Full Breakdown
Rivian Recalls Nearly 100,000 EVs Over Rearview Camera Software Bug
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Recall of R1T, R1S and R2 Vehicles
Rivian Automotive announced a recall affecting its electric trucks and SUVs because a software defect can obscure the rear-view camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filing identifies the affected models as the 2022-2026 R1T pickup, the 2022-2027 R1S sport-utility vehicle, and the 2027 R2 SUV. The defect occurs when a safety-prompt notification overlaps the camera view, potentially reducing rear-visibility and increasing crash risk. Rivian is addressing the issue with an over-the-air (OTA) software update that is being pushed to all affected vehicles at no charge.
Background & Context
Rear-view camera visibility is mandated by U.S. and Canadian safety regulations that require an unobstructed view of the area behind a vehicle while reversing. Similar software-related camera problems have prompted large-scale recalls at other manufacturers, including Ford’s 2025 recall of more than 1.45 million vehicles and GM’s 2024 recall of over 270 000 Chevrolet Malibu sedans. The Rivian recall therefore fits a broader pattern of automakers using OTA patches to remedy safety-critical software bugs.
Data & Statistics
- Number of vehicles recalled – Sources differ:
- NHTSA filing and reports from Fox 5 NY and Forbes list 98,828 vehicles.
- Model-level breakdown (per NHTSA filing) – 34,088 R1T trucks (2022-2026), 62,259 R1S SUVs (2022-2027), and 2,481 R2 SUVs (2027).
- Fix deployment – Rivian states that more than 95 % of the affected fleet has already downloaded the OTA update. Vehicles built after August 10 ship with the corrected software preinstalled.
- Safety impact – No injuries, accidents, or fatalities have been reported in connection with the defect.
Official Statements & Responses
Rivian’s spokesperson emphasized that the OTA update resolves the camera obstruction and that the company is unaware of any customer-reported incidents. Rivian’s customer-support line (855-748-4265) and a toll-free number (1-888-748-4261) are provided for owners seeking assistance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The primary discrepancy lies in the total vehicle count. Fox 5 NY and Forbes rely on the NHTSA filing and report 98,828 units, while USA Today and Briefs round the figure to about 100,700. Both sets of numbers are attributed to the same recall notice, suggesting differing interpretations of the “approximately” language in the filing. Additionally, the exact timeline for owners who have not yet installed the OTA update is not detailed beyond the statement that “more than 95 %” have already done so.
What’s Next
Rivian will mail notification letters to owners in early November, advising them to verify that the OTA update has been installed. Owners who have not received the update are instructed to initiate it via the vehicle’s center display or contact Rivian Service Support. The company will continue to monitor the fleet for any reports of rear-view visibility problems and will file any further regulatory updates with the NHTSA as needed.