Rivian's Vans Facing Federal Examination Following Driver Complaints About Issues | Carscoops

Rivian's Vans Facing Federal Examination Following Driver Complaints About Issues | Carscoops

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is examining over 17,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian following concerning reports regarding a safety defect.

      The investigation is focused on 17,198 Rivian vans that may have issues with the driver’s seat belt anchorage system. Fraying steel braided cables could leave drivers without proper restraints in the event of a crash, presenting a serious safety concern.

      The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received six Vehicle Owner Questionnaires indicating potential failures in the seat belt system. These reports highlight multiple cases where the steel cable of the seat belt frays, breaks, or unravels, which could result in unrestrained occupants during a collision.

      Additionally, a frayed cable may decrease the load capacity of the seat belt. The NHTSA states that a defective seat belt system poses an unreasonable risk to vehicle safety.

      The investigation will examine 17,198 Rivian EDVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, focusing on the seat belt assembly's integrity, installation methods, and potential design or manufacturing flaws. This inquiry aims to assess the frequency and severity of the reported issues.

      Currently, the NHTSA has not been informed of any injuries or deaths resulting from failures in Rivian's seat belt anchorage system.

      Initially, the Rivian EDV was designed specifically for Amazon, which ordered 100,000 vehicles for gradual delivery until 2030. As of November 2023, the electric vans are also available to other businesses under the name ECV, with options for different wheelbase lengths and load capacities.

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Rivian's Vans Facing Federal Examination Following Driver Complaints About Issues | Carscoops

The NHTSA is investigating thousands of electric vans following concerning reports regarding a safety problem.