Photo: Rivian, @ORourkeSean via X, Isaiah Louis via Rivian Forums
Rivian may have initiated the strangest recalls ever, involving its recently launched Travel Kitchen. People who ordered one found that their package was literally sent back to the sender during transit to its destination. The reason for this move is unknown, and Rivian has not said anything.
We’re used to seeing heated debates whenever a recall is announced, especially when it involves Tesla and the solution is a software update. However, Rivian may be the company that has initiated the strangest recall in recent memory. Oddly enough, it involves the Travel Kitchen, an accessory that was supposed to replace another that never shipped for equally mysterious reasons.
Rivian has an impeccable record of ruining features that could have been unique selling points for its EVs. These include the electric tonneau cover (or whatever tonneau cover was promised to replace it), power outlets in the trunk, and now the travel kitchen.
The previous Camp Kitchen was praised by everyone who saw the concept, though the $6,000 price tag was daunting. Perhaps realizing that few people would order one at that price, Rivian canceled it before anyone could order it. It promised to redesign the kitchen, and came with a concept of a briefcase containing an induction burner and basically nothing else, all for $1,400.
Few found it compelling, especially since aftermarket solutions were better designed, sometimes at a lower price. That didn’t stop some from ordering one out of brand loyalty. However, after receiving a message that their order had shipped, they noticed that the package wasn’t moving forward. After trying to track it on UPS’s systems, they discovered that the Travel Kitchen had been recalled mid-transit, and Rivian requested that the package be returned.
Many have tried to contact Rivian for clarification, but have received conflicting responses. Some were told that the package appeared as shipped in their system and were not aware of any request to return the package to the sender. Others were told that “there is a delay in shipping,” and Rivian aims to resume deliveries “in the near future” without further explanation as to the cause of this delay.
No one has received a clear and satisfactory answer as to why the package had to be returned to Rivian, sometimes after arriving very close to the delivery address. Rivian has also quietly stopped accepting orders for the Travel Kitchen, now listed as “no escort” in the Gear Shop. So far, no one understands why Rivian pulled it from the market, including items in transit to their customers. Electric vehicle The startup fails to explain its actions well, which does not play in its favor.
In the meantime, a few lucky (or unlucky?) people have already gotten their hands on the Travel Kitchen and gone camping to try it out. The induction case seems to work fine, although some have complained about a leveling issue. Hardly the deal-breaking issues that would have caused a recall.
**Possible Rivian Travel Kitchen Recall**
I have seen several reports of Rivian blocking UPS deliveries of the new Travel Kitchen and returning it to the sender. Also, the item is listed as “Out of Stock” on the store. Is there a recall for the new Travel Kitchen?… photo.twitter.com/jxRMHw47kD
— Chris Hilbert (@Hilbe) August 23, 2024