# 2026 RIVIAN R1S — STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
> NHTSA complaint `2189223` · 2026-03-23 · Rivian Automotive, LLC
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** RIVIAN
- **Model:** R1S
- **Year:** 2026
- **Manufacturer:** Rivian Automotive, LLC
- **Component:** STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
## Narrative
Summary of the problem: The rear liftgate on my Rivian failed to detect an obstruction while closing and continued to close despite contact with a person.  What happened: While the rear liftgate was automatically closing, I was unaware it was coming down and walked into it. The liftgate made contact with my upper body/face and did not stop or reverse as expected. Instead, it continued closing and forced me to the ground.  Safety issue: The liftgate’s safety sensor failed to detect a human obstruction, creating a serious risk of injury. This is especially dangerous for children or shorter individuals who may be struck in the head or face.  Injuries: I sustained bruising to my face and was knocked to the ground as a result of the liftgate continuing to close after impact.  Why this is dangerous: A properly functioning power liftgate should stop and reverse when it encounters resistance. This system failed entirely, posing a significant safety hazard. There were no warnings or components that alerted before or after it failed to sense.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*