Recall 23V159 covers 30 2022-2023 Rivian R1S SUVs for improperly secured side curtain air bag fasteners. Repair will be free once available.
Rivian is recalling 30 2022-2023 R1S SUVs because fasteners securing the left and right side curtain air bags are not properly secured. In a crash, those air bags can fail to perform as intended, increasing injury risk; the Rivian dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bags on 2022-2023 Rivian R1S SUVs sit along the roof rails above the side windows. Their fasteners hold each air bag module tight to the body structure, so the bag stays in position when it deploys and helps cover the window area.
In affected R1S vehicles, the nuts that secure the right and left side curtain air bags were not tightened or seated correctly during assembly. That leaves the air bag attachment less secure than Rivian intended. If the side curtain air bag deploys while it is not properly secured to the roof rail, it will not be held in the designed position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The loose or improperly secured fastener is behind interior trim, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see the problem during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers both side curtain air bag hardware and air bag system fasteners tied to the same nut.
| 2023 Rivian R1S | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2023 Rivian R1S | air bag system |
| 2022 Rivian R1S | side curtain air bag |
| 2022 Rivian R1S | air bag system |
| Units affected | 30 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improperly secured side curtain air bags reduce crash protection because the bags are not secured as Rivian intended. That increases the risk of injury during a crash. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and arrange service with a Rivian dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Rivian dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 Rivian R1S is included in this recall.
- Contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261 to confirm current repair instructions for recall number 23V159.
- Schedule the free side curtain air bag fastener repair with a Rivian service center once Rivian confirms the repair path.
- Bring the recall notice if Rivian sent one, and reference Rivian recall FSAM-1185 when you call.
- Drive with extra caution until the repair is complete because improperly secured side curtain air bags do not perform as intended in a crash.
What happens at the repair
Rivian lists this remedy as still under development. Once the dealer repair is available, a Rivian technician will secure the right and left side curtain air bags or replace them as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Rivian's reimbursement policy covers owners who already paid for a repair that later became part of this field action. To claim repayment, send Rivian the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment so the company can confirm the expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 9, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 28, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 28, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 28, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 28, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V159?
Recall 23V159 covers 30 2022-2023 Rivian R1S SUVs with side curtain air bag fasteners that were improperly secured. That can keep the side curtain air bags from performing as intended in a crash. Rivian dealers will secure or replace the air bags for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 Rivian R1S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific R1S is included in recall 23V159. If it is, contact a franchised Rivian service center and reference recall number 23V159 or Rivian recall FSAM-1185. The dealer will secure or replace the side curtain air bags for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Rivian's remedy says dealers will secure or replace the side curtain air bags as necessary free of charge. You can also call Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced side curtain air bag protection during a crash. If the fasteners are not secured correctly, the side curtain air bags can fail to perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury. The free dealer repair corrects the fastener issue.
When were owners notified about recall 23V159?
Rivian said all owners were notified, and the vehicles were scheduled to be repaired by March 15, 2023. If you bought the R1S used or never received a notice, check your VIN and call Rivian with recall number 23V159.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V159000 |
|---|---|
| Rivian customer service | 1-888-748-4261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V159 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V159000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →