Rivian R1t problems
The Rivian R1T is a battery electric mid-size light duty luxury pickup truck produced by the American company Rivian. The first production R1T was manufactured in Illinois on September 28th 2021, and was delivered to a customer. The official EPA range for the Rivian R1T (MY 2022–2023) ranges from 289–352 mi (465–566 km), depending on drivetrain, battery pack capacity and wheel size.
History
Rivian unveiled the upcoming truck under the working name A1T in May 2018 but rebadged the vehicle in November 2018 as the R1T. Designed to be off-road capable, the 2018 concept design was planned to have 14 in (360 mm) of ground clearance, feature an 800 hp (600 kW) electric motor, with the most expensive models being designed to achieve approximately 450 miles (720 km) on a charge. The company claimed that early prototype testing showed the truck to be able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in under 3.3 seconds, wade through 3 ft 7 in (1.1 m) of water and climb a 45 degree incline. These design objectives were largely achieved in the 2021 production vehicle release. Rivian said it was designing the vehicles to facilitate "car-sharing" with their autonomous features.
In 2018, Rivian stated it intended to license its electric chassis to other manufacturers as a design base for machinery such as cars and other components. As of 2018, Rivian stated it planned to begin production of the R1T in 2020.
In September 2021, the first customer vehicle rolled off the production line and was delivered to a customer. Rivian began delivering the first R1T trucks to customers in October 2021.
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Common Rivian R1t problems
The Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck, has faced a number of common problems, particularly in its inaugural 2022 model year. Here are some of the issues that have been reported by owners:
- Onboard Software Issues: The 2022 R1T also experienced problems with its onboard software, particularly affecting the functioning of its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This led to a recall for software updates.
- Airbags: Owners reported problems with the airbags, which could potentially lead to safety issues. This was one of the reasons for a recall in 2022.
- Back-over Prevention: The back-over prevention system, designed to help prevent accidents when reversing, was another area where problems were reported. This also led to a recall in 2022.
- Electrical System: Issues with the electrical system were a common complaint among 2022 R1T owners. This could affect various parts of the vehicle, from the lights to the powertrain.
- Powertrain: Problems with the powertrain, which includes the electric motor and battery, were also reported. This could affect the vehicle's performance and range.
- Seats: Some owners reported issues with the seats, including problems with the seat controls and seat belts.
- Service Brakes: Issues with the service brakes, which are the regular brakes as opposed to the regenerative braking system, were also reported. This could affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
- Steering: Problems with the steering system were another area where issues were reported. This could affect the vehicle's handling and stability.
- Visibility/Wiper Functionality: Issues with the visibility and wiper functionality were a common complaint among 2022 R1T owners. This could affect visibility in inclement weather, potentially leading to safety issues.
- Climate System: Problems with the climate system, including the air conditioning and heating systems, were reported by 2022 R1T owners. This could affect the comfort of the vehicle, particularly in extreme temperatures.
- Charging Issues: Some owners reported issues with charging the R1T, including problems with home charging and public chargers. This could affect the vehicle's range and usability.
- Driveshaft or Axle: Problems with the driveshaft or axle were reported by some 2022 R1T owners. This could affect the vehicle's performance and handling.
- Electric Drive Failure: Some owners reported issues with the electric drive system, which could affect the vehicle's performance and range.
- Electric/Hybrid Battery Pack Failure: Problems with the battery pack, which is a critical component of the electric powertrain, were reported by some 2022 R1T owners. This could affect the vehicle's range and usability.
These issues suggest that the 2022 R1T had a number of common problems, particularly in its first year of production. However, it's worth noting that many of these issues were addressed through recalls and software updates. The 2023 model seems to have addressed many of the problems experienced by the 2022 model, suggesting improved reliability. Future assessments will provide more accurate reliability scores as more data becomes available and as the manufacturer continues to refine the R1T.
Is Rivian a reliable vehicle?
We expect the 2024 R1T will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on the 2022 model, plus the Rivian brand scores.
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 did Rivian fail?
There's no clarity on demand for its EVs, and a poor production outlook for 2024 reflects the challenges Rivian is facing in attracting new buyers. When even sales fail to pick up for a loss-making EV start-up, there's no point speculating when or if it can turn a profit.
What is the controversy with Rivian?
Lawsuits. In July 2020, Tesla sued Rivian for allegedly stealing proprietary information, as well as for poaching employees. In March 2021, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against Rivian and fellow EV manufacturer Lucid Motors for their plans to sell electric vehicles directly to consumers.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Rivian R1t years
We have researched Rivian problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Rivian R1t cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Rivian R1t model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Rivian R1t model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Rivian R1t years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Rivian R1t car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Rivian R1t , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Rivian R1t vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by R1t model years
A total of 8 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 R1t model years
There were a total of 6 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 54 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Rivian R1t . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Rivian R1t vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: 7FCTGBAA5PN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger side airbag notification shows that the airbag is disabled when a passenger is seated in the seat and the car is moving. This happens very frequently when driving at various speed. If the passenger is not seated exactly at 90 degrees deeply in the seat in a perfect position, the airbag will be disabled. The sensitivity of the airbag sensor is very concerning. No one will sit straight position perfectly in a car, especially on longer rides and this is very scary to put the passenger at risk. The vehicle has been brought up for service for this particular issue and there has been no resolutions as it is deem "per the specs" by the service center. The problem has been reproduced by them, but again it was not repaired or fixed since it is diagnosed as normal operation.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA2PN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The horn in the car is very weak and not heard by 3d party when used. Had several occurrences when I needed to use the horn and the 3d party never mentioned it. It is a by far weaker than any other of my cars.
