Hands-Free Highway Assist Software May Incorrectly Identify Other Vehicles

Affected vehicles (2)

Component / system

Defect

Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles operating a software version prior to 2025.18.30. The Hands-Free Highway Assist (HWA) software may fail to correctly identify a lead vehicle.

Risk / consequence

Failure to detect another vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1744.

Chronology of events

1. May 14, 2025

   On May 14, 2025, a 2025 R1S vehicle was traveling with HWA engaged at low speed in stop and go traffic. The vehicle was operating on Software Version 2025.14. The vehicle was involved in an incident in which Rivian’s HWA system experienced a one-time functional limitation due to a misclassification. The driver also failed to brake for the vehicle he was approaching. These factors resulted in a low speed, 6 mph collision with the vehicle in front of him. The R1S vehicle remained drivable and there were no injuries. Rivian Highway Assist (HWA) is an SAE Level 2 advanced driver assistance feature that drivers may choose to engage, subject to certain defined operating limitations. HWA is a Rivian feature that can provide steering, braking, and acceleration support to the driver subject to certain limited operating conditions. HWA is designed and intended for use on controlled-access highways. When HWA is engaged, as with all SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance features and systems, the driver is the operator of the vehicle. As the vehicle operator, the driver is responsible for the vehicle’s movement, remaining attentive to surrounding road conditions, and intervening (e.g., steer, brake, accelerate) as needed to maintain safe operation of the vehicle. Rivian has clearly marketed its HWA feature as not replacing the driver’s attention, judgement, and need to control the vehicle.

2. May 19, 2025

   On May 19, 2025, the Rivian Autonomy team opened an investigation regarding the low-speed crash.

3. Jun 3, 2025

   On June 3, 2025, Rivian released software update 2025.18.30 via OTA that remedies this condition. As of the date of this filing, over 99% of vehicles have been remedied.

4. Jun 11, 2025

   On June 11, 2025, Rivian submitted a report regarding the incident to NHTSA, per the requirements of the Third Amended Standing General Order 2021-01.

5. Aug 29, 2025

   On August 29, 2025, Rivian decided to classify the improvements in this software update as changes related to motor vehicle safety and conduct a voluntary safety recall of all potentially affected vehicles. As of the date of this filing, software versions 2025.18.30 or later are already installed on over 99% of potentially affected vehicles. Less than 1% are operating on previous software versions. Rivian is not aware of any injuries related to this issue in any market.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

No Dealers

Owner notification

Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025 Phased Recall