Rivian Recalls High-End Electric SUVs Over Faulty Park Function

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is calling back nearly 8,000 cars because they may continue to move after a driver releases the accelerator pedal.

That is considered normal for other cars, including those with internal combustion engines. But Rivian’s electric SUVs and pickup trucks are designed to stop when the accelerator pedal is released. The snafu increases the risk of accidents for those who are expecting the cars to stop in such circumstances.

The recall covers certain 2022 R1S and R1T electric SUVs and pickups. 

“The vehicle may not automatically go into ‘auto-hold’ or ‘park,” Rivian said in a defect notice filed with federal regulators. “In extreme cases, this condition may cause the vehicle to creep forward very slowly.” 

“If this occurs, the driver will be required to take other action to place the vehicle into ‘hold’ or ‘park,’ such as depressing the brake pedal and/or pressing the ‘park’ button,” the company continued. “If the vehicle does not automatically go into ‘auto-hold’ or ‘park,’ this may increase the risk of a crash.” 

Rivian is not aware of any accidents stemming from the issue, the company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The company said it plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by mid-February. Owners can also check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall.

Rivian has already addressed the problem via a software update in more than half of the recalled vehicles, according to the company.

“Rivian will also replace all subject accelerator pedals with a newer revision for customer satisfaction and to ensure the quality of Rivian vehicles,” the automaker said.

Understanding Your California Lemon Law Rights

This is not Rivian’s first rodeo. 

The company last year called back certain trucks and sport utility vehicles over a problem with side airbags. Defective fasteners do not secure the airbags to the roof rails, limiting the safety devices’ effectiveness in the event of a crash, Rivian told federal regulators at the time.

There is some good news for Rivian and other car owners in California: You have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law when it comes to defective and malfunctioning cars. You often do not need to wait around for a recall to get your vehicles fixed.

The law forces automakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires those companies to buy back vehicles that they cannot or will not fix. That includes covering the purchase price, financing fees and other related expenses.

Automakers can instead offer to replace the vehicle. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.