Rivian Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction
Quick answer
For verified applicability, this alert applies to 2022 Rivian R1T vehicles in the US. NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10210948 states that if electronic stability control is lost, the vehicle enters a reduced-performance safe-state mode and displays the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction” indicator. Service is indicated by the alert.
This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.
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1. What does Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction mean?
For verified applicability, this alert applies to 2022 Rivian R1T vehicles in the US. NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10210948 states that if electronic stability control is lost, the vehicle enters a reduced-performance safe-state mode and displays the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction” indicator. Service is indicated by the alert.
2. Technical explanation
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is identified by the verified manufacturer communication as the affected function. The communication states that a loss of ESC causes a reduced-performance safe-state mode and illumination of the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction” indicator on the driver display, alerting the driver to have the vehicle serviced.
3. What system is affected?
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
4. How serious is this code?
Not yet established by verified evidence. The verified communication does establish that loss of ESC results in reduced-performance safe-state operation.
5. Symptoms you may notice
- “Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction” indicator illuminated on the driver display.
- Vehicle enters a reduced-performance safe-state mode if electronic stability control is lost.
6. Possible causes
- Loss of electronic stability control, as described in the verified manufacturer communication. The underlying technical cause is not yet established by verified evidence.
7. Can I still drive the vehicle?
Not yet established by verified evidence. The verified communication states that the vehicle enters a reduced-performance safe-state mode if ESC is lost.
8. Can I charge the vehicle?
Not yet established by verified evidence.
9. What you can safely do
- Arrange for vehicle service as indicated by the driver-display alert.
- Do not attempt high-voltage or other vehicle repairs based on this information.
10. Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Confirm whether the driver display shows the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction” indicator.
- Document when the alert appeared and whether reduced-performance safe-state operation occurred.
- Have the vehicle evaluated by Rivian service. Further diagnostic steps are not established by the verified evidence.
11. When to contact service
Contact Rivian service for evaluation when the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system malfunction” indicator is displayed. The verified manufacturer communication says the indicator alerts the driver to have service performed.
12. What the service center may check
- Inspect and diagnose the ESC-related condition. Specific diagnostic checks are not yet established by verified evidence.
13. Possible repair or resolution
- NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10210948, RCA-78-22-006-1, states that Rivian will install a corrective item, but the supplied evidence does not identify that item or the complete repair procedure.
- The exact repair resolution is not yet established by verified evidence.
14. Affected vehicles
- Rivian R1T · 2022 · US
15. Related TSBs / service bulletins
- NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10210948: RCA-78-22-006-1, published April 12, 2022. The supplied summary states that loss of ESC causes reduced-performance safe-state operation and illuminates the ESC malfunction indicator; it also states that Rivian will install a corrective item, without identifying it in the supplied evidence.
16. Recall information
- Not yet established by verified evidence.
17. Official manufacturer information
Verified source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10210948, “RCA-78-22-006-1,” published April 12, 2022: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/ffdd/tsbs/TSBS_RECEIVED_2020-2024.zip#nhtsa_id=10210948
19. Frequently asked questions
What does the Rivian ESC system malfunction alert mean?
The verified manufacturer communication states that it indicates a loss of electronic stability control and that the vehicle will enter a reduced-performance safe-state mode.
What vehicle is verified as applicable?
The supplied applicability evidence identifies the 2022 Rivian R1T in the US.
Should the vehicle be serviced?
Yes. The verified communication says the driver-display indicator alerts the driver to have service performed.
Can I continue driving?
Not yet established by verified evidence. The communication confirms reduced-performance safe-state operation after loss of ESC but does not provide a driving-permission instruction.