Early Rivian R2 owners are reporting that the SUV’s matrix LED headlights are not functioning as intended, with users in the r/RivianR2 subreddit describing the adaptive high beam system as effectively inoperative.
Multiple owners said they have been told the issue will be fixed in the EV maker’s next over-the-air (OTA) software update — the same expected to deliver Pet Mode and Launch Mode to the vehicle for the first time.
Dynamic Adventure Lighting with adaptive high beams and matrix LED headlights is standard equipment on every R2 Performance Launch Edition.
Rivian introduced the system at the model’s launch event on March 12, as part of the exterior specification.
Matrix LED headlights selectively dim individual segments of the high beam to avoid blinding oncoming traffic while maintaining full illumination elsewhere.
Not Adapting
A thread posted to r/RivianR2 by user ‘Dangerous_Pop8730’ drew responses from owners describing the same complaint.
The user, who received a VIN in the X00760 range, asked for feedback from early adopters with sub-700 VINs.
User ‘MTBTTFoP’ responded that the adaptive headlights “aren’t working. I mean the headlights are fine, but they aint adapting to anything. Other than that, ‘sallgravy.”
In a follow-up, the same person wrote: “Yeah, I tried both the automatic and the high beams and it didn’t make a difference. Interestingly enough, the auto-high beams aren’t working either on specific roads that did in my R1.”
‘MTBTTFoP’ added they had “heard rumblings this that is a known issue that will be addressed in the next OTA but nothing official.”
User ‘sevenex’ corroborated the issue.
“We’ve driven ours just under 1k miles and the only problem we’ve had is our adaptive headlights aren’t working properly, which I’ve been told is being fixed in the next update,” they wrote.
The user described the R2 as a “wonderful wonderful vehicle” and identified the unit as approximately a 1,000 VIN.
In a separate reply, he repeated: “Our adaptive headlights aren’t working either,” however adding too that “I have been told it will be fixed in the next update.”
User ‘like-in-the-deal’ raised whether the issue stemmed from user error, citing page 157 of the R2 owner’s manual.
“The manual seems to indicate that if you turn brights on manually the matrix headlights are disabled. You need to leave them completely on auto for the matrix lights to work,” they warned, but the others granted that both the automatic and manual high beam configurations had been tested without success.
Days before the thread appeared, user ‘sevenex’ had already posted separately seeking confirmation of the same issue.
“Can any current owners confirm their adaptive high beams are working? So far I have seen two reports out of two owners that they don’t actively turn on/work regardless of the toggle in the lightings settings and it may be a software issue,” the user wrote then.
‘Dangerous_Pop8730’ also flagged confusion around the owner’s manual on Thursday’s post.
“This is definitely a bit confusing as it says it should activate automatically, but then also says you need to push the stalk forward (which just turns the brights on until you pull the stalk back to center),” he said, comparing it to the company’s debut model: “On the R1 it just automatically turns on.”
Rivian first deployed adaptive high beams on its Gen 2 R1 vehicles through software update 2024.27 in August 2024.
On those vehicles, the feature uses the front camera to detect oncoming traffic and adjust beam patterns accordingly.
R2 runs on Rivian OS 2.0 — a complete rewrite of the software stack — and the adaptive headlight system must operate within that new architecture.
Next OTA
Rivian‘s next R2 software update is expected imminently and is already confirmed to carry features the vehicle lacked at launch.
Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid confirmed on X last week that Pet Mode will arrive in the next R2 OTA.
“Pet mode coming to R2 in the next OTA. Approved by Paddington!” Bensaid wrote alongside a photo of his dog seated in his R2.
Pet Mode, which Rivian markets as Pet Comfort, holds a set cabin temperature for a pet left in a parked, locked vehicle.
This Thursday, Bensaid also confirmed that Launch Mode is heading to the R2 in the same update.
The Software Chief posted a video demonstration on X showing the R2 Performance completing a 0-to-60 mph run in 3.45 seconds — faster than the 3.6-second figure on Rivian‘s website.
Rivian lists Launch Mode among the R2 Performance’s eight drive modes — All-Purpose, Conserve, Snow, All-Terrain, Rally, Soft Sand, Sport, and Launch — howevever the feature was not enabled when deliveries began on June 9.
R2’s Software Roadmap
Rivian shipped the first R2 customer vehicles without Pet Mode, Climate Hold, Rivian Assistant, SiriusXM, Google Casting, YouTube, and full Gear Guard functionality.
Bensaid attributed the omissions to a deliberate decision to ship on a new operating system and deliver features through monthly updates.
“We intentionally decided to release few features later to have the best quality, those (and other new features) are coming through our monthly OTA updates this summer,” Bensaid wrote on X after the launch.
Rivian‘s software leadership hosted an Ask Me Anything session on r/RivianR2 on May 22, led by Bensaid and joined by SVP of Autonomy and AI James Philbin.
Bensaid confirmed that RivianOS 2.0 will roll out to existing R1 vehicles “later this year,” creating a unified platform across the entire lineup.
On media apps, Bensaid said the R2 launched with iHeart Digital Radio. Amazon Music is arriving soon, with YouTube Music to follow.
Bensaid separately confirmed that point-to-point hands-free driving for R2 and R1 Gen 2 vehicles is targeted for a limited rollout “later this year.”
R2 Deliveries
R2 Performance Launch Edition starts at $57,990 excluding a $1,495 destination charge.
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 656 horsepower and 609 lb-ft of torque, launching the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in as quick as 3.6 seconds.
EPA-estimated range reaches 330 miles from an 87.9 kWh battery.
Launch Package includes lifetime access to Autonomy+, a Rivian Green anodised key fob, exclusive access to Launch Green as a paid exterior colour, and a tow package rated at 4,400 pounds.
After the limited Launch Edition, Autonomy+ will cost $49.99 per month or $2,500 as a one-time purchase.
A Gen 3 autonomy stack with LiDAR is planned for R2 vehicles starting in late 2026; launch units ship with Gen 2 hardware.
Rivian delivered more than 1,100 R2 units before the second quarter closed on June 30. Global delivery figures came out stronger than expected, prompting the EV maker to increase its 2026 guidance.
A Premium trim for the R2 SUV, priced from $53,990, is expected in late 2026.
The Standard Long Range at $48,490 is scheduled for the first half of 2027 and the $45,000 Standard variant for late 2027.
