NHTSA Complaint #11717397 — 2025 RIVIAN R1S

On November 8, 2025, at approximately 8:23 p.m., the rear liftgate of my Rivian R1S activated via the Rivian mobile app without my intentional command. The vehicle was stationary at the time. The liftgate opened and struck an overhead obstruction. Rivian has stated that the liftgate was initiated through the mobile app and that the system operated as designed. However, this suggests that the app or vehicle may permit unintended remote activation without adequate safeguards to confirm user intent or prevent activation in confined environments. If the liftgate can be triggered inadvertently (for example, through unintended screen interaction or background app state), this presents a foreseeable safety hazard. In garages, parking structures, or tight spaces, unintended activation could cause bodily injury to a person standing behind the vehicle, including a child, or result in property damage. Remote vehicle functions should include appropriate confirmation, or other safeguards to reduce the risk of unintended activation. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential safety design concern involving unintended remote liftgate activation.