Rivian Gen 2 12V Battery Bracket Issue Causing Corrosion and Potential Safety Hazards

Last week we reported on Rivian reaching out to select R1 Gen 2 owners about an urgent 12V battery replacement. Now there’s a major update, it turns out the problem is affecting a much larger portion of the fleet than first expected.

According to new information, roughly 75% of all Rivian Gen 2 vehicles are impacted by the 12V battery bracket issue. The problem comes down to a design flaw with the bracket that holds the 12V battery in place under the front passenger seat. The bracket includes a protective oil coating intended to prevent rubbing against the battery, but that oil is actually causing corrosion over time. This corrosion can damage the 12V battery, potentially leading to a leak, a safety hazard that can also leave the vehicle completely disabled.

In our original report, some owners shared experiences of their trucks suddenly failing to start, with no warning, and requiring a tow to the nearest service center. Rivian has confirmed the battery replacements are being performed at no cost to owners, and given how widespread this is, it’s likely many more customers will receive the urgent notice soon.

If you own a Gen 2 R1T or R1S and haven’t heard from Rivian yet, it may still be worth reaching out to your service center to check if your VIN is affected. Given the scale of the issue and the potential safety implications, early action could save you from being stranded.