Recall News: Rivian, Tesla, & Toyota [Updated June 17]

Recalls for popular commercial fleet vehicle models from three automakers are making headlines. Automotive Fleet has a roundup of those recalls.

Rivian EVs Recalled Due to Potentially Improperly Aimed Headlights & Improperly Deploying Side Curtain Air Bags

Rivian is recalling certain 2023-2024 electric delivery vehicles (EDVs), R1S SUVs, and R1T pickup trucks. The headlights may be improperly aimed. The recall affects an estimated 2,334 vehicles.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, the vehicles were produced between April 2023 and March 2024.

Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2024. 

Additionally, NHTSA announced on June 17 that Rivian is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T trucks and R1S SUVs. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.

Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

NHTSA documents reveal that between Oct. 2021 and May 2024, Rivian service employees may have been reusing pillar trim panels instead of replacing them. The automaker determined a safety-related defect may exist related to the matter.

As of June 5, Rivian is not aware of any accidents, injuries, warranty claims, or field reports related to the issue.

Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 26, 2024. 

Tesla EVs Recalled Due to Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction

Tesla is recalling more than 125,000 electric vehicle models. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. The vehicles among those in the recall include:

• 2012-2024 Model S
• 2015-2024 Model X
• 2017-2023 Model 3
• 2020-2023 Model Y

According to NHTSA documents, on certain affected vehicles, an open trace in the driver seat occupancy switch may result in a loss of the audible and visual seat belt reminder signals when the driver’s seat belt is not fastened after the vehicle ignition is moved to the “on” or “start” position.

Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, so a trip to a Tesla dealer is not necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 27, 2024.

Toyota Tundra Pickups Recalled Due to Potential Debris Causing Engine Trouble

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2022–2023 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks and Lexus LX (conventional gas model only) SUVs in North America. According to a news release from Toyota, approximately 102,000 Toyota and Lexus branded vehicles are included in the recall.

There is a possibility that certain machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced. In the involved vehicles, this can lead to potential engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start and/or a loss of motive power. A loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

Toyota is currently developing the remedy for the issue. Owners of involved vehicles will be notified by late July 2024.

Editor's Note: This story was updated June 17 with details on a new recall from Rivian.