Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has successfully deployed an Over-the-Air (OTA) software fix for 85% of the 7,800 early Rivian R1T and R1S models affected by a recall. The issue, flagged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pertained to the accelerator pedal failing to activate “auto-hold” or “park” as intended, potentially resulting in unintended vehicle movement.
The recall, covering vehicles produced between June 10, 2021, and October 31, 2022, specified that in extreme heat conditions, a certain accelerator pedal part could cause the vehicle to move forward slowly, similar to an idling internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Rivian, in collaboration with the NHTSA, swiftly implemented an OTA software update to rectify the problem, sparing owners the need to visit service centers.
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Rivian laid out the following bullet points:
- The recall includes 7,873 R1T and R1S vehicles assembled in the Normal, IL plant between June 10, 2021, and October 31, 2022, with an early revision accelerator pedal that may not conform to performance specifications.
- When exposed to very high interior cabin temperatures, affected vehicles may not automatically go into auto-hold or park when the driver lifts their foot off the pedal. In extreme cases, the condition may cause the vehicle to creep forward very slowly, approximate to a similar ICE vehicle at idle.
- We were able to confirm the issue through our cloud telemetry data, and less than a week after identifying the issue, we developed and deployed an OTA software update to affected vehicles that eliminated the concern. We will also be replacing the accelerator pedal in affected vehicles at no cost to our customers.
- We are not aware of any accidents or injuries as a result of this issue.
While the software fix resolves the issue for most affected vehicles, Rivian has also offered a hardware replacement accelerator for owners who prefer it. The recall, affecting 7,873 R1T and R1S units, includes replacements for early revision accelerator pedals that may not meet performance specifications.
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Rivian’s Head of Software Engineering, Wassym Bensaid, explained that the issue was brought to the company’s attention through a customer visit. Following identification, Rivian conducted thorough fleet testing to isolate the problem and subsequently developed a software patch that recognizes the accelerator pedal behavior, eliminating unintended acceleration. The fix, responding to extreme heat conditions, aligns with NHTSA requirements, ensuring safety compliance.
No accidents or injuries related to this issue have been reported, with Rivian actively communicating with affected owners to address the situation promptly.
