US auto safety regulator opens probe into 17,000 Rivian vans

NEW YORK, Sept 24 (Reuters): The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday it had opened a preliminary evaluation into 17,198 Rivian electric delivery vans over seat belt concerns.

The probe focuses on the driver's front outboard seat belt anchorage system, which uses a steel-braided cable to secure the belt to the seat frame.

According to the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), six complaints from vehicle owners described cables that frayed, broke, or unravelled, leaving drivers at risk of being unrestrained in a crash or sudden stop.