Federal Safety Probe Opens Into Rivian R1T and R1S Rear Suspension Concerns

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into how Rivian services rear suspension components on its vehicles after receiving reports from two owners who said they lost control while driving.

According to the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), both vehicles involved had previously undergone service work, including one that had been repaired following a collision. The investigation focuses on Rivian’s rear toe link, a suspension component that helps maintain wheel alignment and vehicle stability.

The ODI said Rivian became aware in March 2025 that the rear toe link exhibited a “sensitivity to service procedures,” prompting the company to revise how the component is handled during maintenance and repair.

Federal investigators will now examine why the rear toe link may be vulnerable to foreseeable road and service conditions, compare the failures reported by the two vehicle owners, review Rivian’s updated repair procedures, and assess the condition of other 2023 and 2024 model-year R1 vehicles.

The agency estimates that nearly 115,000 vehicles could potentially be affected by the investigation.

The review follows a recall announced by Rivian in January 2026 covering almost 20,000 vehicles that had received toe link service before the company introduced its revised procedures in March 2025.

In a statement, Rivian said vehicle safety remains a top priority and noted that its data indicate R1 toe-link joints are functioning as intended. Rivian also pointed out that an independent third-party repair facility had serviced one of the vehicles involved in the complaints.

Both complaints submitted to the NHTSA described a sudden loss of vehicle control after a toe link bolt reportedly fractured.

In one incident, the owner said the vehicle lost control while travelling at highway speeds, swerved into another vehicle, and then crashed head-on into a guardrail.

The second complaint involved a Rivian R1S, in which the owner reported that the SUV unexpectedly crossed several lanes, entered a bike path, mounted a sidewalk, and then returned to the roadway after the left-rear toe link failed. The driver stated they experienced neck soreness for several days following the incident and noted that their Apple Watch repeatedly attempted to contact emergency services after detecting a possible crash.

The investigation arrives at a critical time for Rivian as the company prepares to begin deliveries of its highly anticipated R2 SUV within the coming weeks. Rivian expects the R2 to achieve significantly higher sales volumes than its existing vehicle lineup.

At the same time, the automaker is expanding its service network, planning to add more than 50 new service centres by the end of 2027, bringing its total to over 150 locations. The company is also increasing the size of its mobile service fleet.

Rivian has previously stated that the R2’s simplified engineering and reduced mechanical complexity should improve reliability and make servicing easier and less expensive. The company said earlier this year that simplifying vehicle design not only improves manufacturing quality but also reduces maintenance challenges for customers over time.

The outcome of the NHTSA investigation could play an important role as Rivian continues to expand its product lineup and service operations while preparing for the broader adoption of its next-generation electric vehicles.