Federal safety regulators have opened a formal investigation into Rivian vehicles following reports of seatbelt malfunctions across the company’s R1T truck and R1S SUV lineup.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched the probe after receiving complaints describing instances where seatbelts failed to latch properly or released unexpectedly during normal driving conditions. Both scenarios represent serious occupant protection failures.
Rivian’s vehicles carry substantial price tags, with many configurations exceeding $100,000. Buyers of premium electric vehicles generally expect higher build quality and safety standards, making a seatbelt-related investigation particularly notable for the brand.
NHTSA’s investigation will examine the scope of the issue, the number of vehicles potentially affected, and whether the problem stems from a design defect, manufacturing variance, or component failure. The probe is an early-stage inquiry and does not automatically lead to a recall.
If the investigation finds a safety defect, NHTSA has the authority to compel Rivian to issue a recall and remedy the issue at no cost to consumers. The timeline for completing the investigation was not specified.
Rivian has been working to improve its manufacturing quality and reduce production costs as it ramps up volume at its Illinois assembly plant. A safety investigation of this type adds regulatory scrutiny at a critical stage in the company’s development.
Owners who have observed any seatbelt-related issues are encouraged to file formal complaints through NHTSA’s online reporting system, as complaint volume helps regulators assess the true scope of potential defects before making enforcement decisions.
Rivian has not issued a public statement on the investigation but is expected to cooperate with NHTSA’s information requests as the agency proceeds with its review.