Highway information is Rivian's driver-information system, but it has limitations and known issues that owners report
Rivian Highway information is a semi-autonomous driving feature available on Rivian electric vehicles that helps with steering, acceleration, and braking on highways. It is not a self-driving system — the driver remains responsible for the vehicle at all times and must keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The system works on divided highways with clear lane markings and uses cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to detect lane position and surrounding vehicles.
Owners have reported several recurring problems with Highway information since the feature rolled out. These include the system disengaging unexpectedly, difficulty maintaining lane position on curved roads, occasional failure to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, and instances where the system struggles with faded or unclear lane markings. Some drivers also report that the system is overly cautious with acceleration and braking, making the ride feel jerky or uncomfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Highway information requires clear lane markings, good weather, and driver attention — it will disengage if road conditions are poor or if the system detects a problem.
- The system is designed to information on divided highways only and may not work reliably on rural roads, in heavy rain, or on roads with faded markings.
- Rivian has released multiple software updates to improve Highway information performance, and owners can check for updates through the vehicle's infotainment system.
- If Highway information repeatedly fails or behaves dangerously, contact a Rivian service center to have the vehicle's sensors and cameras inspected and calibrated.
Why Highway information disengages unexpectedly
Highway information relies on clear visual input from its cameras and radar to function. When the system cannot reliably detect lane markings or surrounding vehicles, it automatically disengages to protect you. This happens most often in heavy rain, fog, snow, or on roads where lane markings are worn, faded, or missing entirely.
The system also disengages if it detects that you have removed your hands from the wheel for too long. Rivian designed this safety feature to may support the driver stays engaged. If you are holding the wheel lightly or resting your hands without gripping it, the system may interpret this as inattention and disengage. Some owners report that the sensitivity of this detection varies — occasionally the system disengages even when the driver's hands are in contact with the wheel.
Software bugs and calibration drift can also cause unexpected disengagement. Rivian periodically releases over-the-air updates to address these issues. If your vehicle is disengaging frequently, check whether an update is available by going to Controls > Service > Software Update on your vehicle's touchscreen.
Lane-keeping and steering problems
Many owners report that Highway information struggles to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, especially on curved sections of highway. The system may drift toward the lane edge, overcorrect, or weave slightly. This is often worse on roads with gentle curves or on highways where the lane markings are thin or faded.
The problem can also occur if the vehicle's cameras are misaligned or dirty. Road spray, dust, and condensation can degrade the image quality that the system relies on. Before assuming the system has a software fault, clean the front cameras (located near the top of the windshield and on the front bumper) with a soft, dry cloth. If the problem persists after cleaning, the cameras may need professional calibration at a Rivian service center.
Curved roads and highway ramps present a particular challenge. Highway information is optimized for straight sections with clear lane markings. On tight curves or during lane changes, the system may not steer smoothly or may disengage entirely. This is a known limitation rather than a defect — the system is not designed to handle aggressive steering inputs.
Sensor and detection failures
Highway information uses multiple sensors working together: forward-facing cameras, a radar unit, and ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle. If any of these sensors are blocked, misaligned, or failing, the system's performance degrades. Owners have reported instances where the vehicle fails to detect cars in adjacent lanes or does not brake smoothly when approaching slower traffic.
The radar unit, located behind the front grille, can be blocked by ice, snow, or road salt buildup. If you drive in winter conditions, periodically check that the grille area is clear. The ultrasonic sensors around the bumpers can also be covered by mud or debris. A straightforward wash often restores normal function.
If the system consistently fails to detect vehicles or obstacles, or if warning lights appear on your dashboard, schedule a service appointment. Rivian technicians can run diagnostic tests to identify which sensor is malfunctioning and recalibrate the system if needed.
How to troubleshoot Highway information problems
Start with the simplest steps. Clean all visible cameras and sensors, check that your software is up to date, and test the system on a clear, well-marked highway in good weather. If the problem only occurs in specific conditions — such as rain or on particular roads — the issue is likely environmental rather than a system fault.
If the problem persists, restart the vehicle. Power off the touchscreen, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. This clears temporary software glitches. You can also try disengaging Highway information and re-engaging it to reset the system's state.
Document the problem: note the date, time, location, weather conditions, and what the system did or failed to do. Take photos or video if safe to do so. This information helps Rivian service technicians diagnose the issue more quickly. If you believe the problem is a safety hazard, contact Rivian customer service before your next service appointment.
When to contact Rivian service
Contact a Rivian service center if Highway information repeatedly disengages without an obvious reason, if the vehicle drifts dangerously in its lane, if warning lights related to the driver-information system appear, or if you notice physical damage to the cameras or sensors. You should also reach out if the system behaves erratically after a software update.
Rivian service centers can perform a full diagnostic, recalibrate sensors, and update the system to the latest software version. Many issues are resolved by recalibration alone. If a sensor is faulty, it will need to be replaced — this is typically covered under the vehicle's warranty if the vehicle is new or relatively recent.
You can schedule service through the Rivian app or by calling your local Rivian service center. Be specific about the problem when you book: mention whether it happens in certain weather, on certain road types, or after specific events like a software update.
Software updates and improvements
Rivian has released multiple updates to Highway information since the feature launched. These updates have addressed lane-keeping accuracy, sensor detection, and the responsiveness of steering and braking. Owners should check for updates regularly, as Rivian distributes them over the air.
To check for updates, go to Controls > Service > Software Update on your vehicle's touchscreen. If an update is available, you can schedule it to install at a time that is convenient for you. Updates typically take 20 to 45 minutes and require the vehicle to be plugged in and parked.
After an update, test Highway information on a familiar highway to see whether the update has resolved your issue. If a problem persists after updating, it is more likely to be a hardware or calibration issue rather than a software bug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highway information the same as self-driving?
No. Highway information is a driver-information feature that helps with steering and speed control, but you must remain alert and ready to take control at any moment. The system can fail or disengage without warning. You are always responsible for the vehicle.
Will Highway information work on my local roads?
Highway information is designed for divided highways with clear lane markings. It may not work on rural roads, city streets, or highways without clear markings. The system will not engage if it cannot detect lane position.
What should I do if Highway information suddenly disengages while I am driving?
Take control of the steering wheel when ready and drive normally. The system disengages when it detects a condition it cannot handle safely. Once you have regained control, you can try re-engaging it if conditions improve, or straightforward drive without it for the rest of your trip.
Can dirty cameras cause Highway information to fail?
Yes. Road spray, dust, and condensation on the cameras will degrade the system's ability to detect lanes and vehicles. Clean the front cameras regularly with a soft cloth. If cleaning does not fix the problem, the cameras may need professional calibration.
Does Rivian cover Highway information repairs under warranty?
Most repairs to the driver-information system are covered under the vehicle's warranty if the vehicle is new or within the warranty period. Contact your Rivian service center or check your warranty documentation for specific coverage details.