Both Rivian's R1S SUV and its R1T truck are now under the federal eye after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a safety probe on May 26. The probe is focused on the vehicle's rear suspension, which the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) says can separate and cause vehicles to swerve without warning. Its report states that the separation of the rear toe link is the cause.Federal reports show that rear toe link separation could have already caused one accident, when a Rivian vehicle swerved into another vehicle and a roadside barrier. Investigators received two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires reporting toe link separation in 2023 and 2024 Rivian EVs. Both were found to have broken bolts. Those held the toe link together until, well, they didn't. The ODI says it is examining items like onboard video, police reports, service history, and more to confirm whether the toe link is the issue.In January 2026, Rivian already recalled EVs for this issue. Rivian's recall covered 2022–2025 R1S SUVs and R1T pickups that had rear suspension service. The service work required technicians to separate and reassemble a rear toe link joint. Rivian used an older service procedure until March 10, 2025. After that date, it switched to an updated procedure. If the joint wasn't reassembled correctly, the likelihood of it separating increases. This alone prompted the recall, which covered just under 20,000 of Rivian's vehicles.Courtesy ImageFor its part, Rivian has disputed the investigation's current findings. In a statement to Road and Track, the automaker said an internal investigation yielded something else. "Vehicle safety is a top priority at Rivian. Rivian data indicates R1 toe link joints are operating as intended. We are cooperating with NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation, but our internal investigation revealed that the two VOQs (vehicle owner questionnaires) upon which NHTSA is basing this Preliminary Evaluation do not implicate the joint itself."AdvertisementAdvertisementFor now, the ODI will examine the sensitivity of the rear toe link joint, compare it to future road and service conditions, and compare the evidence from the two accidents. It'll also examine Rivian's repair procedures for the part.This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
