Rivian R1s problems
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric full-size off-road SUV manufactured by Rivian. Customer deliveries started in 2022. The car took nearly 10 years to develop. Depending on the configuration, it has either two or four electric motors.
Design
It is designed to hold seven passengers and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 3 seconds, due to its 835 hp (623 kW; 847 PS) combined output power. It shares 91% of its components with the Rivian R1T. Rivian's flat, low center of gravity chassis makes it an "electric vehicle skateboard". The vehicle is equipped for semi-autonomous driving according to level 3 and designed for road traffic and off-road driving.
Powertrain
As announced in 2018, the R1S was planned to be offered with three different traction battery capacities and power outputs; all planned versions included four traction motors, in which each wheel is driven by an independent traction motor, allowing full-time all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. The quad-motor version (QM) uses electric traction motors developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, but these are carried on the vehicle's frame; the R1S does not use wheel hub motors like the Lordstown Endurance. As delivered in 2022, the QM R1S has a combined output of 835 hp (623 kW) and 908 lb⋅ft (1,231 N⋅m), split 415 / 420 hp (309 / 313 kW) and 413 / 495 lb⋅ft (560 / 671 N⋅m) front/rear.
Rivian has announced plans to reduce prices by offering dual-motor (DM) versions starting in 2024, with independent traction motors for the front and rear axles, using "Enduro" motors developed by Rivian for the EDV. DM versions will be offered with two different battery capacities (standard and large) for the R1S, with slightly greater corresponding range as the weight and efficiency should improve with two motors. Maximum output of the dual-motor version is expected to be >600 hp (450 kW) and >600 lb⋅ft (810 N⋅m), which is a decrease from the quad-motor version; a "Performance Dual Motor" (PDM) option was added in April 2023, which raises output to approximately 700 hp (520 kW) through a software modification. Production of the "Enduro" motor drive units began in February 2023; most have been used to ramp up EDV production, but DM R1S SUVs with the Large battery pack were first delivered to customers in May 2023.
The extended range ("Max Pack") battery has been delayed until 2023. In addition, the smaller ("Standard") battery is not scheduled to be delivered until 2024; the Standard battery will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry to reduce costs by eliminating nickel and cobalt.
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Common Rivian R1s problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Rivian R1S, several common problems have been highlighted:
- Reliability Concerns: Consumer Reports predicts that the 2024 R1S may be less reliable compared to other new cars. Limited data from the R1S and Rivian's brand scores indicate potential reliability issues. This prediction is based on feedback from subscribers who reported problems with their cars, including those considered serious due to cost, failure, safety, or downtime.
- Limited Charging Options and Time: The R1S has been criticized for its charging capabilities, with reports indicating that it takes significantly longer to charge compared to other electric vehicles. While most electric cars can achieve a full charge in 12 hours or less, the R1S may require up to 47 hours at a Level 1 charger, which is a common charging station for Rivian cars. This extended charging time can be inconvenient for owners who rely on their vehicles for daily use.
- Lack of Technological Options: Compared to other electric cars, the R1S lacks a variety of technological options that are typically expected in modern vehicles. This limitation reduces the appeal of the car, especially for tech-savvy consumers who value advanced features and customization options in their vehicles.
These reported problems highlight key areas of concern for Rivian R1S owners, ranging from safety issues related to handling to practical challenges like reliability and charging efficiency. Addressing these issues is crucial for Rivian to enhance the overall ownership experience and ensure customer satisfaction.
What is the problem with the rivian R1S?
They're Very Expensive
Speaking of price, the upfront cost of an R1S is $78,000. One of the other problems is since they're so new, not a lot of independent auto shops know how to work on this car. This means you're going to have to take the car to a Rivian shop whenever you need something fixed.
How long does rivian R1S battery last?
Rivian estimates the Standard battery's range at 270 miles, versus the 352-mile range estimate for the Large pack and the 410-mile EPA estimate for the Max battery.
What is the lifespan of the Rivian?
