced failures, creates one of the more documented lemon-law profiles among recent-generation electric trucks.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 22V319 addresses an Occupant Classification System failure that may cause the front passenger airbag to deploy when a child or child seat occupies the seat, or fail to deploy when required. This is a confirmed NHTSA safety recall requiring a free dealer inspection and software or hardware correction. Under Song-Beverly, if Rivian or its authorized dealers failed to repair or rescheduled repair beyond a reasonable time, the owner may have a claim. R1T owners who experienced the OCS malfunction before the recall was remedied should document any dealer visits, part delays, or interim use restrictions.
Rivian Service Centers will replace the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-734-855-4345. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-651.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 22V641 covers a seat belt anchor that may have been inadequately attached to the B-pillar, creating a risk of belt disengagement in a crash. This is a life-safety defect addressed by free dealer inspection and bolt re-torquing. Under California Song-Beverly, any repair attempt that failed to resolve the condition — or any period where the owner was told parts were unavailable and the vehicle could not be safely driven — counts toward the lemon-law repair-attempt threshold.
Rivian will inspect the front seat belt assemblies and, as necessary, properly secure the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were September 30, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-924.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 22V744 addresses an improperly tightened fastener between the front upper control arm and steering knuckle — a suspension joint critical to steering control. If this fastener loosens further, the vehicle can lose directional control. Because this is a suspension-safety recall, any delay in repair or failure by the dealer to correctly re-torque the fastener on the first attempt gives the owner grounds to count that visit as an unsuccessful repair attempt under Song-Beverly.
Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the steering knuckle fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 11, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 997.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 23V109 targets a faulty Automatic Locking Retractor sensor that can falsely suppress or trigger the front passenger airbag — a direct occupant-protection failure under FMVSS 208. This recall shares the same vehicle population as 22V641 but addresses a separate component. For owners who had both recalls remedied in overlapping visits, each campaign represents a distinct repair event, potentially compounding the total repair-attempt count under Song-Beverly.
Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger seat belt system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1166.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 23V783 is notable because the defect was introduced by Rivian's own OTA software update — meaning Rivian's remote software push degraded vehicles that were previously compliant. The defroster and defogger are FMVSS safety systems; a Rivian-caused deactivation demonstrates that OTA updates can create new defects. Under Song-Beverly, an OTA-induced defect remedied by a subsequent OTA update or dealer visit counts as a repair attempt. Owners should log dates of both the symptom onset (post-OTA) and the remedy.
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1331.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 23V883 covers a failure where the accelerator pedal sensor does not detect release of the pedal, preventing the automatic park or auto-hold feature from activating as intended. This creates a rollaway risk on inclines. Because this affects the vehicle's ability to safely remain stationary, it is a use-impairing safety defect. Owners who experienced unintended vehicle movement or who had to repeatedly invoke manual hold before this recall was remedied have documented evidence of a safety impairment under Song-Beverly.
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Rivian will also replace the accelerator pedals, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1342.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 24V319 addresses a missing dashboard airbag warning label required by FMVSS 208, affecting 2024 model year R1T vehicles. While a label absence does not impair the vehicle's mechanical operation, it constitutes a regulatory non-compliance at delivery. In a lemon-law context, this recall is most relevant as supporting evidence of quality-control deficiencies on 2024 vehicles; it may strengthen a cumulative-defects case when combined with other repair events.
Rivian mailed owners the warning label information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1429.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 24V367 covers headlights that fail to comply with FMVSS 108 because aim is outside specification — reducing the driver's forward sightline at night or blinding oncoming traffic. This defect was present at delivery on 2023-2024 vehicles. Under Song-Beverly, a safety recall that addresses a defect present from date of delivery is strong evidence that the vehicle did not conform to applicable warranties at the time of purchase, which is the core element of a lemon-law claim.
Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1445.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 24V408 is unusual: the defect was introduced during a prior dealer service procedure that damaged the trim clip attachment mechanism, potentially interfering with side curtain airbag deployment. This creates a layered lemon-law angle — the vehicle was returned from a warranty repair in a condition that created a new safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, a dealer service that introduces a new defect may restart the repair-attempt clock for that defect separately.
Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 24V458 addresses an incorrect maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard, a FMVSS 110 violation present at delivery on 2022-2023 vehicles. While this does not mechanically impair the R1T, it is a delivery non-conformance. In a lemon-law file where other issues are documented, this recall adds to the body of evidence showing that multiple vehicle systems required correction within the warranty period.
Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 25V370 identifies D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies that may not have been properly installed at the factory, creating a crash-load failure risk. This is the third separate seat belt-related safety recall for 2022 R1T vehicles (alongside 22V641 and 23V109), demonstrating a pattern of occupant restraint defects. Under Song-Beverly, recurring safety recalls addressing the same system — occupant restraints — strengthen the argument that the vehicle was not of the quality a buyer would reasonably expect.
Rivian will inspect and properly secure the seat belt anchorage assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1681.
front suspension noise; stabilizer bar loose; vehicle pulls or clunks
Recall 26V003 is a service-induced defect recall: dealers who performed suspension service before March 2025 may have reassembled the rear toe link incorrectly, creating a separation risk and potential loss of vehicle control. This is directly connected to NHTSA Preliminary Investigation PE25-001. For R1T owners who had suspension service in this timeframe, they should verify their VIN against this recall. Any vehicle that experienced handling changes or a toe link separation after dealer service has strong grounds for a Song-Beverly claim.
Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1794. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be sea
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 26V009 adds a fourth seat belt-related safety recall for 2022-2024 R1T vehicles, this time covering improperly tightened second-row seat belt retractor bolts. The cumulative seat belt recall pattern across 22V641, 23V109, 25V370, and 26V009 reflects systemic quality failures in occupant restraint assembly. For owners with multiple repair visits across these four recalls, the total repair attempts and the ongoing safety concern pattern are compelling evidence of substantial impairment under California Song-Beverly.
Rivian will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 2, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1795.
touchscreen frozen and unresponsive; vehicle won't start after OTA update; black screen on 15.6 display; infotainment reboots repeatedly; Connect+ offline after software update; vehicle requires dealer tow for firmware recovery
An infotainment failure that renders the vehicle inoperable is a substantial impairment under California Song-Beverly. If the vehicle required towing and a dealer firmware recovery after a Rivian-issued OTA update, each such incident counts as a repair attempt. Multiple OTA-induced failures across different software builds may establish the four-attempt or 30-day threshold without ever leaving the driveway.
Rivian issues corrective OTA push; if vehicle is inoperable, dealer performs USB-based manual firmware recovery using Rivian service tool. Some cases required infotainment module replacement.
grinding or whining noise from front of vehicle at low speed; front motor failure warning; reduced acceleration or loss of drive on front axle; vehicle enters reduced-power mode; front motor replaced under warranty
A drive unit replacement is among the most substantial powertrain repairs possible on an EV. Under Song-Beverly, a single drive unit replacement plus additional repair visits for the same symptom (reduced power, noise recurrence) may satisfy the lemon-law threshold. Owners who have had two or more drive unit repairs or replacements within the first 18 months should document each visit carefully.
Front drive unit replacement under warranty; some owners required multiple replacements. Rivian has not issued a formal recall as of Q2 2026.
12V Service Required alert on dashboard; vehicle won't start after overnight parking; 12V battery dead despite full HV pack charge; vehicle stuck in park; repeated 12V battery replacements
A 12V battery drain that leaves the vehicle unable to start is a use-impairing defect under Song-Beverly, even though it is not the high-voltage traction pack. If a Rivian owner has had the 12V battery replaced twice or more, or been stranded and towed more than once for this issue, those incidents collectively document a substantial impairment. The fact that Rivian issued an OTA to address parasitic draw — without a formal recall — is evidence the company knew of a systemic defect.
