Rivian Recalls 28,000 Vehicles For Bad Turn Signals

If you didn’t see that new Rivian R1S SUV or R1T pickup coming, it might not have been the driver’s fault. Rivian has issued a recall for the exterior lighting on both of its EVs: there may be a problem with one or even both front turn signals. And by that, we mean they may not indicate the driver’s plans to change direction.

Rivian is recalling 27,882 units of the R1S and R1T, per NHTSA documents. All are 2025 model-year vehicles, and most are the better-selling R1S SUV versus the pickup.

Recall Means New Lights For Thousands Of Vehicles

While most recalls these days, especially on EVs, are software-related, this is a good old-fashioned mechanical failure. According to the documents, the problem is due to parts that could have been incorrectly manufactured by the supplier to Rivian. The suspect copies of Rivian’s signature racetrack-shaped front lamps could fail to illuminate amber when the driver signals for a turn. As the NHTSA describes, “diminished front turn signal lamp performance may cause reduced awareness of the vehicle’s intent to turn for road users in front of the vehicle. Reduced awareness of intent to turn may increase the risk of a crash.”

Rivian said that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities resulting from the problem.

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Drivers of Rivian EVs with a failed signal will get an alert. A message that says “Turn signal lights not working. Service it soon” will come up on the driver’s display. The driver will also get the classic double-speed blink from the dashboard turn signal light and the audible turn signal click sound, a throwback to the alerts given by mechanical blinker systems.

Not every Rivian will need one or both front lights replaced, but they will need to be inspected. Problematic lights will be replaced, and lights that aren’t affected will be left alone.

Customer Notification Starts July 25 But Dealers Already Have Info

Rivian plans to let its customers know by mail starting on July 25. But, dealer notification has already begun. If an owner wants to check their vehicle, a VIN search should be live the day the letters go out. Owners and customers can reach out to Rivian’s customer support center for more information about the recall.

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If your signal is out, most states require you to use hand signals to indicate a turn. For a quick refresher, extend your left arm fully out the window to signal a left turn, and bend upward at the elbow with your palm forward for a right turn. Bend it down to signal braking, but your brake lights aren’t part of this recall.

Alternatively, you can do what BMW drivers everyone else does on the road and just not signal at all. Actually, please don’t do that. Always use your turn signals. It’s the cool (and legal) thing to do.