Photo: Rivian
Rivian tested the 2023.42 software update internally and considered it ready for prime time. However, it sent an incorrect security certificate when it deployed the update to customers' vehicles. This led to the update failing to install at 90% and both infotainment screens going blank.
Rivian is following in Tesla's footsteps, spoiling its customers with impressive software, which is frequently updated with new features. On November 3, Rivian started internal testing of its latest update package, 2023.42, which improved the Phone as a Key feature and vehicle access while solving several bugs. Although not a feature-packed update, especially compared to other versions in the past, the 2023.42 soft-bricked customers' vehicles when it rolled out on November 13.
The first Rivian owners that tried to install the update noticed it was taking longer than usual, a clear sign that something was off. The Rivian owner who shares Rivian software updates on X under the RivianTrackr handle (@RivianSoftware) shared his concerns after one and a half hours, with the update stuck at 90% progress for over 45 minutes. His experience was similar to other Rivian owners who rushed to install the update.
It turned out Rivian botched the update by associating it with an incorrect security certificate, causing the update to fail. Rivian acknowledged the mistake and apologized to the owners, who reported that both screens went blank after the update failed to install. The good news is that the Rivian EVs are still drivable after the failed update, although many infotainment functions are unavailable. These include climate control and connectivity features.
On the other hand, the speedometer, charging, backup cameras, locks, lights, wipers, and turn signals are still functional. This shows that Rivian did a great job isolating critical systems from the rest of the infotainment system. Software updates going wrong are not unusual, so ensuring the vehicles are not completely bricked after a failed update is the most important thing to do.
Still, reverting the R1 vehicles to their fully working condition might not be as trivial as reinstalling the correct software update. Based on Rivian's message to its customers, the EV startup is still trying to determine the best course of action. The bad news is that some owners might require physical repairs performed to their vehicles, as a reset or sleep cycle will not solve the issue. Even if the repairs are free of charge for owners, they will have to drive to a service center, which might imply a long journey for some.
The failed update shows that jumping the gun and being among the first to install a software update might not be the wisest thing to do. It's better to wait for other owners to report their experience and start the update when everything is in good order. Those who waited long enough will receive the correct update in the coming days, as the software was already validated. Hopefully, this time, it will have the correct security certificate.
This is not the first time Rivian has screwed up OTA software updates. An update broke the connection between the high-voltage and 12-volt batteries in March. This prevented the latter from charging, so they got depleted, bricking the vehicles and locking out owners. The batteries could not be "jump-started," requiring a physical replacement by Rivian service personnel.
The first Rivian owners that tried to install the update noticed it was taking longer than usual, a clear sign that something was off. The Rivian owner who shares Rivian software updates on X under the RivianTrackr handle (@RivianSoftware) shared his concerns after one and a half hours, with the update stuck at 90% progress for over 45 minutes. His experience was similar to other Rivian owners who rushed to install the update.
It turned out Rivian botched the update by associating it with an incorrect security certificate, causing the update to fail. Rivian acknowledged the mistake and apologized to the owners, who reported that both screens went blank after the update failed to install. The good news is that the Rivian EVs are still drivable after the failed update, although many infotainment functions are unavailable. These include climate control and connectivity features.
On the other hand, the speedometer, charging, backup cameras, locks, lights, wipers, and turn signals are still functional. This shows that Rivian did a great job isolating critical systems from the rest of the infotainment system. Software updates going wrong are not unusual, so ensuring the vehicles are not completely bricked after a failed update is the most important thing to do.
Still, reverting the R1 vehicles to their fully working condition might not be as trivial as reinstalling the correct software update. Based on Rivian's message to its customers, the EV startup is still trying to determine the best course of action. The bad news is that some owners might require physical repairs performed to their vehicles, as a reset or sleep cycle will not solve the issue. Even if the repairs are free of charge for owners, they will have to drive to a service center, which might imply a long journey for some.
The failed update shows that jumping the gun and being among the first to install a software update might not be the wisest thing to do. It's better to wait for other owners to report their experience and start the update when everything is in good order. Those who waited long enough will receive the correct update in the coming days, as the software was already validated. Hopefully, this time, it will have the correct security certificate.
This is not the first time Rivian has screwed up OTA software updates. An update broke the connection between the high-voltage and 12-volt batteries in March. This prevented the latter from charging, so they got depleted, bricking the vehicles and locking out owners. The batteries could not be "jump-started," requiring a physical replacement by Rivian service personnel.
Once 2023.42 fails to install (which it will at 90%), you are left with 2 black screens. Vehicle is drivable but with no infotainment. Even though the screens are black, the vehicle is not bricked. pic.twitter.com/lMrCWEIOTf
— RivianTrackr (@RivianSoftware) November 14, 2023
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