12V battery replacement under warranty; Rivian also pushed OTA updates to reduce parasitic draw. Some vehicles required multiple 12V battery replacements. Rivian extended the 12V battery warranty period in response.
rated range significantly lower than EPA estimate; battery capacity declining faster than expected; range dropped 15-20% within two years; Rivian app shows reduced usable kWh; reduced range in normal conditions not just cold weather
California Song-Beverly covers defects that substantially impair the vehicle's use or value — a battery that delivers materially less range than warranted at the time of sale can meet this standard. Owners should document EPA-rated range at delivery versus current rated range using the Rivian app's energy screen; a drop exceeding 20% from the warranted range within the express warranty period is a strong basis for a claim.
Rivian issued OTA battery management updates; in documented cases of confirmed cell degradation, partial or full battery module replacement under warranty. Remedy varies by pack configuration and degradation threshold.
DC fast charging significantly slower than 200 kW rated; charging speed drops to under 50 kW shortly after plug-in; charger reports error and stops session; vehicle won't accept DC fast charge at some stations; CCS handshake failure at third-party chargers
For a vehicle marketed around long-distance EV capability with 200 kW DC fast charging, a persistent inability to charge at the rated speed substantially impairs the vehicle's use for interstate travel. Owners who can document consistent charging sessions falling well below the rated spec at various charging networks have a factual basis for a Song-Beverly claim, particularly if multiple dealer visits failed to resolve the issue.
OTA software updates for charge management and CCS protocol stack; dealer HVDC box inspection if throttling persists. Some owners required high-voltage DC box replacement.
sudden hard braking on highway with no obstacle; Driver+ disengages unexpectedly at highway speed; forward collision warning fires without hazard; highway assist refuses to engage; steering wheel vibration warning followed by ADAS dropout
Phantom braking at highway speeds creates a rear-collision hazard and directly endangers the R1T's occupants and following traffic. Under Song-Beverly, a recurring ADAS defect that persists after two or more repair attempts (including OTA software pushes that each constitute a repair attempt) is a strong lemon-law scenario. Owners should keep screenshots of each OTA update notice and note dates when the behavior recurs.
Rivian issued OTA perception tuning updates; vehicles not receiving OTA update require dealer reflash. Some owners report phantom braking reduced but not eliminated after multiple software updates.
suspension warning light; vehicle sits too low or won't rise to commanded height; air suspension stuck in low or high position; compressor running continuously; can't access off-road height modes; grinding from suspension on startup
Air suspension is a core feature of the R1T's off-road capability and ride quality — it is part of what makes this a premium-priced truck. A suspension system that cannot maintain commanded ride height substantially impairs the vehicle's use and value. If a Rivian owner has had the suspension compressor or height sensors serviced on multiple occasions without lasting repair, Song-Beverly's 'reasonable number of attempts' standard may be met.
Dealer performs height sensor recalibration; if compressor output is below spec, replace compressor. Air line fittings inspected and re-sealed. Full compressor assembly replacement may be required in advanced cases.
tonneau cover won't open or close; tonneau stops midway and reverses; clicking or grinding noise during cover operation; tonneau jammed closed with gear in bed; cover requires dealer visit to open manually; actuator motor replaced
The power tonneau cover is a standard, advertised feature of the R1T and is part of the truck's core utility proposition. Repeated failures of this system — even if individually resolved — may cumulatively establish substantial impairment of the vehicle's use. If the tonneau has required two or more dealer visits for the same binding or actuator issue, this is a candidate lemon-law defect under Song-Beverly.
Dealer lubricates rail channels per Rivian specification. If actuator motor has failed, full actuator assembly replacement required under warranty.
gear tunnel door won't latch; door pops open while driving; latch requires excessive force to engage; gear tunnel hinge creaks or binds; contents fell out of gear tunnel in motion; door won't stay closed over rough terrain
A gear tunnel door that opens while driving is both a functional defect and a potential safety concern if cargo is ejected. As a feature unique to the R1T, repeated failure of the gear tunnel door substantially impairs the truck's distinctive utility. Under Song-Beverly, functional defects to advertised features that require multiple repair attempts can qualify even when no injury has occurred.