You can expect a typical Rivian R1T to survive around 250,000 miles, which places high mileage at the 200,000 mark and good mileage at 180,000 miles. Maintenance is vital to keep the lifespan up, especially since the core of the Rivian R1T is a battery you must keep in excellent shape.
Why is Rivian struggling?
Its cash pile has shrunk from nearly $20 billion when it went public to less than $8 billion at the end of last year. Mass production of anything, particularly something as complex as an EV, is hard, and Rivian has had to grapple with pandemic-induced supply chain issues and competition from Tesla Inc.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Rivian R1s years
We have researched Rivian problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Rivian R1s cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Rivian R1s model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Rivian R1s model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Rivian R1s years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Rivian R1s car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Rivian R1s , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Seats problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Rivian R1s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by R1s model years
A total of 6 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by R1s model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 52 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Rivian R1s . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Rivian R1s vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 7PDSGABA6PN
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV towed to America's Tire where they confirmed that there were no punctures in the tire and that it was defective. This could have resulted in a serious accident simply because I was not given proper warning about the tire pressure.
Rivian R1s 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 7PDSGABL7NN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger airbag sensor does not detect passenger reliably. My 13 year old son and my wife both have issues. They are both over 120 lbs, so I think they should trigger the sensor. I have had it serviced for this issue, but it did not fix the problem. It also will detect a person in the seat during a drive and turn off later in that same trip without stopping the car. It seems to me that the sensor needs to be more sensitive. And, once it detects a person in the seat, it should keep the airbag on until the car is stopped and door opened. My wife does not feel safe in the car as it stands now.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 7PDSGABA5PN
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: One of the bolts that attaches the electric motor to the front wheel (internal, under the vehicle) backed itself out. That seems really dangerous and I am hopeful the condition does not exist on the other wheels. I sent pictures to Rivian and they are taking the vehicle to their service center for further inspection.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 7PDSGABA6PN
- Components: Carry Handle, Shell, Base,Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness,Insert, Padding
- Summary: Our son no matter how we try and position him his chin is touching his chest and starts to bubble during our car rides in the mesa max. He also seems to overheat in it and comes out sweaty even with the shortest car ride. We contacted the mfg and they told us he was too big for infant inserts and too small in the bucket itself.. and to wrap a dish towel around the crouch buckle to help keep him push back more. We then met with a company rep who added additional padding in the back of the seat to help position him better. None or these “fixes” really seemed to help in my opinion, as he still screams and bubbles when in this seat.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 7PDSGABA5PN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Horn is extremely underpowered and not audible to other drivers at highway speeds in particular. This has not been inspected by Rivian because all R1S vehicles are like this since they removed the second horn that was originally shipped in earlier builds.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 7PDSGABA4PN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? — ACCELERATOR PEDAL. YES, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? — DUE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEFECT, IT RESULTED IN ONE CASUALTY AND ONE INJURY. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? — YES, SERVICE RECALLS HAVE BEEN FOR THE SAME ISSUE WITH PRIOR MODELS. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? — CURRENTLY IN POLICE CUSTODY Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? — NO WARNING SIGNS.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-06
- VIN: 7PDSGABL1PN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I received a critical safety recall regarding side air bags from Rivian regarding my 2023 R1S on June 14. After multiple attempts by me to connect with their Customer Service, I was informed that a mobile service technician would come to fix the issue on August 26, 2024. This would be more than 60 days after Rivian's initial notification. Additionally, on July 6 2024, when I turned on the vehicle, I was notified of multiple system failures. I promptly created an incident ticket with Rivian on this but have to yet hear back from Rivian. Rivian's lax attitude on getting such critical issues fixed is of great concern. The vehicle is barely over a year old since I have owned it and I feel distrustful of this company and thoroughly disappointed by their nonchalant approach to getting these critical issues fixed.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-13
