Rivian Sued Over Alleged False Claims on Self-Driving Capabilities

The complaint, filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, argues that Rivian engaged in a five-year deceptive marketing campaign. According to the suit, CEO RJ Scaringe and the company repeatedly suggested that the Driver+ system would eventually reach 'eyes-off' autonomy. The plaintiffs contend that no software update can bridge the hardware gap in Gen 1 vehicles, asserting that Rivian induced purchases through these unfulfilled promises.

Rivian declined to comment on the pending litigation, which includes charges of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. While the first-generation models lack hands-free functionality, the company's 2024 second-generation overhaul introduced the 'Rivian Autonomy Platform,' which features a significantly upgraded sensor stack and computer. These newer models have since received a 'Universal Hands-Free' software update, highlighting the technological divide between the two generations.

The legal challenge joins a growing list of industry scrutiny regarding autonomous driving claims. Tesla has faced similar lawsuits and regulatory pressure in California over its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving marketing. For Rivian, the stakes are significant as it seeks to move past previous legal hurdles, including a $250 million settlement reached last year following a controversial pricing hike in 2022.