My 2025 Rivian R1T Rebooted While Merging Onto the Highway and I Didn't Know If I Should Be Worried, Impressed, or Preparing to Pull Over

Discover the shocking moment a 2025 Rivian R1T rebooted while merging onto the highway, prompting a deep dive into the safety, reliability, and unexpected realities of driving electric vehicles today.

As an automotive journalist for Torque News, I often find myself navigating the vast world of electric vehicles, where technology meets practicality in the most exciting ways. Recently, I came across a post in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook that raised some eyebrows and questions about the reliability of our beloved EVs. A user named Brian shared a perplexing experience while merging onto the highway in his 2025 Rivian R1T. Suddenly, the center screen went black, and most of the driver’s display information vanished, leaving him uncertain whether to pull over or wait for the system to reboot.

Brian recounted his experience, saying, “I was merging onto the highway, and all of a sudden, the center screen went black. I had no idea what was happening. It was kind of surreal, watching the driver’s display lose most of its information. I thought about pulling over, but I figured it might just reboot itself. After a few minutes, the Rivian logo appeared, and everything came back on its own.”

This incident sparks a discussion about the potential implications of technology in our vehicles and whether experiences like Brian's are cause for concern or simply part of the learning curve with new EV technology. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, it’s essential to navigate these experiences with understanding and knowledge.

Community Reactions to the Incident

Brian’s post prompted a variety of reactions from fellow Rivian enthusiasts, shedding light on the mixed feelings surrounding such technological glitches. Dionne Mackey chimed in, stating, “No big deal. I actually reset my car yesterday while driving because the music sounded weird. I was at a stop sign, initiated the info reset, and then went on about my business as everything rebooted. The car operates 100% as it should in the meantime. As long as you’ve been driving for more than a day, most people know how to maintain speed until the speedometer comes back. If you were using ADAS, I’m not sure if it would continue or turn off. But if it did turn off, just start driving like you normally would. You’re supposed to be awake and paying attention to the road regardless, so it’s not a serious issue.”

In contrast, Marco BG voiced a stronger concern: “This is NOT normal and should NOT be accepted. I have a 2023 VW ID.4 that just went through a recall for this exact issue, screens going black while driving. This is a major safety concern, as the NHTSA requires screens to be active while in reverse to display the backup camera, yet the system resets during that maneuver. While driving, I lost all ability to check my speed, control the radio, see the map, adjust the air conditioning, and more. File a complaint with the NHTSA and get this fixed. Those who say this is normal are the reason why these issues persist. If manufacturers knew this was unacceptable, they would ensure better quality control before releasing vehicles to the public. But as long as people continue to defend these defects for free, automakers will keep pushing out flawed cars and possibly fixing them on the fly. That is NOT normal and NOT safe.”

Jon Hoffmann shared his own experiences, stating, “This happened to my 2019 Subaru Legacy (which has no screen) and also my 2019 Subaru Ascent. It’s an issue that occurs but is mentioned more often with newer Rivians and other EVs. It’s still nerve-wracking, but at least there seems to be some protection in place to display some data on the driver’s screen.”

Brad Rawson added, “This happened to us yesterday too. It gave us a good scare because we were in heavy traffic going about 60 mph. Luckily, it booted back up and allowed us to keep driving.”

These comments reveal a spectrum of opinions, with some seeing these glitches as manageable hiccups in the broader context of advanced automotive technology, while others perceive them as critical safety concerns that demand immediate attention.

Understanding the Technology Behind the Glitches

So, what exactly causes these kinds of resets in electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T? The answer lies in the intricate software systems that power modern EVs. Unlike traditional vehicles, which rely heavily on mechanical components, electric vehicles depend on complex software to manage everything from battery performance to driver assistance features.

When a vehicle's system experiences a fault, it may initiate a reboot to restore functionality, similar to how a computer might crash and restart. While this may seem like a reasonable fail-safe mechanism, it raises questions about reliability and safety, especially when it happens at critical moments, such as merging onto a highway.

The experience shared by Brian and echoed by other Rivian owners isn't isolated; issues with screens and displays have been reported in various electric vehicles, often sparking debates about the acceptability of such flaws in vehicles that promise cutting-edge technology. These discussions can be viewed through the lens of recent events surrounding EVs, including recalls and safety investigations. For instance, the NHTSA's scrutiny of vehicle technology has led to significant changes in how manufacturers address software issues.

For further insights into how different manufacturers handle such situations, check out our article discussing the implications of EV breakdowns on busy highways and the lessons learned from various automakers. This piece delves into the critical lessons learned when EVs face unexpected breakdowns and how these incidents may influence consumer trust in the future.

The Importance of Driver Awareness

Despite the complexities of modern technology, one common thread in the discussions surrounding these glitches is the necessity of driver awareness. Whether in an electric vehicle or a conventional one, drivers must remain attentive to their surroundings and ready to react, especially when experiencing unexpected changes in vehicle behavior.

As Dionne pointed out, drivers are expected to stay alert and engaged, even when technology aims to assist them. This mindset is crucial, especially when relying on features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). While these systems can enhance safety and convenience, they should not replace the fundamental responsibility of driving.

Additionally, the comments from the Rivian community highlight the importance of sharing experiences to foster understanding and vigilance among drivers. When someone like Brian shares a story about his R1T rebooting, it opens the door for discussions that can lead to improved awareness and safety practices.

If you’re curious about more firsthand experiences with Rivian vehicles, check out our article on how one owner turned their Rivian R1T into an ultimate grid-nomad rig with solar and Starlink technology. This article explores innovative ways owners have adapted their Rivian's for off-grid living and the tech that makes it possible.

Is There a Moral Lesson Here?

While glitches in technology can be disconcerting, they often serve as reminders of the human element in driving. As we integrate more advanced technologies into our vehicles, we must not lose sight of the fundamental principles of driving safely and responsibly.

In Brian's case, his experience with the R1T rebooting on the highway highlights the need for drivers to remain vigilant, stay informed about their vehicle's capabilities, and understand how to respond to unexpected events. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, embracing technology while maintaining a focus on safety will be key.

In conclusion, whether you find yourself impressed, worried, or simply prepared to pull over in response to unexpected glitches, remember that your awareness and understanding can significantly impact your driving experience.

Engaging with Our Readers

What experiences have you had with your electric vehicle, and how did you handle unexpected technological glitches? Have you encountered any moments that made you question the reliability of your car? Share your thoughts in the comments below, as your insights could help others navigate their journeys with electric vehicles!

Moreover, as electric vehicles continue to revolutionize the automotive landscape, how do you think we can best balance embracing new technology while ensuring safety on the road? Let’s keep the conversation going!

You can also explore how some Rivian owners have experienced their R1T pulling a stuck Cybertruck out of the sand.

Lastly, learn more about the challenges and triumphs of Rivian owners dealing with charging issues in extreme temperatures. These articles provide valuable insights into the real-life scenarios that highlight the vehicles' and their drivers' adaptability and resilience.

Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.