Rivian just recalled 100,700 vehicles. That’s nearly every single unit it has ever built. If that number made your stomach drop, take a breath first. This Rivian recall isn’t about a battery fire or a suspension failure. It’s a software glitch involving the rearview camera. The fix has already reached almost everyone affected, often before owners even knew there was a problem.
Rivian said on September 23 that it is recalling about 100,700 vehicles over an issue that can obscure the backup camera view. That’s a majority of everything the company has produced to date. The recall spans 2022-2026 R1T trucks, 2022-2027 R1S SUVs, and even the brand-new 2027 R2. In other words, this touches basically every Rivian on the road, including cars that haven’t shipped to most buyers yet.
What exactly is wrong with the rearview camera?
The problem is a display overlap, not a broken camera. When stability control is switched off, a safety warning prompt can pop up over the rearview image. This happens right as the driver shifts into reverse. It can block the view until the vehicle actually starts moving. It’s a narrow, specific scenario. But federal rules require an unobstructed rear camera at all times, so it counts as a formal safety non-compliance.
Rivian’s own explanation, given to Reuters, describes it as a rare issue tied specifically to driving with stability control disabled. That’s not a setting most daily drivers touch. That’s part of why this recall reads scarier on paper than it plays out in real driveways.
Has Rivian actually fixed it already?
Yes, for almost everyone. Rivian told Reuters that more than 95% of the affected vehicles have already received a software fix over the air. Every vehicle built after August 10, 2026 rolled off the line with the corrected code already installed. Owner notification letters are expected in early November, mostly as a paperwork formality.
That’s the real headline here. This is a recall where the remedy mostly happened before the recall was even announced. Compare that to a hardware recall requiring a service center visit. It’s a completely different level of hassle for owners.
How this recall breaks down by model
| Model | Model Years Affected | Approx. Units (US) |
|---|---|---|
| R1T pickup | 2022–2026 | ~34,088 |
| R1S SUV | 2022–2027 | ~62,259 |
| R2 | 2027 | ~2,481 |
Is this Rivian’s first recall, or a pattern?
It’s not the first. That matters more than any single campaign. Rivian has issued several smaller recalls over the past year. One covered seat belt retractor bolts. Another involved improperly reassembled rear toe link joints. A much larger campaign hit 34,824 delivery vans over seat belt cables.
- January 2026: 869 R1T/R1S units recalled for loose second-row seat belt retractor bolts.
- January 2026: Toe link joint recall tied to a pre-March 2025 service procedure.
- December (prior year): 34,824 EDV delivery vans recalled over seat belt cable fraying.
- September 2026: 100,700 vehicles, rearview camera display overlap (this recall).
None of these are the kind of headline-grabbing thermal-runaway battery fire that’s dogged other EV makers lately. See our coverage of the Lucid Air fire recall or Porsche Taycan fire lawsuit for contrast. Rivian’s issues so far skew toward assembly-line bolt torque and software logic, not chemistry.
Should you still buy a Rivian right now?
Yes. I’d still buy one. This specific recall shouldn’t scare anyone off. It’s a software display bug with a documented over-the-air fix already reaching 95%+ of owners. It’s not a fire risk or a structural defect. The bigger question for any new Rivian shopper is really about the R2’s pricing and timeline. We’ve broken that down in our R2 launch price guide.
If you’re cross-shopping, it’s also worth checking how Rivian stacks up against rivals before committing. Our Rivian R2 vs Model Y comparison digs into that directly. And if you want the full financial picture on owning any EV long-term, our EV total cost of ownership guide is the place to start.
What should current owners do right now?
Open the Rivian app and check for pending software updates today. Don’t wait for the mailed notice in November. If your vehicle already updated automatically, which is likely given the 95% completion rate, you’re done. No dealer visit, no appointment, no cost.
FAQ
Does this recall affect the R2?
Yes. About 2,481 early 2027 R2 units in the U.S. filing are included. Rivian’s newest and cheapest model is caught up in the same campaign as the older R1 lineup.
Do I need to take my Rivian to a service center for this?
No. This is an over-the-air software fix. Rivian says the vast majority of affected vehicles already have it installed automatically, with no service visit required.
Has this rearview camera issue caused any accidents?
No. Rivian and NHTSA filings have not reported any confirmed crashes, injuries, or customer complaints tied specifically to this display overlap issue.
Is Rivian recalling more vehicles than other EV startups?
Not dramatically more. Severity matters as much as the count. Rivian’s recent recalls have mostly involved software logic and assembly bolts, not the battery fire risks seen at some other brands.