Rivian preempts NHTSA accelerator pedal recall with OTA software fix

https://electrek.co/2024/01/03/rivian-nhtsa-accelerator-pedal-recall-software/

The software Over-the-Air (OTA) fix has already been installed on 85%, and counting, of the affected 7800 early Rivian R1T and R1S vehicles. It will save the automaker from requiring owners to visit service centers or deploy mobile service units. At the same time, it will satisfy the NHTSA recall, though Rivian will offer owners a hardware replacement accelerator if desired.

No accidents or injuries related to the problem have been reported and indeed many owners won’t be aware that the vehicle is not behaving correctly, especially if they are coming from an ICE vehicle that does this naturally.

Rivian laid out the following bullet points:

• The recall includes 7,873 R1T and R1S vehicles assembled in the Normal, IL plant between June 10, 2021, and October 31, 2022, with an early revision accelerator pedal that may not conform to performance specifications.
• When exposed to very high interior cabin temperatures, affected vehicles may not automatically go into auto-hold or park when the driver lifts their foot off the pedal. In extreme cases, the condition may cause the vehicle to creep forward very slowly, approximate to a similar ICE vehicle at idle.
• We were able to confirm the issue through our cloud telemetry data, and less than a week after identifying the issue, we developed and deployed an OTA software update to affected vehicles that eliminated the concern. We will also be replacing the accelerator pedal in affected vehicles at no cost to our customers.
• We are not aware of any accidents or injuries as a result of this issue.

The article should include which software release fixed this. Considering these would have been early adopters I would imagine most if not all have already updated to the fixed release.

lefkonj said:

The article should include which software release fixed this. Considering these would have been early adopters I would imagine most if not all have already updated to the fixed release.

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2023.46.1. It's literally the only thing mentioned in this minor version.

Additional Improvements

• In vehicles equipped with a specific accelerator pedal version, addressed a rare issue in which the vehicle may have inconsistent standstill behavior or may not go to sleep.

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lefkonj said:

The article should include which software release fixed this. Considering these would have been early adopters I would imagine most if not all have already updated to the fixed release.

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It was a hot fix after the latest OTA. Everyone affected has had the update pushed to them.

Dark-Fx said:

2023.46.1. It's literally the only thing mentioned in this minor version.

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My point was the article doesn't mention the version, which is public knowledge. Poor reporting once again.

lefkonj said:

My point was the article doesn't mention the version, which is public knowledge. Poor reporting once again.

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The article links to the NHTSA webpage which has the recall documents. I don't think journalists typically dig that deep into their sources to bring through such a minor detail.

Interesting, earlier we thought this was only R1T vehicles.

I have an R1S built in October 2022 and it did not get this update. Did anyone see an R1S that got the patch? I’ve never experienced the issue on my R1S and have had my vehicle in Coachella Vally with temps as high as 118 F.

So what's interesting in the email i got is that it's worded like Rivian will replace the accelerator pedal even if I don't request it:


What will Rivian do?
Rivian identified this issue through cloud telemetry data, and quickly developed and deployed OTA software update 2023.46.01 to affected vehicles. Once installed, this software update eliminates the accelerator pedal concern.

In addition, Rivian will replace accelerator pedals in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Rivian’s Service Support Team will contact you by end of February, 2024, once we’re ready to schedule your pedal replacement appointment.

Rivian Communication via email to affected owners

---

Hi Owner,

We have decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Model Year 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles and have initiated a voluntary recall that affects your vehicle.

This notice applies to your vehicle, VIN: (**Affected VIN**)

What is the problem?
Affected vehicles are equipped with a specific accelerator pedal that may not conform to performance specifications. When exposed to very high interior cabin temperatures, vehicles with this accelerator pedal may not automatically go into auto‑hold or auto‑park.

In extreme cases, the condition may cause the vehicle to creep forward very slowly, similar to an internal combustion vehicle at idle. Reducing cabin temperature restores normal pedal behavior.

What will Rivian do?
Rivian identified this issue through cloud telemetry data, and quickly developed and deployed OTA software update 2023.46.01 to affected vehicles. Once installed, this software update eliminates the accelerator pedal concern.

In addition, Rivian will replace accelerator pedals in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Rivian’s Service Support Team will contact you by end of February, 2024, once we’re ready to schedule your pedal replacement appointment.

What should you do?
At your earliest convenience, install software update 2023.46.01.

Information about this recall is also listed on our website. If you have further questions, please call Rivian Service Support at (855) 748-4265. We are available 24/7/365. Additional information will also be posted at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Noe Mejia
VP Service Operations

Khaneric said:

So what's interesting in the email i got is that it's worded like Rivian will replace the accelerator pedal even if I don't request it:


What will Rivian do?
Rivian identified this issue through cloud telemetry data, and quickly developed and deployed OTA software update 2023.46.01 to affected vehicles. Once installed, this software update eliminates the accelerator pedal concern.

In addition, Rivian will replace accelerator pedals in affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Rivian’s Service Support Team will contact you by end of February, 2024, once we’re ready to schedule your pedal replacement appointment.

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It's an obvious safety defect. Guessing there is a good chance it's a defect that is going to get progressively worse over time.

Dark-Fx said:

2023.46.1. It's literally the only thing mentioned in this minor version.

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What a slap in the face. WE DEMAND 2023.50! NO 2023.50, NO PEACE!

lefkonj said:

My point was the article doesn't mention the version, which is public knowledge. Poor reporting once again.

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Got a problem with an article? Hit up the author, Seth Weintraub, and make sure you copy his editor. It's a fun past time for me, sometimes they edit articles and sometimes they get into petty arguments over "semantics" that the editors later apologize for.

Riviot said:

What a slap in the face. WE DEMAND 2023.50! NO 2023.50, NO PEACE!



Got a problem with an article? Hit up the author, Seth Weintraub, and make sure you copy his editor. It's a fun past time for me, sometimes they edit articles and sometimes they get into petty arguments over "semantics" that the editors later apologize for.

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Seth got me banned from posting on Electrek. No wait, that was Micah.

I haven't received an email yet, but since my R1T lives in Phoenix and was delivered in 9/2022, I'll be asking for the new pedal. It's too damn hot in the desert in the summer. Maybe they'll replace my powered tonneau at the same appointment

NineElectrics said:

I don't want my accelerator pedal fixed via an OTA software hack. I want a new accelerator pedal. This isn't really negotiable.

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Did you get a recall notice?

What month/year was your R1S built?