Rivian is recalling a small batch of R1T and R1S vehicles after determining that bolts securing the second-row outboard seat belt retractor assemblies may not have been properly tightened during production. If the retractor is not adequately secured, the seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Kristen Brown
What Vehicles Are Included
The recall covers certain 2022 through 2025 Rivian R1T pickups and 2022 through 2026 Rivian R1S SUVs.
According to the NHTSA filing, the total population is 869 vehicles. Rivian says the issue stems from a manufacturing process window that ran from September 15, 2021 through May 15, 2025, with potentially affected vehicles produced within that span.
Kristen Brown
What The Problem Is And What Owners Might Notice
Rivian says one or both of the second-row outboard seat belt retractors could have a bolt that was not installed to specification. If that bolt is loose, the retractor assembly may not stay properly attached when the belt is loaded. Owners might notice a rattling noise near the retractor area around the left or right C-pillar, which can be an early warning sign that something is not secured as it should be.
Rivian will inspect the retractor assemblies and, if needed, properly secure them at no cost to the owner. The company estimates the service should take less than an hour. Owner notification letters are expected to go out by March 9, 2026, and Rivian says customers can schedule service through its support channels.
How It Fits Rivian’s Bigger Moment
Even though this recall is relatively small, it lands at a sensitive time for Rivian as it works to steady momentum and prove it can scale cleanly. The company is moving its next product closer to reality, while also managing a growing recall, earlier this year. Rivian also needs smooth execution because its near-term story depends on turning the next vehicle into real volume.