- VIN: 7PDSGABA4PN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: My right front passenger seat does not detect adult occupants reliably, and therefore does not enable the airbags. My wife is approximately 105 pounds and sits in the seat in a standard upright fashion without leaning back. Her legs are not crossed and are just resting on the floor. it is rare that the vehicle detects her presence and therefore she is rarely protected by the safety restraint system in the event of an accident. I brought the vehicle into Rivian Service and they inspected and said the sensor is working properly and is designed to detect occupants roughly 105 to 110 pounds. They said there is nothing that they can do about it. Every other vehicle I currently own and have owned in the past properly detects her presence for the SRS system.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
- VIN: 7PDSGABA8PN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The Rivian is designed to kill fat people. The Airbag for the passenger seat does not function if there is a large person in the seat or the seat is very far forward with a normal person. When someone sits in the passenger seat the lower left corner of the central display changes from “Passenger Airbag Off” to the passenger climate control display. If you pull the seatbelt all the way out the display reverts back to the “Passenger Airbag Off” sign. The seat belt has to retract about 6 inches back into the B pillar for the climate control display to come back on. If the seat belt can’t retract far enough back into the B pillar, you have to drive around with an inoperable passenger seatbelt. I have been able to duplicate this feature on every Rivian I have tried it on. This has been reported to Rivian. A mechanic was sent to my house to repair this. It couldn’t be repaired as expected. I was told the problem would be elevated to a safety issue and sent to engineering. That was in the beginning of February 2024. No answers or fix yet. I have video of the problem, but mp4 files are not accepted below. Please contact me if you would like video.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-02
- VIN: 7PDSGABA3PN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: The passenger side airbag shows that it is turned off about 50% of the time that my wife is riding in the passenger seat. She meets the minimum weight requirement for passenger airbag deployment. If she moves around in the seat the airbag off light will go out temporarily but usually comes back on within several miles of driving. This vehicle is available for inspection. When this happens my wife or any other passenger is at risk of not having an airbag if an accident was to occur. This issues has been looked at several times by the manufacturer and I was told that the vehicle is operating as intended. No resonable solution was offered. The only solution from the manufacturer was to have the passenger move around or adjust the seat until the airbag came on. Then have the passenger stay in that position for the duration of the ride. We’ve tried this and it doesn’t work the airbag still turns off.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-30
- VIN: 7PDSGABA6PN
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Rivian R1S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, there was a shadow on the middle console. The contact stated that when the driver's door was opened, there was a crack in the sunroof. The contact stated that there was no impact that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,100.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-27
- VIN: 7PDSGABA8PN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Since the vehicle was new, I have had a problem with the air bag being off when a large person is in the passenger seat. I have reported this to Rivian. Rivian has sent a technician out to fix this. The technician indicated that he could not fix this as planned and would submit it to engineering as a safety issue. I have made multiple inquiries since then and received no information on when this will be resolved. I have also had 3 software updates since then and the problem has not been resolved. I have been able to duplicate the problem on another R1S. If you sit in the passenger seat the passenger climate controls will become available. If you pull the seatbelt all the way out of the B pillar, the passenger climate control will go away and you will get the passenger airbag off notification. If the seatbelt can go back into the B pillar about 8 inches, the climate control setting will return. If you are a large person or have the seat forward and the seatbelt can't retract that far, you are passenger without airbag protection.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-29
- VIN: 7PDSGABA9PN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: My wife does not shows up as a passenger in the front seat about 30% of the time with the seatbelt fastened. She is 105~108 lbs. This is a continuing problem with no fix in sight. Not registering when seated means two key things: 1) no airbag support in case of an accident 2) passenger side climate control doesn't function separately from synced mode. After multiple attempt with the Rivian service center/mobile service, all they can only say that it's within spec. Rivian SC staffs say that SW fix is coming. That was 4 over the air firmware updates ago. Unfortunately the problem is so small in terms of affected population, they have done nothing to date.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-22
- VIN: 7PDSGABA0PN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger occupancy system seems flaky when my fiance sits in the passenger seat - sometime it takes 30 seconds to register she is there, sometimes it goes off while we are driving if she makes slight adjustments in the seat (while sitting straight and not in any awkward position), which can be dangerous if we were in a near crash situation, her weight shifted causing the airbag not to deploy. Although she is on a smaller side (5’5’’ 110lb) we never had this issue with any car we owned or rented.
