Photo: Reuters

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) maker, is recalling over 24,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall affects the 2025 models of its R1S sport utility vehicle (SUV) and R1T pickup truck. The reason for this recall is a software problem in the Highway Assist system, which helps drivers control their cars safely on highways.

What Is Highway Assist?

Highway Assist is an advanced driver‑assist feature. It helps with speed, braking, and lane positioning when driving on highways. The goal is to make long-distance driving easier and safer. Drivers still need to pay attention and keep their hands on the wheel, but the system can reduce fatigue and make driving smoother.

The Software Problem

The issue is that the Highway Assist system may misidentify vehicles ahead. This means the software can think there is a car or truck in front when there is not, or it may confuse which vehicle is ahead. Misidentifying vehicles can be dangerous, especially at high speeds. For example, the car might brake suddenly, slow down unnecessarily, or fail to respond correctly, which can surprise the driver and create a risk of accidents.

How Rivian Will Fix It

Rivian will fix the problem by sending an over-the-air software update. This is similar to updating an app on your phone. Owners do not need to take their cars to a service center. The software update will correct the system’s vehicle detection and prevent the Highway Assist system from misidentifying cars in front.

The recall affects over 24,000 vehicles, all 2025 R1S SUVs and R1T trucks. Owners of these vehicles will receive a notification from Rivian explaining how to install the update. It is free of charge.

Why This Recall Is Important

Highway Assist and similar systems are becoming more common in new cars. They are designed to improve safety, reduce driver fatigue, and prevent accidents. However, software errors in these systems can create new risks. Misidentification issues can cause the car to behave unexpectedly, which can lead to collisions or sudden braking events on busy highways.

National safety regulators, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), monitor such issues closely. They require automakers to recall vehicles when safety systems might fail or create hazards. In this case, Rivian is acting to meet these requirements and ensure driver safety.

What Drivers Should Do

• If you own one of the affected vehicles:
• Check if your car is part of the recall.
• Make sure your car can receive over-the-air updates through a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
• Install the software update as soon as possible.
• Drive carefully, especially on highways, until the update is installed.
• If the Highway Assist system behaves strangely, turn it off and contact Rivian for support.

Understanding Vehicle Recalls

A recall is when a manufacturer asks vehicle owners to bring their cars in (or, in this case, update software) to fix a problem that affects safety, performance, or emissions. Recalls are standard in the automotive industry. They are not necessarily a sign that a car is poorly made, but they show that regulators and manufacturers are monitoring safety closely.

• Recalls can happen for many reasons, such as:
• Mechanical issues like faulty brakes or airbags.
• Electrical problems like battery defects or wiring issues.
• Software problems in advanced systems like Highway Assist, automatic braking, or autopilot features.
• Manufacturers must provide the fix free of charge, and regulators ensure that the problem is addressed properly.

The Growing Role of Software in Cars

As cars become more connected and electric, software plays a larger role in vehicle safety and performance. Many modern vehicles have systems that can assist with braking, lane keeping, parking, and even partial self-driving. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and complex algorithms to detect obstacles and control the car safely.

While software improves safety and convenience, it also introduces new risks. Bugs or errors in software can cause unintended actions or misbehavior in critical systems like Highway Assist. That is why companies must test software extensively before release and quickly fix problems when they arise.

The Impact on Rivian

Rivian is one of the newer players in the EV market. The company has grown rapidly, offering electric SUVs and trucks that compete with Tesla and other automakers. Recalls, especially for software, are common in the EV industry. While they can affect a company’s reputation temporarily, prompt action to fix problems usually maintains customer trust.

This recall is a proactive step by Rivian to prevent accidents and ensure that their Highway Assist system works correctly. By sending the update over the air, Rivian reduces inconvenience for owners and demonstrates that it can address software problems efficiently.

Safety and Consumer Trust

Recalls like this highlight the importance of safety in EVs and advanced vehicles. Consumers rely on driver-assist systems to be accurate and dependable. If systems misbehave, it can lead to accidents and reduce public confidence in these technologies.

By acting quickly, Rivian is showing that it values safety and is committed to maintaining customer trust. Owners are encouraged to respond promptly to recall notices and keep their software up to date.

How Big Is This Recall?

• Number of vehicles: 24,000+ in the U.S.
• Models affected: 2025 R1S SUV and 2025 R1T pickup truck
• Problem: Highway Assist misidentifies vehicles ahead

Solution: Over-the-air software update

This recall affects only a small fraction of Rivian vehicles, but it is significant because it involves a safety-related system used on highways.

Lessons for the Auto Industry

• This recall shows that as cars become more dependent on software:
• Testing is critical: Software must be tested extensively in real-world conditions.
• Updates are essential: Over-the-air updates allow manufacturers to fix problems quickly without requiring owners to visit service centers.
• Communication matters: Automakers need to notify owners clearly and promptly about recalls and how to fix them.
• Safety first: Even minor bugs in critical systems like Highway Assist require immediate action to prevent accidents.

Rivian’s recall of over 24,000 electric vehicles for a Highway Assist software issue is an example of the challenges and responsibilities that come with modern automotive technology. While the vehicles are safe to drive with caution, owners must install the software update to ensure that the system functions correctly.

Highway Assist systems are designed to make driving safer and easier, but any misbehavior can create risk. By acting quickly and using over-the-air updates, Rivian is prioritizing safety and maintaining trust with its customers.

As cars become more advanced and software-dependent, recalls like this may become more common. However, they also show that manufacturers are actively monitoring systems and taking steps to protect drivers. For EV owners, staying informed and updating vehicle software promptly is now more important than ever.