Rivian R1t 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA6NN
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Rear center seatbelt not bolted down at manufacture. Vehicle was brought in to a Rivian service center, for an NVH complaint coming from the rear seats. It was discovered that the rear seat belt was not secured properly to the vehicle frame.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-17
- VIN: 7FCTGBAA2PN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Rivian R1T. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated while overtaking another vehicle, the vehicle independently activated the brake. The contact had not turned off the cruise control and there were no other vehicles nearby. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the other vehicle had passed the contact’s vehicle, the brakes disengaged, and the cruise control resumed and accelerated the vehicle back to the pre-set cruising speed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a service center; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle fully charged the battery, the indicator showed that the vehicle was at 100 percent charge with a range of 369 miles. The contact was only able to drive a range of 260 miles on a full charged battery before needing to recharge the battery. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 7FCTGBAA1PN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The components that failed are Traction Control, Stability controls, and Anti-Lock Braking while in high regeneration mode. Vehicle can easily become incontrollable in low traction situations (in high regeneration mode) that is a danger to the driver and others on the road. Sequence of Events 1.Vehicle begins to Aquaplane 2.Driver (myself) removes foot from the accelerator pedal (standard technique to regain control) 3.The tires in the front loose more traction and skid due to high regeneration mode. 4.With even less traction the vehicle is out of control In the moment, my first concern and priority was other drivers. I was able avoid six lanes of traffic in the direction of travel without hitting another vehicle before hitting the should barrier. The vehicle felt like there was no ABS (Antilock Braking System) and no traction control. It felt like the vehicle locked all four wheels (like I had placed the vehicle in park). In addition, I had a service scheduled at the end of May 2024 (scheduled in January 2024) for issues with the rain sensor(s). I do not know if these sensor(s) comes into play. It is my belief that there should be a safety warning when using High Regeneration mode and the vehicle should automatically switch back to Low Regeneration mode with each new startup. I have noticed this feature in other electric cars (Audi/BMW) and have begun to understand why these vehicles perform this function. In addition, I have searched the Forum website and have discovered others that have experienced the same issue related to traction in this mode.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-22
- VIN: 7FCTGBAA7PN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Concern: - Passenger seat not detecting person sitting in it. Airbag not arming. Cause: - The Occupant Classification System (OCS) uses a pressure sensor in the seat bottom to classify whatever is in the front passenger's seat. An improperly seated occupant can "trick" the OCS into possibly classifying the occupant incorrectly. Being improperly seated can include improper use of child restraints, improper posture such as leg placement, reclining the seatback too far back, weight of the passenger that is too close to threshold values (movement might effect the narrow weight distribution, gray zone), and using aftermarket cushions and coverings on the seat. If the occupant is a child in a properly secured child-restraint, or if there is no occupant in the seat, the "Passenger Airbag OFF" telltale is expected to be illuminated. For adults, the "Passenger Airbag ON" telltale should be illuminated at vehicle startup. At this time, the occupant protection sensors and modules are functioning as designed.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA9PN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Car was lane corrected into other lane and started accelerating. Like getting hit by a bumper in a pinball machine. Avoided a head on collision but managed to safety maneuver into a fence instead of a tree.
Rivian R1t 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-12
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA5NN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rivian updated it's the dashboard screen software on or about February 7th 2024 This update introduced a Short Cuts Access Panel UI change that displays from the left side of the center dashboard screen, 1. when the icon 3rd from the top-left is pressed, 2. The vehicle in shifted into Park. The delay time for this access panel UI to graphically slide in and display new buttons takes about 1.5 - 2 seconds after the vehicle is placed into Park. The driver may have the intent to use currently displayed buttons on the screen, like 'camera selection', 'open garage'. With driver intent underway and finger in motion or on touch screen surface, the Short Cuts panel is presented interrupting an intended press, or causing a complete different vehicle action to happen, such an example: the 'Open Tailgate' button was slid into position over the 'change rear camera' button. Where the driver's intent was to change the camera view because that was the button present to the driver just before and just after shifting the vehicle into Park, the move was made to press the 'change camera' button. Instead just before the finger could register the press on screen, the panel displayed a new button under the drivers finger and unsecured the vehicles tailgate. Had this unintended press happen while the vehicle was in a space that would have released the load or it would be otherwise dangerous to exit the vehicle and re-secure the tailgate all because the UI changed without the driver intent to display this changed panel of buttons. Rivian should not presume the drivers intent is to access the 'Short Cuts' panel, The panel should present on request of a button press, or by optional means that still puts driver intent back into UI display changes. If a driver has no intent to use 'Short Cuts' that are not always present on screen, the panel presentation is instead interfering with presently displayed input and causing unintended or even unsafe side effects.
