Pre-Facelift Rivian R1T and R1S Recalled for Damaged Trim Panel Attachment Clips

Dealers may have inadvertently damaged the attachment clips of the B- and C-pillar trim panels. In the event of a side curtain airbag deployment, said panels could be propelled at high speed towards vehicle occupants, therefore increasing the risk of injury. The question is, how come?

As per documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the company became aware of reused rather than replaced panels on April 18, 2024. Through May 30, the battery-electric vehicle manufacturer looked into this matter and identified the potentially affected population of vehicles.

The safety boffins ultimately decided to recall each and every vehicle that had been incorrectly serviced. Thankfully, Rivian is not aware of any injuries related to the recall condition. As you might have guessed by now, suspect panels will be replaced with new parts at no charge whatsoever.

Dealers will be informed no later than July 26, 2024. Owner notifications will be mailed by then as well. The part numbers for the B- and C-pillar trim panels are PT00427868, PT00427866, PT00003438, and PT00003439. Owners can easily determine if their pre-facelift pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles are included in this recall by running the 17-character VIN on the NHTSA's website. Alternatively, call Rivian Service Support at 1-855-748-4265 and tell them the VIN.

Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1464, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada call it 24V-408 and 2024-318, respectively. At the moment of reporting, the remedy trim panels are in stock.

Rivian started making the R1T in September 2021 for model year 2022. At the beginning of June 2024, the California-based firm updated the R1 series for model year 2025 in many respects. Pompously dubbed second generation instead of a mid-cycle refresh, the 2025 Rivian R1 lineup is available with dual-, tri-, and quad-motor setups.

The latter delivers 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet (1,624 Nm) of tire-shredding torque, which results in less than 2.5 seconds from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). The Large and Max battery packs feature redesigned modules and packaging, while the Standard pack uses lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material.

In the R1T's case, driving range is estimated at 270 to 420 miles (435 to 676 kilometers) in the EPA's test cycle. Further boasting a redesigned heat pump-based thermal system, more aero-conscious wheels, a new electrical architecture with 7 control units rather than 17, and new exterior lights, the R1T and R1S kick off at $69,900 and $75,900.

Another big difference over 2024 and earlier models is the so-called Rivian Autonomy Platform, which comprises plenty of radars and cameras. Together with the Autonomy Compute Module, it promises a significant leap forward in capability. The most autonomy, however, is restricted to the Rivian Autonomy Platform+, which sweetens the deal with Lane Change on Command and – come late 2024 – the Enhanced Highway Assist feature.