- NHTSA recall FSAM-1866 covers 98,828 Rivian vehicles: 2022-2026 R1T, 2022-2027 R1S, and the 2027 R2.
- The defect: the rearview camera image may be obstructed by a notification when the vehicle is in reverse, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk.
- The recall hits the R2 just as Rivian prepares to launch the lower-priced model, and Edmunds has already published a head-to-head R2 versus Tesla Model Y comparison.
- CEO RJ Scaringe said the smaller R3 crossover will be priced materially lower than the R2, potentially in the mid to high 30s in USD, with production at Rivian's Georgia plant starting in 2028.
- Scaringe credited improved supplier leverage for the lower R3 cost and flagged Chinese automakers' cost advantages, arguing tariffs and automation through his Mind Robotics venture are needed for Rivian to compete.
Quotes
“The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a notification when in reverse”
“materially lower”
“mid to high 30s”