Rivian Recalls 24,214 U.S. EVs Over Hands-Free Driver-Assist Glitch
Regulator says software can fail to detect lead vehicles in stop-and-go traffic; automaker issues over-the-air fix and will notify owners
Rivian is recalling 24,214 electric vehicles in the United States because of a software defect in its hands-free driver assistance system that can fail to identify lead vehicles and increase the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday.
The recall covers 2025 R1S and R1T models running an older software build. NHTSA said Rivian estimates 100% of those vehicles are affected. The agency said owners are expected to receive notification letters by Nov. 4.
Rivian reported to regulators that the defect stems from a version of the company's Hands-Free Highway Assist, which in certain configurations can steer, brake and accelerate the vehicle on controlled-access highways. The software can fail to correctly identify a lead vehicle in stop-and-go traffic, increasing the likelihood of a collision, the company told NHTSA.
The automaker said it is aware of at least one low-speed crash in May related to the issue but is not aware of any injuries. Rivian has issued a free over-the-air software update intended to remedy the problem and advised owners to install the update as soon as it becomes available.
In its recall report to NHTSA, Rivian emphasized that the Hands-Free feature was marketed as a driver-assistance system and not as a replacement for an attentive driver. "Rivian has clearly marketed its HWA feature as not replacing the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle," the company wrote.
The recall underscores continuing safety and regulatory scrutiny of advanced driver-assistance systems as automakers expand software-driven features. Many manufacturers have deployed or are developing systems that combine lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control and automated steering to reduce driver workload on highways. Rivian introduced its Hands-Free feature this year and has said it plans to launch an "eyes-off" self-driving capability in 2026.
NHTSA opened several high-profile investigations in recent years into automated driving functions after crashes involving partially automated systems. Regulators have increasingly required companies to report defects and notify owners when software behavior could raise safety risks.
Rivian, a maker of electric SUVs and pickup trucks, has been issuing over-the-air updates for a range of software-related issues since it began shipping vehicles. The automaker told NHTSA that owners with the affected software will receive the update at no charge and that the company will communicate directly with registered owners.
Owners with questions can follow instructions from Rivian's customer communications and the NHTSA recall notice to confirm whether their vehicle is affected and to ensure the remedial software is installed. The recall adds to a broader industry effort to balance rapid deployment of automated features with safety oversight and consumer notification requirements.