Some owners of Rivian’s R1S and R1T electric vehicles are resorting to do-it-yourself modifications to enhance emergency safety for their children. In critical situations, accessing the emergency release cord for the rear doors has proven challenging, prompting these owners to utilize carabiners and cable ties to facilitate quicker exits from their vehicles, which retail for over $70,000.
Rivian’s shift to electronic door handles aligns with a broader trend among electric vehicle manufacturers focused on improving aerodynamics and efficiency. While sleek design is often prioritized, this innovation can inadvertently create safety hazards. Instances have emerged where passengers have found themselves trapped inside vehicles due to power failures, a concern echoed by other manufacturers, including Tesla.
In the most recent update for the 2025 model year, Rivian relocated the emergency release for the rear doors inside the door panel. This change necessitates removing a trim piece and reaching for the cord blindly, complicating access during emergencies. Previously, the rear door handles would open regardless of power status, but this functionality is now limited to the front doors only. The owner’s manual advises that passengers must remove the trim panel to reach the emergency release cord for the rear doors.
Frustration among Rivian owners is palpable, particularly those with children seated in the back. One Reddit user, known as dublew_dubs, voiced discontent, stating, “In an emergency, it’s very hard to access. The trim panel takes a lot of force to remove… I don’t see how anyone—especially kids—could realistically access this.” Another user, AlsonCentral, provided a guide for extending the release using a steel cable and carabiner, ensuring accessibility in urgent situations while cautioning, “We showed our kids and made them solemnly promise not to use it except in an emergency, because it can open the door even when you’re going 70 mph.”
Such concerns have led some Rivian owners to include emergency tools, like window smashers, in their vehicles, mirroring feedback from Tesla owners who have faced similar challenges. Following distressing incidents involving trapped passengers, both companies are reportedly revisiting their designs.
Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, indicated that the company is exploring a combined electronic and manual release mechanism. Rivian, on the other hand, has committed to redesigning the door handles for its upcoming R2 SUV, aiming to enhance safety features.
The need for these adjustments comes in light of a preliminary investigation launched earlier in 2023 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into Tesla’s electronic door handles. The investigation seeks to determine whether these mechanisms pose a safety defect, highlighting a growing scrutiny on the design choices made by electric vehicle manufacturers.
As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the experiences of Rivian and Tesla owners underscore the importance of balancing aesthetic appeal with essential safety features. The recent modifications made by Rivian owners reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the well-being of their families in potentially life-threatening situations.
