Grab handle broke! Poor design?

[Tyleem111]

My grandmother was getting into the passenger side 2nd row. She used the ceiling mounted grab handle and just before she was settled in the seat, one side of the handle broke off! Luckily she was settled enough and it didn’t result in a fall.

Upon inspection the design seems quite poor. It looks like a fairly small diameter screw is mounted into a plastic anchor. On other vehicles this is a large diameter bolt secured directly into metal. How are these supposed to be used for secure entry/exit, and how can I trust her to use this in the future without risk of falling?? I have submitted a service ticket to get it repaired.

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[shamoo]

I'm glad your grandmother didn't get hurt. That could have ended badly.

I don't know what the standard is (mounting to something metal/solid vs. reinforced plastic) but I do know in prior vehicles I can hang my entire weight on those without any issue.

 

[zefram47]

If they'd really intended a grab handle for entry/exit, it would've been on the A-pillar and not the headliner. It's just a bad design.

 

[ssbmx90]

That sucks, just as bad as the horn for safety. I’m noticing they use the minimum possible in some areas.

 

[Zoidz]

You are not alone. There has been at least one other report here regarding this issue, I think it was about a year ago.

 

[VSG]

Please have this fixed at the service center or by mobile service - don't just fix it yourself.

If Rivian is involved, this failure will be looked at and addressed, whether it's an assembly problem or a design issue.

 

[Neuneleven]

Glad Grandma is safe. I have an expedition and the grab handle up front is on the A pillar. The Rivians's handles feel flimsy. I actually have told my family - spouse , mother and MIL to keep hands off it specifically. Just tugging on it makes it quite evident it is not mean to hold real weight.

 

[Tony R1S]

Oh man, that's shocking, thanks for the heads up, I'm definitely making sure elderly don't use that grab handle for getting in/out, though I find the placement very awkward for that purpose as well. This is especially true of the ones in front.

 

[R1TCntrlMaIzzy]

Glad your abuela/grandmother is ok.

OMG, those freaking handles are in my top 5 annoyances. I am surprised anyone can reach them.

WHY were those placed so high up...porque?!@$&#*?

 

[Dark-Fx]

I call those 'oh shit' handles. They're for people in the car to help brace themselves when riding in the vehicle. Especially in rough off-road situations. I don't think they were ever intended to bear any actual weight.

 

[Gman]

Grab handle needs to be on pillar- every passenger that gets into my truck intuition is to grab up to pillar- nothing there- awkward location.

 

[SwampNut]

Grab handle needs to be on pillar- every passenger that gets into my truck intuition is to grab up to pillar- nothing there- awkward location.

I'm still reaching there, as it was in all my Jeeps.

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