The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into Rivian following reports of sudden loss of vehicle control linked to rear suspension failures. The probe, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation, focuses on the R1 model series and examines how the company services critical rear toe link components.

The investigation follows harrowing accounts from owners who experienced catastrophic mechanical failures. In one reported incident, a driver lost control at highway speeds, resulting in a head-on collision with a guardrail. Another owner reported that their vehicle veered across multiple lanes and onto a sidewalk after a bolt on the toe link fractured. These incidents have prompted federal officials to evaluate whether the toe link is overly sensitive to standard road and service conditions.

While Rivian previously recalled nearly 20,000 vehicles in early 2026 to implement service improvements, the current federal inquiry could potentially affect up to 115,000 vehicles. Regulators are currently assessing the condition of 2023 and 2024 model year R1 vehicles and evaluating the effectiveness of the automaker’s current repair procedures.

In response to the probe, Rivian stated that its internal data indicates the toe link joints are operating as intended and emphasized that vehicle safety is a top priority. The company also noted that one of the vehicles involved in the reported failures had been serviced by a third-party facility. This regulatory scrutiny comes as Rivian prepares for the launch of its upcoming R2 SUV and a major expansion of its service infrastructure.