NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation: Rear Toe Link May Separate in Rivian R1S (PE26-004)

PE26-004 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Rivian R1S?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting left rear toe link separation in certain Model Year (MY) 2023-2024 Rivian R1S vehicles.

Both VOQs report component separation while driving, causing the vehicles to swerve across multiple lanes of traffic.

One incident resulted in a collision with an adjacent vehicle and roadside barrier.

In both separations, the bolt that maintains the integrity of the toe link fractured.

Evidence collected from the complaint vehicles included repair histories, onboard video, imagery of the damaged components, and a police accident report.

The two vehicles with reported separation have different vehicle histories.

One vehicle received prior service and the other was involved in a previous collision.

In both instances, the vehicles operated for multiple months and thousands of miles of usage with no apparent problems between the previous service or the previous collision and the failures that prompted this investigation.

Rivian recognized the subject toe link joint's sensitivity to service procedures in March of 2025 in its updated service procedures.

In January 2026 through recall 26V-003, Rivian extended the improved repair procedure to vehicles that received toe link service prior to the March 2025 improvement.

ODI is opening a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to (1) assess the sensitivity of the rear toe link joint to foreseeable road and service conditions, (2) compare the physical failure evidence from the two VOQs to identify apparent similarities and potential differences, (3) evaluate Rivian's current toe link repair procedure, and (4) assess the in-field subject population's toe links conditions.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov

What is a preliminary evaluation?

Preliminary Evaluation is the first stage of a federal defect investigation. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash reports and manufacturer data to decide whether a safety defect may exist. It can close with no action, be upgraded to an engineering analysis, or end with a recall.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Rivian R1S owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 275 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2022-2027 Rivian R1S Backup Camera Software Recall (26V597)
• 2025-2026 Rivian R1S Turn Signal Recall (26V508)
• 2022-2025 Rivian R1T Seat Belt Retractor Recall (26V009)
• 2022-2025 Rivian R1S Suspension Fastener Recall (26V003)
• 2025 Rivian R1S Adaptive Cruise Control Software Recall (25V585)
• 2025 Rivian R1S High-Voltage Battery Recall (25V537)
• 2025 Rivian R1S Turn Signal Recall (25V387)
• 2022-2025 Rivian R1T Seat Belt Anchor Recall (25V370)
• 2025 Rivian R1S Headlight Recall (25V085)
• 2025 Rivian R1S Electrical Software Recall (24V827)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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