Rivian is recalling 98,828 vehicles because a notification on the screen can cover the backup camera image in reverse. The Rivian backup camera recall covers certain R1T pickups, R1S SUVs and 2027 R2 models. However, many owners may already have the fix, because Rivian says it has released a free over-the-air software update.
This is a software problem, not a broken camera. According to the federal recall summary, the rearview image may be blocked by a notification while the vehicle is in reverse. As a result, the vehicles don’t meet the federal rear-visibility standard.
Rivian filed its report with regulators in mid-September. So here is which vehicles are covered, what the rule requires and what owners should do next.
Which vehicles the Rivian backup camera recall covers
The NHTSA recall record lists the campaign as 26V597. It shows that the agency received Rivian’s report on Sept. 16, 2026. The recall covers certain 2022–2027 R1S SUVs, 2022–2026 R1T pickups and 2027 R2 models.
In total, NHTSA lists 98,828 vehicles as potentially affected. That number is the group that could have the problem, not a count of failures. Rivian’s own number for the campaign is FSAM-1866.
In NHTSA’s database, the campaign spans 12 model-and-year entries. They run from the 2022 R1T and R1S through the 2026 R1T, the 2027 R1S and the 2027 R2. However, the recall covers only certain vehicles in those years, so a VIN check is the way to know.
NHTSA files the defect under back-over prevention software. Also, CarPro’s weekly recall roundup carried the same model years, the same unit count and the same FSAM-1866 number on Sept. 25.
Why an on-screen notification triggers a recall
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 covers rear visibility. NHTSA says the affected Rivians fail to comply with it because of the blocked image. However, the recall summary doesn’t name the notification involved.
The stakes are simple. In NHTSA’s words, a blocked camera image “can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.” Even so, the recall record doesn’t mention any crashes or injuries tied to the problem.
What the backup camera rule requires
Backup cameras weren’t always required. In fact, NHTSA issued the rule on March 31, 2014, according to Work Truck Online’s report at the time. It applies to vehicles under 10,000 pounds built on or after May 1, 2018.
Under the rule, the system must show a 10-by-20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. It also sets requirements for image size, linger time and response time. That’s why anything that covers the camera view while backing up can put a vehicle out of compliance.
The rule grew out of a 2007 bill that told the Department of Transportation to act. President George W. Bush signed it on Feb. 28, 2008. At the time, NHTSA counted an average of 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries a year from backover crashes. Children under five accounted for 31 percent of those deaths, while adults 70 and older accounted for 26 percent.
The over-the-air fix is already out
For owners, the remedy is the key detail. The NHTSA record says Rivian “has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.” Because the update is already out, many owners may have it installed before any letter arrives.
Rivian expects to mail owner notification letters on Nov. 9, 2026. Meanwhile, owners with questions can call Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. They should mention recall number FSAM-1866.
Work Truck Online’s October 2026 recall roundup also lists the campaign. It repeats the FSAM-1866 number, the model years and the free update that Rivian has already released.
How Rivian owners can check a specific vehicle
The NHTSA recall lookup works by VIN or license plate. First, look on the lower left of the windshield for the 17-character VIN. Then a search tells you whether that vehicle needs a recall repair.
There’s a catch for this campaign, though. According to the recall record, the affected VINs won’t be searchable on NHTSA.gov until Nov. 9, 2026. Until then, Rivian’s customer service line is the most direct check.
Recall repairs cost owners nothing, and NHTSA tells owners to contact a dealer to fix a recalled part for free. In this case, Rivian’s owner letters are due to go out on Nov. 9, 2026, the same day the VIN search is set to include these vehicles.
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This article was created with the help of AI and was reviewed and edited by Fast Lane Only editors before publication.