Rivian R1s 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-22
- VIN: 7PDSGABAXPN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Every time my wife gets into the front passenger seat the sensor in the seat doesn’t recognize her sitting down and doesn’t active the passenger side airbag also the climate control is inactive. Rivian claims that there is a seat weight limit but my wife weighs 145 lbs. this happens all the time until my wife moves around enough to activate it. Then sometimes it turns off in the middle of a drive as if there wasn’t a passenger in that seat. This has also occurred with some heavier passengers. Rivian claims nothing wrong with the vehicle. I took delivery at the end of October and the problem still continues.
Latest 5 recalls Rivian R1s
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 15 recalls for different components of the Rivian R1s.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Rivian R1s 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-20
- Manufacturer: Rivian Automotive, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.
- Model: Rivian R1s 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-20
- Manufacturer: Rivian Automotive, LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.
- Model: Rivian R1s 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Rivian Automotive, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.
- Consequence: Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
- Model: Rivian R1s 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Rivian Automotive, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.
- Consequence: Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
- Model: Rivian R1s 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-05-23
- Manufacturer: Rivian Automotive, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EDV, R1S, and R1T vehicles. The headlights may be improperly aimed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1445.
Latest negative Rivian R1s car reviews
Latest positive Rivian R1s car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
This was our first EV and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical and worried at first. I had so many questions - would the range be enough? Would we actually get the range it claims to have? Would charging be easy? Would I enjoy 1-pedal driving? Would I miss the sound of an ICE? But after owning several great cars from Acura, Audis, BMWs, Infiniti, Land Rovers, VW, I can confidently say that this is by far the best car I've ever owned. It combines the best of all of them - mind-bending acceleration, off-road capability, great interior, and lots of tech. I could honestly list a thousand things I love about it. The best part is waking up to a full tank every morning. Even when we've had to DC fast charge (we've put almost 6,000 miles on it in the first six weeks we've owned it), it's been a great experience. I don't think we'll ever buy another ICE car. The only things I wish it had were a traditional sunroof instead of the fixed piece of glass (although it is beautiful) and Apple Carplay. Overall, I'm extremely happy with our purchase!
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Vehicle year: 2023
Hi there! Have you been looking for an off-road sports car?
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Vehicle year: 2023
Although the price may resemble that of a luxury SUV from previous years, it's important to note that this vehicle is not intended to be a luxury option. If you're looking for a luxury SUV, we recommend considering Mercedes or BMW. However, if you're in the market for a highly capable four-wheel drive vehicle, the R1S is an excellent choice. It has the ride of a body-on-frame SUV, but with the added bonus of acceleration similar to an early 00's 911. For those who locked in pre-increase pricing, the R1S is a great bargain. However, with the current price point of almost $100,000, there may be more compelling options available. Unless you require a true large three-row high-capacity SUV, in which case there really is no competition.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I was pleasantly surprised to see how solid and reliable the R1S has been. I purchased it because of its capability, styling, and range, and I'm happy to report that there have been no rattles. The sound and infotainment system have been upgraded, and with the September over-the-air update, the handling and comfort have improved as well. I've lost count of how many times people have asked us about this USA designed and built SUV. I would give it a 10/10 after the September update.
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Vehicle year: 2023
The Rivian R1S Best has been a game changer for me. Its electric performance is impressive, handling both city streets and rugged trails with ease. Inside, it's spacious and comfortable, making every ride enjoyable. With its combination of practicality and advanced features, it's hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned.
Are you having problems with your Rivian R1s?
Jovany Pagac 2024-11-13
Vehicle year: 2023
I booked my R1S vehicle in early November and was told it would be delivered in 4 to 6 weeks. However, since then, I have been following up with the customer service team and have received different answers each time. While I am willing to compromise in order to receive my vehicle, I have found it frustrating that they have not been willing to work with me. Unfortunately, this experience has left me feeling disappointed and I cannot recommend purchasing this car. It is my hope that the customer service team will improve their communication and service in the future.