Rivian Recalls 35,000 Vans for Malfunctioning Seatbelts

Rivian is calling back some 35,000 electric delivery vans because of a serious problem impacting their seatbelts. 

The safety devices may not restrain drivers during collisions, Rivian recently told federal auto safety regulators. The problem gets worse with misuse, according to the carmaker.

“Rivian has determined that on certain EDV vehicles, the driver's side seatbelt pretensioner may be damaged from repeated misuse, such as from the driver sitting on the seat belt while it is buckled underneath the driver,” the company said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A seat belt pretensioner cable damaged by repeated misuse may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.”

The recall covers vans used primarily by Amazon drivers, according to a Los Angeles Times report. It does not extend to Rivian’s sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

The company told NHTSA it would notify owners of recalled vans by Jan. 19.

“Rivian has released an over-the-air update that enables automatic detection of any seat belt misuse by the driver,” the company said. “In addition, Rivian will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's seat belt pretensioner assembly in the affected vehicles free of charge.”

This is not the only safety issue for Rivian and its drivers. The company said in September that it would call back more than 24,000 R1S sport utility vehicles and R1T pickups because of a bug in their hands-free, driver assistance systems.

California Lemon Law Rights for Rivian Drivers

The world’s leading automakers recall millions of vehicles each year due to defects and malfunctions that pose serious safety risks.

Recalls are often announced long after defective cars leave the factory and hit the road. Even when automakers eventually call back vehicles, they often struggle to properly fix the issues.

Fortunately, Californians have some important rights and protections when it comes to malfunctioning and defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with the vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. Our attorneys combine decades of experience in these cases and have a strong track record of successful results.

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.