Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian encountered a setback as its latest over-the-air software update, version 2023.42.0, inadvertently caused operational challenges for the infotainment systems in an unspecified number of R1T and R1S all-electric trucks. While the update aimed to enhance features such as proximity locking, vehicle access, and gauge view, users who promptly installed it experienced hung progress indicators and blank infotainment screens.
Acknowledging the issue, a Rivian spokesperson confirmed that the error stemmed from an unintentional deployment of the wrong software build with incorrect security certificates. Rivian swiftly responded by retracting the update and issued a statement explaining the situation.
Once 2023.42 fails to install (which it will at 90%), you are left with 2 black screens. Vehicle is drivable but with no infotainment. Even though the screens are black, the vehicle is not bricked. pic.twitter.com/lMrCWEIOTf
— RivianTrackr (@RivianTrackr) November 14, 2023
“We made an error with the 2023.42 OTA update—a fat finger where the wrong build with the wrong security certificates was sent out,” stated a Rivian employee on Reddit. “We [canceled] the campaign and we will restart it with the proper software that went through the different campaigns of beta testing. Service will be contacting impacted customers and will go through the resolution options. That may require physical repair in some cases.”
Despite the infotainment system glitch, critical vehicle functions such as turn signals, locks, lights, wipers, and the backup camera reportedly remain operational. RivianTrackr, an online source that initially highlighted the unsuccessful update, indicated that the automaker’s service team is actively reaching out to affected customers for repair options.
In response to the situation, Rivian advised customers not to charge or restart their vehicles in an attempt to resolve the problem, emphasizing that the issue primarily affects the infotainment system and not other vehicle systems.
While the automaker has not disclosed the number of vehicles impacted by the faulty update, it assured users that it is working on a remote solution and will contact those requiring physical service. This incident marks the first notable software glitch affecting Rivian vehicles, and the company’s transparent acknowledgment of the issue has been met with understanding from the Rivian owner community, which remains optimistic about the forthcoming fix. Rivian intends to resume the update campaign with the corrected software at a later date.
