Rivian recalls thousands of automobiles after a big batch of electric vehicles was found with faulty suspensions.
The electric car manufacturer voluntarily retracts their vehicles following concerns about possible loose fasteners or nuts, Gizmodo reports.
Rivian Takes Potentially Harmful Cars Back
Rivian has called upon its manufacturers to temporarily pull back on the distribution of their electric cars as a measure of caution.
Over 12,212 vehicles were sent back to Rivian for inspection after rare cases of excessive wheel tilts and separation which can lead to major loss of steering control were recorded.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, in a letter to customers, informed them of the problem, which only affected "a small percentage of vehicles;" however, the recall remains necessary.
According to Gizmodo, a spokesperson from Rivian also said that necessary adjustments are being made to the vehicles free of charge for its customers.
"We will begin immediately contacting affected customers to schedule appointments for inspections and repairs if needed," a company spokesperson, The New York Times writes.
Customers with the problem may experience excessive noise and vibration from the front suspension and even a change in harshness and steering performance that may pose risks.
However, to date, no injuries relating back to the vehicle malfunction have been reported.
Read More: Rivian R1S Deliveries to Non-Employee Customers are Reportedly on Their Way
A Paperwork Has Been Filed To NHTSA
Following the recall, the Amazon-backed manufacturer sent a notice of recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration immediately, according to CNN Business.
The electric vehicle manufacturer provided NHTSA with the specifics on the possible consequences of the loose fastener issue, which can endanger other motorists.
Ars Technica reported that the first incident of vehicle malfunction was discovered in mid-August, where the steering wheel had separated from the vehicle.
The company, after this, launched an investigation in September and found six more reports potentially related to the production issue.
ABC New York writes that Rivian is planning to set up "pop-up" repair services in areas with a particularly large number of Rivian owners to inspect and repair vehicles.
Meanwhile, customers who cannot visit the pop-ups may request a visit from the company's mobile service unit for a vehicle checkup.
Additionally, the repairs will last approximately 30 days, and loaner vehicles will be provided if the service goes on for an extended period.
According to NHTSA, this is the third time that Rivian has requested a recall following the return of 500 vehicles in August due to an airbag issue and 200 in May for seat belt anchors issue.
CNN Business writes that despite the controversy, the company is still planning to open another manufacturing plant in Georgia, expanding from its Illinois manufacturing plant.
Rivian, a company based in Irvine, California, has put itself in a position to rival Tesla, but it has since lost public offering as of last year, The New York Times details.
Allegedly, the company did not meet production goals because of the shortage in computer chip supply, failing the promise to its investors, plummeting sales down 67% since.
Related Article: Rivian Files Patent for 'Front Dig Mode' - What Exactly Is It?
