Rivian Recalls 14 Model Year 2027 R2 SUVs Over Improperly Torqued High-Voltage Battery Fastener

Rivian Automotive has filed a voluntary safety recall with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) affecting 14 Model Year 2027 R2 SUVs. The recall, identified as NHTSA Recall No. 26V625 (Manufacturer Recall No. FSAM-1888), addresses an improperly torqued fastener on the high-voltage battery that could cause a loss of motive power without prior warning.

What the recall covers

The recall population includes Model Year 2027 R2 vehicles produced between May 18, 2026 and August 27, 2026. The specific component is an M6×1.0×24.5 bolt (Part Number SC00036202-D) connecting the high-voltage battery. Rivian estimates 100% of the 14 potentially affected vehicles have the defect.

If the fastener is improperly torqued, the vehicle may experience a sudden loss of motive power without any warning to the driver. NHTSA notes this "may increase the risk of a crash." As of the September 29, 2026 filing date, Rivian was not aware of any customer reports, accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue in any market.

How the issue was discovered

On September 17, 2026, a Rivian manufacturing operator identified an under-torqued high-voltage fastener after it had been torqued at an automated station. The station has since been reprogrammed to reject improperly torqued fasteners. Rivian conducted an investigation from September 17–24 to determine the root cause and identify the affected vehicle population, then decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of all 14 potentially affected vehicles on September 24.

Remedy and timeline

The remedy involves inspecting and repairing the connection on potentially affected vehicles, or replacing damaged components with properly torqued fasteners. Rivian will mail owner notifications on or before November 29, 2026, with VINs becoming searchable on November 28, 2026. The consumer advisory includes "Do Not Drive" and "Park Outside" instructions for affected vehicles.

Context for Canadian buyers

While this recall was filed with U.S. regulators, it is relevant for Canadian reservation holders as Rivian has confirmed Canadian R2 deliveries starting in 2027. The R2 is positioned as Rivian's more affordable, mainstream electric SUV, with strong range, a practical cabin, and genuine off-road capability.

This marks the second recall-related action for the R2 platform. Earlier in 2026, Rivian asked some early R2 owners to pause DC fast charging until inspections were completed. For Canadians planning around the R2's arrival, the recall affects a very small initial production batch (14 units) and the manufacturing process has been corrected — the automated torquing station now rejects improperly torqued fasteners.

Rivian delivered 19,248 vehicles in Q3 2026, a 58% quarter-over-quarter increase driven by the R2's first full quarter of deliveries in the U.S. Canadian pricing, trim availability, and exact delivery timing for 2027 have not yet been announced.

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