The 2027 Rivian R2 is facing its first recall, with a rearview camera software issue affecting 99,828 Rivian vehicles, according to a recall published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall covers the R2 as well as older R1 models. The issue can cause a notification to obstruct the rearview camera image when the driver selects reverse, preventing the affected vehicles from complying with a federal requirement for rearview cameras.
Rivian Rearview Camera Recall Affects Nearly 100,000 Vehicles
The 99,828 vehicles included in the recall are divided among three Rivian models:
The R2 accounts for the smallest number of affected vehicles because there are not yet as many of the newer SUVs on the road. According to the recall report, the rearview camera image may be obstructed by a notification when the driver selects reverse.
The notification appears when the stability control system is switched off in certain drive modes. Because rearview cameras are mandated in the U.S., the condition means the affected Rivian vehicles do not comply with a federal requirement.
Software Update Already Released
The recall is linked to a software problem rather than a hardware defect. Rivian has already released a software update designed to fix the condition, and 95% of affected vehicles have had the update installed.
Rivian reports that R1 vehicles are 95% updated, while R2 vehicles are 96% updated. The automaker is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the condition.
What Rivian Owners Need to Know
Unlike hardware-related recalls that can take months to resolve, the software fix can be delivered through an over-the-air update. Owners who experience trouble installing the update can contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261.
Vehicle identification numbers for the affected Rivian models are scheduled to become searchable on the NHTSA’s website by November 9, 2026. By that time, Rivian expects nearly all affected customers to have been able to install the software update.
Rivian Continues to Build Its Quality Reputation
In an initial drive of the Rivian R2 Performance, the vehicle was described as feeling solid, with an interior built from materials that felt durable. So far, the R2 appears to have experienced fewer early quality and software issues than the older R1 models.
However, Rivian still has room to improve compared with legacy brands in this area. In the latest JD Power Initial Quality Study, Rivian was not officially ranked because it did not meet the study’s criteria.
JD Power nevertheless reported 246 problems per 100 Rivian vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership. That was the highest result among all brands and was significantly above Tesla’s 149 problems per 100 vehicles and the industry average of 175 problems per 100 vehicles.
As production of the R2 ramps up, the latest rearview camera recall puts further attention on the model’s early quality and software performance.
