Rivian Recalls Nearly 20,000 EVs: What California Owners Need to Know
Rivian Automotive has issued a recall affecting nearly 20,000 electric vehicles after identifying a defect that could lead to a dangerous loss of steering control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall involves certain Rivian R1T pickup trucks and R1S SUVs from model years 2022 through 2025.
The issue centers on the rear suspension toe link joint, a critical component that helps maintain wheel alignment and vehicle stability. Rivian determined that, in some vehicles, the joint may separate due to a flawed service procedure that required the part to be disassembled and reassembled during prior repairs. If the joint separates while the vehicle is in motion, it can result in reduced steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
What Caused the Recall?
Rivian traced the root cause of the problem to service procedures used by its technicians between April 1, 2022, and March 10, 2025. Only vehicles that underwent rear suspension service requiring separation and reassembly of the toe link joint during that period are included in the recall. An estimated 1% of the recalled vehicles are believed to have the defect.
After identifying the issue, Rivian updated its technician training and repair guidelines in March 2025, implementing new rear suspension service procedures. However, vehicles serviced before that update remain at risk.
NHTSA reported that on Dec. 15, 2025, it received two customer complaints involving toe link failures on Rivian vehicles that had undergone earlier suspension repairs. Based on its investigation, Rivian approved a voluntary recall on Dec. 26, 2025, covering all affected R1T and R1S vehicles.
Injuries and Safety Concerns
As of Jan. 5, 2026, Rivian has acknowledged one crash involving minor injuries that is allegedly linked to the defect. While Rivian has stated that the number of failures is small, the potential consequences of a rear suspension failure are serious.
This recall follows several other Rivian recalls in 2025 addressing issues involving headlamps, seat belts, and software, raising broader concerns for some owners about vehicle reliability and long-term safety.
The Fix and Owner Notifications
Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts free of charge using an updated service procedure. The remedy has been available to customers since Jan. 8, and Rivian plans to notify affected owners on or before Feb. 24.
When Rivian Recalls Becomes a Lemon Law Issue in California
For many drivers, a recall repair resolves the issue. But for others—especially those who experience repeat suspension problems, extended service delays, or safety-related defects—this situation may raise potential California Lemon Law concerns.
Under California law, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts, or if the vehicle spends excessive time in the shop. Importantly, safety-related defects, such as steering or suspension failures, are taken very seriously.
If your Rivian has undergone multiple suspension repairs, continues to show warning signs, or has been out of service for extended periods due to this recall, you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation.
Know Your Rights – Call Attorney James Johnson 1-800-558-1087
California consumers do not have to navigate lemon law claims alone. An experienced California lemon law attorney can evaluate whether your Rivian qualifies under state law—often at no upfront cost, since the manufacturer is required to pay attorney fees if the claim is successful. Call Attorney James Johnson at 1-800-558-1087 for a free consulation.
If you own a Rivian R1T or R1S affected by this recall and are experiencing ongoing issues, now is the time to understand your rights and options.
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