Rivian has announced a recall for its R2 SUV following the discovery that some high-voltage battery pack fasteners were not properly tightened during assembly. This flaw could lead to power loss while driving, though Rivian estimates only about 14 vehicles are affected. The company is committed to repairing or replacing faulty components on customer vehicles as necessary and has already rectified the issue on the production line by reprogramming the automated assembly station involved.

This recall marks the second for the R2 model, which began customer deliveries earlier this year and represents a crucial step toward mass-market EV sales for Rivian. The initial recall addressed an issue with the backup camera visibility and was resolved through a software update. The current fault was identified on September 17 when a manufacturing operator at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois plant detected one of the battery fasteners was under torqued, prompting a company-wide inspection and process adjustment.

Although there have been no reported accidents, injuries, or fatalities linked to the battery pack issue, some owners have shared concerns online, including accounts of being instructed to stop driving and having their vehicles towed. Rivian is aiming for an aggressive production and delivery target, hoping to ship between 20,000 and 25,000 R2 SUVs by the end of 2026, which would rank as one of the fastest U.S. EV launches if achieved.

The R2 is vital for Rivian’s path to profitability, given its lower price point and broader market appeal compared to previous models. Early demand appears strong, and the company is expanding factory operations by adding a second shift to meet production goals. Addressing these recalls promptly is critical as Rivian pushes to solidify its place in the competitive electric vehicle landscape with this new mass-market offering.