In a significant development for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian, the company has announced a recall of more than 17,000 units of its R1S SUV and R1T pickup models. The recall is prompted by an issue with the headlights that only manifests in cold temperatures. Despite this inconvenience, Rivian assures customers that the fix will be straightforward. This recall involves vehicles produced between April 29, 2024, and February 3, 2025. Rivian remains optimistic about its financial and production goals, having achieved positive gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Details of the Recall and Its Impact on Rivian’s Operations
In the crisp chill of early 2025, Rivian faced a challenge concerning some of its flagship electric vehicles. The company issued a recall notice for approximately 17,260 R1S and R1T models after discovering a flaw in their headlight systems. Specifically, these vehicles did not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 regarding lighting equipment. In colder climates, the low-beam headlights might fail to illuminate properly upon starting the vehicle, accompanied by a dashboard message indicating the malfunction.
The affected models were manufactured between late April 2024 and early February 2025. Rivian promptly informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and assured the public that no accidents or injuries had been reported due to this issue. Owners can expect notification letters by March 28, 2025, and the repair, which involves replacing the headlight control module, will be provided free of charge.
This recall comes at a time when Rivian is celebrating its first quarter of positive gross profit, marking a pivotal moment in the company's journey toward profitability. Despite delivering over 51,000 vehicles in 2024, Rivian anticipates a slight decline in deliveries for 2025 as it prepares its Normal, Illinois plant for the upcoming R2 model, set to launch in mid-2026. With a starting price around $45,000, the R2 aims to attract a broader market segment.
From a journalistic perspective, this recall underscores the importance of rigorous quality control in the rapidly evolving EV industry. Rivian’s proactive approach to addressing the issue demonstrates its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. While challenges like this are inevitable, they also present opportunities for companies to strengthen their reputation through transparency and swift action. Rivian’s ability to balance growth and quality control will be crucial as it prepares for its next phase of expansion.
The luxury carmaker Genesis is set to launch its flagship electric SUV, the GV90. This vehicle will be the largest and most luxurious in the Genesis lineup, featuring advanced technology, premium amenities, and signature design elements. One of the standout features of the GV90 is its coach doors, reminiscent of high-end vehicles like Rolls Royce. The GV90 has been spotted in public for the first time, giving enthusiasts a glimpse of its innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
The GV90 draws inspiration from the Neolun concept introduced last year, which showcased Korean minimalist aesthetics. The production model retains many of the concept's design cues, including smooth lines and distinctive lighting elements. Inside, the GV90 boasts a massive infotainment screen and spacious interiors enhanced by the absence of a B-pillar. Expected to debut later this year, the GV90 will come in two trims: Standard and Exclusive, with the latter featuring coach doors and commanding a higher price point.
Innovative Design Elements Define the GV90
The GV90 is poised to redefine luxury in the electric SUV segment. Its design takes cues from the Neolun concept, emphasizing simplicity and elegance. Smooth character lines inspired by traditional Korean pottery give the GV90 a unique yet timeless appearance. Signature Genesis design elements, such as the extended LED headlamps and Crest grille, enhance the vehicle's visual appeal. These design choices create a harmonious blend of modernity and heritage, setting the GV90 apart from competitors.
The exterior of the GV90 showcases a reductive design philosophy, where less is more. The absence of unnecessary embellishments allows the vehicle's sleek lines to speak for themselves. The front fascia features an expansive grille that integrates seamlessly with the two-line LED headlamps, creating a bold yet sophisticated look. At the rear, similar design elements ensure a cohesive aesthetic. The GV90's overall design is not just visually striking but also functional, optimizing aerodynamics and enhancing efficiency. This approach to design reflects Genesis' commitment to innovation and excellence.
Advanced Technology and Spacious Interiors
Beyond its striking exterior, the GV90 offers a technologically advanced interior. The centerpiece is a massive 24.6-inch infotainment system that provides drivers and passengers with seamless connectivity and entertainment options. The removal of the B-pillar and inclusion of coach doors significantly increase interior space, making entry and exit more convenient. These features cater to those seeking both luxury and practicality in their driving experience.
The GV90's interior is designed to offer unparalleled comfort and convenience. The coach doors, which have never before been seen on a production vehicle of this type, open up the cabin, allowing for easier access and a more spacious feel. Inside, passengers will find a lavish environment with premium materials and state-of-the-art technology. The infotainment system supports various multimedia functions and integrates seamlessly with smartphones and other devices. Additionally, the GV90 will likely include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance safety and ease of driving. With these features, the GV90 aims to compete with top-tier luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Bentley Bentayga, offering a compelling alternative in the electric vehicle market.
A significant safety concern has prompted Tesla to initiate a recall of over 376,000 vehicles due to a potential power steering malfunction. The issue arises from an electronic fault that could lead to increased steering effort, posing a risk of accidents. Tesla has released a software update to address the problem, and notifications will be sent to affected vehicle owners by March 25, 2025. This recall affects certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with specific software versions. Despite this, no incidents of collisions or injuries have been reported related to this condition.
Understanding the Technical Fault Behind the Recall
The core of the issue lies within the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system found in the affected Tesla models. An overvoltage breakdown can cause excessive stress on motor drive components located on the printed circuit board (PCB), leading to a loss of power steering functionality. When this occurs, drivers must exert more manual effort to steer the vehicle, which increases the likelihood of an accident. Tesla’s documentation indicates that a visual alert will appear on the vehicle’s user interface if the system experiences overstress, notifying the driver that steering assistance has been reduced.
In detail, the EPAS system's vulnerability to overvoltage can result in a sudden loss of power steering when the vehicle is in motion. If the overstress happens while the car is moving at any speed, the same visual warning will appear as the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The alert reads, “Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort.” This notification aims to inform drivers about the need for additional manual steering effort. Although Tesla has not recorded any crashes or injuries related to this issue, the company remains proactive in addressing potential risks to ensure driver safety.
Steps Taken by Tesla to Resolve the Issue
To mitigate the risk posed by the power steering issue, Tesla has taken immediate action by releasing a free software update. This update is designed to prevent the overvoltage condition that leads to the failure of the EPAS system. Affected vehicle owners will receive notification letters by mail on March 25, 2025. Additionally, Tesla customer service will be available to assist owners with any questions or concerns regarding the recall process. This proactive approach underscores Tesla’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards for its customers.
Tesla has faced multiple recalls in recent months, including a major one in December 2024 involving over two million vehicles to rectify a defective Autopilot system. In January 2025, U.S. regulators launched an investigation into 2.6 million Teslas following reports of crashes linked to the company’s autonomous driving technology. These incidents highlight the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Tesla’s advanced driving features. Nevertheless, the company continues to prioritize safety improvements and transparent communication with its customers. By addressing these issues promptly, Tesla aims to enhance trust and reliability in its products.