Rivian Recalls R2 SUVs Over Battery Fastener Defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing reveals that the issue surfaced on September 17 at the Normal, Illinois plant. An assembly line worker discovered that an automated station failed to apply the correct torque, prompting the company to reprogram its machinery to reject improperly secured components. Rivian confirmed that approximately 14 vehicles may be impacted by this manufacturing flaw.

While the company reports no accidents or injuries, the recall underscores the pressure surrounding the R2 rollout. As Rivian’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the SUV is central to the manufacturer's strategy to reach profitability. Despite the recall, Rivian maintains an ambitious delivery target of 20,000 to 25,000 units by the end of the year, a goal it intends to meet by adding a second production shift at its Illinois facility.