Rivian's Seatbelt Snafu: 35,000 Vans Recalled, But an OTA Update is Already on the Way!

TL;DR: Rivian is recalling nearly 35,000 electric delivery vans (EDVs) over a seatbelt pretensioner cable issue, largely caused by drivers misusing the belt. Good news? An over-the-air software fix is already rolling out, alongside free hardware inspections.

Meta: Rivian recalls 35,000 EDVs for seatbelt issue, OTA fix deployed.

Alright, folks, buckle up – or rather, don't sit on your buckled belt! Rivian, the electric truck and van maker that’s been rolling out some slick delivery vehicles, just announced a recall that affects nearly 35,000 of its EDVs (that's Electric Delivery Vans for the uninitiated). It seems some drivers have been getting a little too comfy, sitting on their buckled seatbelts, which, apparently, isn't great for the pretensioner cable.

Now, before you start thinking these vans are falling apart faster than a bad stand-up set, let's get the facts straight. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is on the case, and they've identified a potential problem in 2022-2025 EDV models. If that cable gets damaged from repeated misuse – like, say, if you're treating it like a comfy cushion – then in a crash, that pretensioner might not do its job, increasing the risk of injury. Nobody wants that, not even your delivery driver trying to shave a few seconds off their route. The good news is, there haven't been any reports of crashes or injuries linked to this, so Rivian's on it early.

Over-The-Air to the Rescue!

Rivian ain't just sitting around. They've already pushed out an over-the-air (OTA) software update to all affected vans. That's right, like a digital guardian angel, your van can now detect if you're trying to sit on a buckled seatbelt, hopefully nipping the misuse in the bud. Smart, right? Think of it as your van giving you the side-eye before you even mess up. That’s the kind of high-tech intervention we’re talking about in the EV world, baby!

But wait, there's more! Beyond the software smarts, Rivian will also be inspecting the driver’s seatbelt pretensioner assembly and replacing it, free of charge, if necessary. So, a software patch and a hardware check-up. That's a comprehensive approach, like a good joke with a solid punchline and a callback.

These affected vans were built between December 10, 2021, and November 8, 2025. Rivian assures us that any EDV rolling off the line after November 8 already has that seatbelt misuse-detection feature built-in. So, if you're getting a brand-new one, you're good to go. And while Amazon just recently introduced these bad boys to Canada, the Canadian authorities haven't issued a similar recall yet. Give 'em time, they're probably still figuring out how to deliver maple syrup without spilling it.

What's Next

This recall highlights Rivian's commitment to safety and its innovative use of OTA updates to address issues swiftly. For a company that relies heavily on fleet sales, especially to giants like Amazon, maintaining trust and vehicle uptime is crucial. Expect Rivian to continue refining its safety protocols and leveraging software to proactively prevent issues, keeping those delivery schedules on track and drivers safe. It’s all about making sure the wheels keep turning, and the belts keep doing their job.

Stay safe out there, and remember: safety's no joke. Peace!