Rivian Campaign Addresses Front Camera Washer Fluid Leaks on R1T and R1S
If your Rivian R1T or R1S seems to be losing windshield washer fluid without an obvious windshield washer leak, the front camera cleaning system may be responsible.
Rivian has launched Customer Satisfaction Campaign RCA-78-26-004-1 for certain 2025 through 2026 R1T and R1S vehicles that may be susceptible to washer fluid leaking from the front fascia camera washer nozzle.
Owners may notice fluid leaking from the camera washer nozzle or may receive repeated low washer fluid warnings.
Rivian's repair is relatively straightforward: install an inline check valve in the hose that supplies washer fluid to the front fascia camera nozzle.
What Is the Problem?
The issue involves the washer fluid line supplying the front fascia camera cleaning nozzle.
Rivian says certain vehicles may allow washer fluid to leak from that nozzle.
An owner may notice:
- Washer fluid leaking from the front fascia camera washer nozzle
- Washer fluid disappearing faster than expected
- Repeated low washer fluid warnings
Rivian's bulletin does not describe a failure of the front camera itself.
The campaign is aimed at the washer fluid plumbing that supplies the camera cleaning system.
Which Rivian Vehicles Are Included?
RCA-78-26-004-1 applies to certain vehicles within the following ranges:
| Model | Model Years | Approximate Build Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1T | 2025-2026 | May 2024-May 2026 |
| Rivian R1S | 2025-2026 | May 2024-May 2026 |
The campaign applies to vehicles in the United States and Canada.
Not every R1T or R1S within those model years and build dates is necessarily included.
Rivian instructs service personnel to check Open Containments in ServiceOS to determine whether the campaign applies to a specific vehicle.
What Is Rivian's Fix?
Rivian's solution is to install a check valve in the washer fluid hose that supplies the front fascia camera washer nozzle.
A check valve allows fluid to move in the intended direction while helping prevent unwanted flow in the opposite direction.
The campaign calls for a dedicated inline front fascia camera washer hose check valve.
Unlike some of the other Rivian campaigns we have covered, this repair does not involve replacing a major electrical or body component.
How the Check Valve Is Installed
Rivian accesses the washer line from the right front area of the vehicle.
The service procedure begins by removing the front section of the right front wheel liner.
Rivian also instructs technicians to place absorbent material around the work area in case washer fluid leaks during the repair.
A special tool is used to control washer fluid while the line is being modified.
The washer hose is then cut at Rivian's specified location, and the inline check valve is connected into the line.
The bulletin's illustrations show the valve installed between the existing sections of washer hose before the system is reconnected and the vehicle is reassembled.
Why Does the Rivian Have a Front Camera Washer?
The front fascia camera is exposed to dirt, road spray, salt and other contaminants while the vehicle is being driven.
The washer system allows the vehicle to spray washer fluid onto the camera area to help keep the lens clear.
That means the camera washer has its own fluid supply hose connected to the vehicle's washer system.
Rivian's campaign modifies that supply line by adding the check valve rather than eliminating or disabling the camera cleaning function.
Repeated Low Washer Fluid Warnings Can Be a Clue
An owner may not necessarily notice washer fluid actively leaking from the front camera nozzle.
Instead, one of the first signs may be a washer fluid reservoir that seems to empty unusually quickly or repeated low washer fluid warnings.
If you refill the reservoir and continue receiving low washer fluid warnings without frequently using the windshield washers, the camera washer system may be worth checking.
That symptom alone does not prove that RCA-78-26-004-1 applies, but Rivian specifically identifies repeated low washer fluid warnings as one of the conditions an affected customer may notice.
Is This a Recall?
No. Rivian identifies RCA-78-26-004-1 as a Customer Satisfaction Campaign Bulletin.
It is not identified in the bulletin as a safety recall.
Rivian says it initiated the campaign for customer satisfaction and to ensure the quality of Rivian vehicles.
This also means the campaign should not be interpreted as evidence that every 2025 or 2026 R1T and R1S has a washer fluid leak.
Applicability should be checked against the specific vehicle.
What Should R1T and R1S Owners Do?
If you own a 2025 or 2026 R1T or R1S, particularly one built during the approximate May 2024 through May 2026 production window, you can ask Rivian Service whether RCA-78-26-004-1 applies to your vehicle.
The campaign may be especially relevant if you have noticed:
- Washer fluid leaking near the front fascia camera
- A washer fluid reservoir that seems to lose fluid unexpectedly
- Repeated low washer fluid warnings
If your vehicle is included, Rivian has a specific repair procedure that installs an inline check valve in the camera washer supply hose.
Owners should not need to diagnose or modify the washer line themselves. Rivian Service can determine whether the campaign applies to the vehicle and perform the prescribed repair.
EV Outdoors Takeaway
RCA-78-26-004-1 is a relatively straightforward Rivian campaign compared with some of the more extensive repairs covered in recent service documents.
The issue is washer fluid leaking from the front fascia camera washer nozzle, which can result in visible leakage or repeated low washer fluid warnings.
Rivian's solution is to add an inline check valve to the hose supplying the camera washer nozzle.
For affected 2025 and 2026 R1T and R1S owners, the repair should address the source of the washer fluid loss without removing the camera cleaning function.
If your Rivian seems to be consuming washer fluid unusually quickly, RCA-78-26-004-1 is a useful campaign number to reference when contacting Service.
Got questions? Drop a comment. I love hearing from all of you.
If you found this useful:
- Please consider buying me a coffee to help support future content.
- Did I get something wrong? Let me know in the comments section or visit our Link Tree to contact us.
- Also, please consider visiting our EV Accessories store to support us.
Sources
Primary source: Rivian Customer Satisfaction Campaign Bulletin RCA-78-26-004-1, "Install Front Fascia Camera Hose Check Valve," dated August 6, 2026. The bulletin was submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is available in NHTSA's manufacturer communications database under NHTSA ID 11037101.
