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Technology is meant to make our lives easier, but sometimes, it can throw unexpected glitches our way. That’s precisely what happened to Rivian R1T owner Kevin Anderton after a recent software update left his truck mistakenly detecting a trailer despite there being none. Turning to the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” community on Facebook for answers, his story sheds light on a potential bug Rivian owners should be aware of. This issue isn’t just one annoyance but of functionality as well as restricting driving modes, leaving only All-Purpose and Snow available while also preventing access to other settings. Kevin puts it best:
“Got in the R1T this morning and looks like it updated. I noticed my cruise icon is different. The issue is truck says I have a trailer hooked up and I don’t. Haven’t had a trailer hooked up since October. I tried a reset but still shows. Anyone have this issue before? It takes away the other drive modes. I can only have All-Purpose or Snow. Nothing is plugged in to it at all.”
Fellow Rivian owners chimed in with their experiences and possible solutions. Some pointing to hardware-related issues, while others speculated that it could be a software glitch triggered by the update.
Given that Rivian’s vehicles heavily rely on software integration for various features, this isn’t the first time an over-the-air update has thrown an unexpected wrench into things. Just recently, a Rivian owner reported their 2025 R1T rebooted while merging onto a highway, raising concerns about software stability in critical driving situations.
A ‘Ghost Trailer’ Haunting the Rivian R1T
San Days, a fellow Rivian owner, shared his own experience with the issue, revealing that it might be linked to the hitch cable harness:
“I had that issue before. I used to call it the Ghost Trailer behind me. It was a problem with the hitch cable harness. They had to replace it. I think water got into the connections that weren’t sealing well. Probably they weren’t connected well at the factory—who knows. Since they replaced the harness, I never got that issue again. It’s been almost a year. This harness runs across the truck bed.”
His insight suggests that, in some cases, water damage or poor factory connections could cause the truck to misinterpret hitch signals. If that’s the case, Rivian may need to address potential hardware vulnerabilities to prevent moisture-related malfunctions.
Not all solutions require dealership intervention though. John R. Brougher III suggested a quick DIY fix that might work for some cases:
“Get an old toothbrush. Clean the holes in the trailer plug. I have three different trailers to choose from when one is plugged in (I have to tell it which one I'm towing). If you have more than one trailer, try cycling through them.”
This is a great reminder that sometimes, dirt or debris in electrical connectors can lead to false readings. Cleaning out the trailer plug with a toothbrush or compressed air might be enough to resolve the issue in certain situations.
Jake Blakeley also proposed another workaround that leverages the truck’s built-in settings:
“If you have something plugged into the trailer plug, you can turn on ‘Rear Accessory Mode,’ and I think it won’t see it as a trailer anymore. If you don’t have anything plugged in, then that’s a weird bug.”
While this doesn’t directly fix the underlying issue, it might be a temporary solution for Rivian owners struggling with a “Ghost Trailer” problem.
Software Bugs and the Developmental Challenges of EVs
Rivian’s over-the-air updates are designed to improve vehicle performance and introduce new features. However, as seen with issues like Kevin’s, updates can also introduce unintended side effects. This isn’t an isolated incident as other Rivian owners have faced similar post-update hiccups, such as the owner who charged their R1T to 97%, left it unplugged in freezing temperatures, and woke up to find it at 100%. These types of anomalies suggest that while Rivian’s software-driven approach offers immense flexibility, it also comes with growing pains that early adopters must navigate.
Real-world experiences often reshape how owners feel about their vehicles once they’ve lived with them day to day. One Rivian owner found themselves preferring the R1S over the R1T after driving an R1S Dual Max while their Quad AWD was in service. Such experiences highlight the evolving nature of EV technology and how different drivers prioritize different aspects of their vehicles.
The Importance of Dealership and Community Support
As Rivian continues to grow, its service network is still catching up with the rapid adoption of its vehicles. Unlike legacy automakers with decades of experience handling mass-market service needs, Rivian is still refining its customer support experience. Some owners have reported long wait times for service appointments, while others have turned to DIY solutions or online forums for help.
The community-driven nature of Rivian ownership means that platforms like Facebook groups and Rivian-specific forums have become invaluable for troubleshooting. As more owners encounter post-update issues, these spaces will likely continue to serve as an essential resource for problem-solving and sharing best practices.
My Opinion on Rivian’s Software Updates
As an automotive journalist documenting the different ownership experiences of EV owners, these bugs are a common obstacle that can be seen all around the EV space and not just limited to Rivian or their software updates.
While Rivian continues to implement solutions that provide bugless updates for mass market needs, they still have time to fix all slight quirks. Rivian is young, and their youth is to their advantage as their mistakes will only continue to push them for better solutions.
However, what makes Rivian stand out is its dedicated and resourceful ownership community. Owners sharing DIY fixes and insights through forums shows a level of adaptability and collaboration that strengthens their brand and owner base.
Like any young automaker pushing the boundaries, Rivian is navigating the learning curve of modern vehicle software. Its ongoing commitment to refining the user experience through over-the-air updates could become a defining strength. What might seem like early stumbles today may ultimately fuel the development of a more intuitive, stable, and future-ready platform.
Key Points to Remember from Kevin’s Trial
DIY Troubleshooting Can Go a Long Way: Simple solutions, such as cleaning the trailer plug with a toothbrush or using compressed air, may resolve the “Ghost Trailer” issue without requiring a dealership visit and help save you time and money.
Software-Driven EVs Facing Growing Pains: As Rivian and other EV makers continue to prioritize over-the-air updates, occasional software bugs are expected. Owners should stay informed about common issues and temporary workarounds while brands like Rivian continue to get their foot in the door.
Community Forums Are Invaluable: With Rivian’s service network still growing, online communities play a critical role in troubleshooting and providing quick, real-world fixes. Leveraging these platforms can save time and offer creative solutions.
Patience is Key with New Automakers: Rivian’s software ecosystem is still evolving, and while post-update bugs can be frustrating, they are part of the maturation process for young EV companies.
What About Your Thoughts?
What’s your take on over-the-air updates in EVs? Are they better for the sake of convenience or do they have too many drawbacks?
And if you own an EV, have you encountered similar technological glitches?
I’d love to hear what you have to say in the comments section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist with an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Rivian Gallery
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