US Regulators Investigate 17,000 Rivian Delivery Vans

According to foreign media reports, on September 24, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it has launched a preliminary investigation into 17,198 Rivian electric delivery vans produced between 2022 and 2023 due to potential seatbelt issues.

The survey focuses on the driver's side seatbelt anchorage system, which uses a steel cable braided structure connected to the seat frame.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reported that six owners have complained about wear, breakage, or looseness of the cables, which poses a risk that the seat belts may not effectively restrain the driver in the event of a collision or sudden stop, creating a safety hazard.

Image source: Rivian

Rivian responded by stating that it will actively cooperate with NHTSA's investigation.

The NHTSA stated that there have been no reports of crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths related to the potential defect. However, the regulatory agency warned that the weakening or detachment of the seat belt anchorage may not meet the required load capacity standards, posing an "unreasonable risk" to motor vehicle safety.

Investigators will examine the integrity of the seatbelt components, the installation method, and whether any design or manufacturing defects contributed to the issue. They will also assess the severity and scope of the problem.

The preliminary assessment is the first step in the NHTSA's process for handling vehicle defects. Based on the assessment results, the investigation may escalate to a more in-depth engineering analysis. If the problem is confirmed, a vehicle recall will be initiated.

Rivian is mass-producing delivery vans for e-commerce giant Amazon and is collaborating with the German Volkswagen Group. At the same time, the company is developing electric pickup trucks and SUVs for the consumer market.

Amazon has not only made a substantial investment in Rivian but also ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans to be delivered by 2030. Currently, Amazon has tested more than 15 electric vehicle models, and over 31,000 electric delivery vans are in operation, including more than 24,000 Rivian vans.