Dealer adjusts or replaces latch mechanism. Hinge alignment may require panel realignment. Some owners required repeated visits for the same door.
front trunk lid won't latch on first attempt; frunk pops open unexpectedly; tailgate difficult to close or won't latch; tailgate latch binds in cold weather; frunk warning light stays on after closing
A frunk that opens unexpectedly at speed blocks the driver's forward sightline and is a safety defect, not merely a cosmetic one. Combined with tailgate latch issues, recurring body hardware failures on a vehicle delivered new demonstrate that assembly quality did not meet the represented standard at time of sale — a core element of Song-Beverly claims in California.
Dealer adjusts panel alignment and latch striker position; lubricates latch mechanism. In persistent cases, latch assembly replacement.
cabin heat inadequate or absent in temperatures below 20°F; HVAC blowing cold air despite heat setting; heat pump fault warning; range drops dramatically in winter beyond expected cold-weather penalty; system reverts to resistive heating only
Failure of the climate control system to provide heat in winter conditions is a substantial impairment — particularly for a vehicle priced above $70,000 and marketed for adventure use in all conditions. California lemon-law owners in mountainous or colder-microclimate areas with documented HVAC failures during winter months have a credible use-impairment claim under Song-Beverly, separate from any range concerns.
Dealer inspects refrigerant pressure and heat pump compressor; if compressor or refrigerant circuit is faulty, replacement required. OTA updates improved heat pump low-temp operation range on some vehicles.
bed tie-down anchors strip or pull out under rated load; 120V bed outlet trips breaker or fails to maintain power; gear tunnel 120V outlet inoperable; camp kitchen connector fitment loose or non-functional; 12V accessory outlets in bed intermittent
The powered bed outlets and tie-down system are advertised features specific to the R1T Adventure Platform. While individually these may not rise to substantial impairment, they are relevant to a cumulative claim alongside other defects. Documenting each failed feature supports the overall picture of a vehicle that does not conform to Rivian's express warranties regarding its utility capabilities.
Rivian replaced under-spec tie-down anchors; outlet issues typically resolved by OTA power management updates or dealer connector cleaning and sealing.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and 2022-2026 R1S vehicles. The bolts that secure the second-row driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies may be improperly tightened.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1S and R1T vehicles that previously had service performed. The toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service procedures performed before March 10, 2025.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. The D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies may not have been properly installed.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EDV, R1S, and R1T vehicles. The headlights may be improperly aimed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The dashboard air bag warning label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The accelerator pedal may not detect when the driver releases the pedal, failing to activate "auto-hold" or "park" as intended.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles. A software update may have deactivated the defroster and defogger system controls.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. A faulty automatic locking retractor (ALR) sensor in the front passenger seat belt system may incorrectly report as ON when it is actually OFF, causing the suppression or improper deployment of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles. The fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The front seat belt anchors may have been inadequately attached to the B-pillar.
remedy available
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat occupies the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act entitles you to a refund or replacement if your Rivian R1T has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety — and the manufacturer or its dealers cannot repair it within a reasonable number of attempts.
For safety defects — such as the R1T's four seat belt recalls (22V641, 23V109, 25V370, 26V009), the airbag suppression failure, or the rear toe link separation (26V003) — two unsuccessful repair attempts create a legal presumption of lemon status.
For other substantial defects — infotainment freezes that leave the vehicle inoperable, 12V failures that strand you, or recurring drive unit or air suspension faults — four or more repair attempts, or 30 cumulative out-of-service days within 18 months/18,000 miles, trigger the same presumption.
Critically: an OTA update that introduces a new defect — as occurred with Recall 23V783 and the November 2024 bricking event — constitutes a repair event in your favor. Rivian's remote software push created the problem; their subsequent fix is an attempted remedy under Song-Beverly.
If Rivian loses, they pay your attorney's fees — which is why California lemon-law cases are handled on contingency. There is no out-of-pocket cost to you if the case is accepted.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
Rivian's service network is smaller than traditional OEMs, and many centers are mobile-service operations. 'Cannot duplicate' findings are common because R1T defects are often OTA-triggered, cold-weather-dependent, or require multi-day parking to reproduce. Here is how to fight back:
1. DOCUMENT BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT: Photograph frozen screens with date visible; note the Rivian OS version (Settings > Software) for infotainment issues. For 12V events, capture the dashboard alert and note ambient temperature. Symptoms often resolve during the drive to the service center.
