Rivian sued over alleged false claims on self-driving features
9 reported
A class action lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Rivian in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging the electric vehicle maker made false claims about the autonomous driving capabilities of its first-generation R1T truck and R1S SUV. The complaint claims Rivian represented that these vehicles would be capable of hands-free, eyes-off driving, known as Level 3 autonomy, through a coordinated nationwide marketing campaign over a five-year period. The lawsuit cites CEO RJ Scaringe’s appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022 as one example of such representations. Rivian declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation. The plaintiffs, represented by Coleman Law and Tycko & Zavareei, have requested a jury trial. Rivian’s first-generation R1T and R1S vehicles do not offer hands-free driving, while its second-generation vehicles, overhauled in 2024, do. The lawsuit makes claims against Rivian for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
What’s reported
The class action complaint was filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The lawsuit focuses on first-generation models of the R1T and R1S.
Rivian allegedly represented that these vehicles would be capable of Level 3 autonomy (hands-free, eyes-off driving).
The lawsuit alleges Rivian falsely promised, over a five-year period and through a coordinated nationwide marketing campaign, that its Driver+ system would be standard in every vehicle.
The complaint states: “No software update — no matter how sophisticated — will enable its Gen 1 Vehicles to perform as advertised.”
Rivian declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
The lawsuit includes three named plaintiffs and makes claims for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
Rivian’s first-generation R1T and R1S vehicles do not offer hands-free driving; second-generation vehicles, overhauled in 2024, do.
Last year, Rivian agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action shareholder lawsuit filed after it hiked prices in 2022.
Key figures
RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian
Coleman Law, law firm representing plaintiffs
Tycko & Zavareei, law firm representing plaintiffs
Sources: TechCrunch
