Rivian is recalling 98,828 vehicles because a software notification can cover part or all of the backup camera image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The issue affects certain R1T, R1S and R2 vehicles, and Rivian says a software update has already been installed in more than 95 percent of the affected fleet.

The defect appears only after a particular sequence of events. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, the driver must leave the vehicle for a period with stability control switched off in certain drive modes. When the driver returns, the center display may show a safety alert stating that stability control is off and asking whether the driver wants to select a mode with stability control enabled.

If the driver shifts into reverse without dismissing that alert, the notification can remain over the backup camera image until the vehicle begins moving. That condition means the affected vehicles may not comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Affected Rivian models

  • 2022-2026 Rivian R1T
  • 2022-2027 Rivian R1S
  • 2027 Rivian R2

The recall report identifies the issue as a display and software problem rather than a failure of the camera hardware itself. Because the camera view can be obstructed at the point when the driver selects reverse, the problem concerns the required rear visibility display.

Software fix is already available

Rivian began investigating the condition in July after finding it during internal testing. On September 10, the automaker determined that the affected vehicles could be noncompliant with federal safety requirements.

Rivian has developed and released a software update intended to correct the behavior. The company says the update is already installed in more than 95 percent of affected vehicles, reducing the number of vehicles still requiring the remedy.

The recall report says Rivian is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the condition. Owners should still confirm that their vehicle has received the applicable software update and follow any recall instructions issued by the automaker or NHTSA.

What the recall means for owners

The fault is difficult to trigger because it depends on the vehicle being left in a particular stability-control state, followed by a reverse selection while the warning remains on screen. Even so, the backup camera must provide a clear view when required, so Rivian is addressing the issue through a recall rather than treating it as a routine software nuisance.

The campaign also highlights how increasingly software-defined vehicles can develop safety-related problems without a mechanical component failing. In this case, the remedy is an update, and most affected Rivian vehicles have already received it.