2. PRESERVE THE OTA LOG: Screenshot the Rivian app's Software section after every OTA. Dealers may install a new build during the visit, erasing evidence of the problem version.
3. NAME THE TSB: Reference the documented bulletin for your symptom — RIVIAN-ADAS-2024-001 for phantom braking, RIVIAN-SUSP-2023-001 for air suspension, RIVIAN-12V-2023-001 for 12V drain. This moves the conversation from 'can't reproduce' to 'we know this pattern.'
4. GET WRITTEN FINDINGS: Every visit — including 'no fault found' visits — must produce a Repair Order with your stated complaint, the dealer's finding, and the action taken. No-fault-found ROs are evidentiary gold.
5. DOCUMENT MOBILE SERVICE: Mobile techs may push OTA updates without a formal RO. Request email confirmation of every mobile visit: what was done, what OS version, what parts replaced.
6. ESCALATE IN WRITING: After three unsuccessful attempts, send written notice to Rivian Customer Advocacy by certified mail. A written denial gives you a documented final-opportunity record for litigation.
Thirteen NHTSA recalls in three model years — including four seat belt campaigns and two OTA-induced defects — is an above-average defect profile for a vehicle in the $70,000-$98,000 price range. The front drive unit failures and the November 2024 bricking event are particularly striking: they demonstrate both hardware reliability gaps and a systemic risk in Rivian's always-connected OTA architecture. Rivian can push software that leaves your truck unable to start.
Gen 2 (2025+) is a significant re-engineering and may tell a different story. But Gen 1 owners with recurring defects within their warranty period should not wait patiently simply because the company is young. Song-Beverly does not make exceptions for startups.
— The Margarian Law team
If your Rivian R1T has had repeated service visits — or repeated OTA updates — for the same problem with the infotainment system, seat belts, suspension, drive unit, or air suspension, you may have rights under California's lemon law. Margarian Law has handled thousands of lemon-law cases and offers a free case review. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
The '12V Service Required' warning on the Rivian R1T indicates that the 12V auxiliary battery — separate from the large traction battery that powers the motors — has fallen below a safe operating threshold. Unlike the traction pack, the 12V system powers the vehicle's computer, locks, lights, and contactors needed to start the truck. Even with a full traction battery charge, a dead 12V battery can leave the R1T unable to start or exit park.
This is one of the most common complaints for 2022-2023 R1T owners. Rivian's always-on connectivity modules (LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, remote monitoring) create a continuous parasitic draw that can deplete the 12V battery during multi-day parking, especially in cold weather. Rivian acknowledged the issue through TSB RIVIAN-12V-2023-001, issued software updates to reduce parasitic draw, and extended the 12V battery warranty. If your R1T has had the 12V battery replaced more than once, or you have been stranded multiple times for this issue, document each incident and dealer visit — repeated failures of the same component support a lemon-law claim under California Song-Beverly.
The 2022-2024 Rivian R1T has thirteen NHTSA recalls — an above-average count for a vehicle in its price range — including four separate recalls addressing seat belt and occupant restraint systems (22V641, 23V109, 25V370, 26V009) and two recalls stemming from improperly performed dealer service procedures (26V003, 26V009).
Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a vehicle is not automatically a lemon because it has recalls. The law asks whether your specific vehicle had a defect that substantially impaired its use, value, or safety — and whether the manufacturer failed to repair it within a reasonable number of attempts. For safety defects (like seat belt failures), two unsuccessful repair attempts create a legal presumption of lemon status. For other defects, four attempts or 30 cumulative out-of-service days within 18 months/18,000 miles apply.
R1T owners who have experienced recurring infotainment failures (including OTA-induced bricking), drive unit replacements, air suspension faults, or multiple seat belt recall repairs on the same vehicle should consult with a California lemon-law attorney to evaluate their specific repair history. The recalls alone don't determine lemon status — your repair orders do.
