Rivian recalls 34,824 vehicles over seat-belt pretensioner risk

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Rivian has announced a recall in the United States: 34,824 vehicles are being called back over a potentially damaged seat-belt pretensioner cable. According to the U.S. regulator NHTSA, the issue could mean the driver’s belt may not be properly restrained, which raises the risk of injury in a crash.

The remedy is just as important. For part of the affected fleet, Rivian has prepared an over-the-air (OTA) update aimed at certain EDV electric vans from the 2022–2025 model years. Software alone won’t close the loop, though: the company will also inspect vehicles and, if necessary, replace the driver’s seat-belt pretensioner assembly.

In practice, this has become a familiar and pragmatic approach: automakers increasingly pair software fixes with targeted mechanical checks to cut risk quickly without sending the entire fleet to service as a precaution. Owners should keep an eye on Rivian’s notices and the status of the update, and if an inspection invite arrives, act without delay; with seat belts and pretensioners, hoping for the best can prove costly.