If your R1T's 15.6-inch touchscreen is frozen, black, or the vehicle will not start following an over-the-air software update, you are experiencing the Rivian OS OTA bricking pattern documented in TSB RIVIAN-SW-2024-001. This occurred most visibly in November 2024 when a Rivian software push left a documented subset of R1T and R1S owners unable to operate their vehicles.
Immediately document the issue: take a dated photo or video of the frozen screen, note the ambient temperature and your location, and screenshot the Rivian app showing any pending or recently completed OTA update. Do not attempt to hard-reset the vehicle multiple times — each attempt should be logged as a separate action.
Contact Rivian roadside assistance and request a tow to an authorized service center. The remedy is a USB-based manual firmware recovery performed by a dealer technician; some cases required full infotainment module replacement. Request a written Repair Order documenting the symptom, finding, and repair — even if the fix is an OTA push. Each dealer visit and each OTA-induced failure counts as a repair attempt under California lemon law. If this has happened to you more than once across different OTA builds, you may have grounds for a Song-Beverly claim.
Unexplained hard braking while using Driver+ Highway Assist on your Rivian R1T is a known issue documented in TSB RIVIAN-ADAS-2024-001. The cause is a false-positive object detection by the ADAS perception system, which mistakes overhead highway structures (bridges, gantry signs), road markings, or cross-traffic for obstacles and commands emergency braking — sometimes decelerating from highway speed without warning.
This phantom braking creates a real rear-collision hazard. Multiple NHTSA complaints from R1T and R1S owners describe sudden, unexplained deceleration events while using Driver+ that caused following vehicles to take evasive action. Rivian addressed the issue through OTA perception-tuning updates, but some owners report recurrence even after multiple software builds.
If you are experiencing phantom braking, file a complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem to add to the formal complaint record. Document each incident with date, location, highway speed, and Rivian OS version. If the behavior persists after a dealer or OTA repair attempt, bring the vehicle in and reference TSB RIVIAN-ADAS-2024-001 by name. Under Song-Beverly, an ADAS defect that creates a rear-collision risk and recurs after repair attempts is a strong candidate for a lemon-law claim.
The 2022-2024 Rivian R1T has four separate NHTSA recalls addressing seat belt and occupant restraint systems — an unusually high count for a single model's three-year production run:
1. Recall 22V641 (2022 R1T): Front seat belt anchors inadequately attached to the B-pillar — risk of belt disengagement in a crash.
2. Recall 23V109 (2022 R1T): Faulty ALR sensor in front passenger seat belt system may incorrectly suppress or trigger the airbag.
3. Recall 25V370 (2022-2024 R1T): D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies may not have been properly installed.
4. Recall 26V009 (2022-2024 R1T): Second-row seat belt retractor bolts may be improperly tightened.
All four recalls are covered by free dealer inspection and repair. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to verify your vehicle's specific recall status. If your R1T has had service for multiple seat belt recalls and you experienced any seat belt-related symptom or warning between recalls, each documented service visit counts as a repair attempt under California lemon law. The pattern of four occupant-restraint recalls on the same platform is strong evidence that R1T seat belt assembly did not conform to warranted quality at the time of sale.
The rear toe link issue on the Rivian R1T is one of the more serious structural defects to emerge from the Gen 1 platform. NHTSA opened Preliminary Investigation PE25-001 after receiving complaints of rear toe link separation on R1T and R1S vehicles, covering approximately 114,922 trucks and SUVs. That investigation resulted in two separate recalls:
Recall 26V003 (2022-2024 R1T): Affects vehicles that had suspension service performed before March 10, 2025 — dealers may have reassembled the toe link incorrectly during that service. This is a service-induced defect.
Recall 26V003 and 26V009 both involve rear suspension components critical to directional stability. A toe link that separates at highway speed can cause sudden loss of vehicle control.
R1T owners should: (1) check their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for both recall campaigns; (2) if they had any suspension service between 2022 and March 2025, verify that the service center has been notified of 26V003; (3) document any handling changes, pulling, or unusual tire wear that emerged after a suspension service visit. Owners who experienced vehicle handling changes or a toe link-related incident prior to the recall being remedied — particularly those who were towed or had an accident — should speak with a California lemon-law attorney.
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