Rivian R1t 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-05
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA3NN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The passenger airbag does not engage for my 115 lb girlfriend. The answer from Rivian is dangerous and takes no responsibility. Official complaint and answer from Rivian. Concern: - Customer states Their partner is unable to to trigger the airbag when sitting in the front seat Timestamp: 7:04-7:05 PM PST 2/4 Cause: - OCS operating as designed. Future OTA being planned to potentially address issue. How does a "future" update help keep my loved ones safe now???
Rivian R1t 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-25
- VIN: 7FCTGAAL2NN
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The front driver’s side door became stuck shut while inside the vehicle, forcing the driver to have to exit the vehicle by crawling across the inside of the vehicle and out the passenger’s side door. Repeated attempts to unlock and open the door from both inside and outside the vehicle (reaching through the door window to the exterior door latch) were unsuccessful. The manufacturer confirmed the problem and attempted to fix it on three occasions, replacing various door components and assuring me that the problem was fixed. However, the issue reoccurred each time and is still unsolved.
Rivian R1t 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-28
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA8NN
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Four to five events of phantom braking have occurred on rural roads under the following circumstances: 1) Opposing traffic temporarily erroneously appears to be in your travel lane because of road architecture. 2) Full size or larger vehicle or trailer parked along road in direction of travel. All of these phantom breaking events occur while driving on lightly traveled rural two lane roads. Personally, phantom braking has never occurred while driving on urban roads (wider with more vehicular traffic) or any two lane highways with or without a physical median divider irrespective of traffic volume.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-23
- VIN: 7FCTGAAAXPN
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: While driving with a passenger in the front seat, I noticed the passenger airbag was not enabled. Seems the passenger is not detected. Sometime having the passenger moving around or adjusting the seat/seatbelt would fix the issue and the airbag will enable. Randomly occurs and randomly fixes. Once it is enabled it seems to stay enabled for the remainder of the drive.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 7FCTGBAA2PN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The vehicle was parked on a 8 degree slope in the driveway with approximately 2 inches of snow on the drive way. Within thirty minutes of the vehicle being parked the truck slide down the driveway and crashed into the house. The parking brake failed and or is miss-engineered seeing that only two of the wheels were locked and two rolled noting the tire tracks in the snow. The saftey of myself and others could have been much worse if the truck hadn't hit the house and kept rolling down the hill into an adjacent street or house. There is other vehicle reports of this happening on online forums. The vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The issue lies with it being an electrical motor and does not have a differential to lock the remaining tires as in an automatic gas powered vehicle. This company has relied on the parking break to only lock the rear wheels for the parking break despite it being an extremely heavy vehicle.
Rivian R1t 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-18
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA3NN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When towing a trailer with my Rivian R1T on interstate 75 I set my cruise control while going with the speed of traffic at approximately 60 mph. Instead of cruise control setting at the speed I was traveling, it instead sets at the posted speed limit. In most conditions, this wouldn't create a hazard as adaptive cruise control would keep the vehicle from accelerating more than the speed the vehicle directly in front of me is going. But when towing a trailer, the R1T disables the adaptive part of cruise control as well as emergency braking. Setting cruise control in this circumstance nearly cased me to rear end the car in front of my as I wasn't expecting the cruise control to set at nearly 10 mph faster than I was traveling when I set it. To be clear. This is not "resuming" a previous cruise control speed I had been set to, this sets at the posted speed limit.
Rivian R1t 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-23
- VIN: 7FCTGAAA7PN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Was driving on the highway in the left lane at roughly 80 mph and suddenly lost regenerative braking and almost got into an accident not realizing I had to use my physical brakes to slow down. Truck entered turtle mode and was able to make it safely over and back home. Problem got worse with rattling coming from the front compartment. Front half shaft was discovered to be detached and this will be the third this half shaft has been repaired. Video of the loose half shaft is available.
Latest 5 recalls Rivian R1t
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the Rivian R1t.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Rivian R1t 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 R1t 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 R1t 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 R1t 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 R1t 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 R1t car reviews
Latest positive Rivian R1t car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2022
Puts the “FUN” back into driving while still being a truck!
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Vehicle year: 2023
Puts the “FUN” back into driving while still being a truck!
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Vehicle year: 2023
This truck can do everything you need and more! The only downside is that the service is 4 hours away, but they are always on point. They provide a loaner and go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I waited 2 years for my Max Pack Adventure R1T. The performance Dual-Motor is plenty quick in Sport Mode and in All-Purpose Mode, it’s smooth, comfortable and quiet. Much more comfortable than my prior 3 Teslas. The max range with my 22” wheels is 390 miles. I haven’t put it through its paces yet (towing, hauling, or off road), but I’m really enjoying it as a daily driver.
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Vehicle year: 2022
You've driven 900 miles so far and it sounds like you're really enjoying your vehicle! It's fast and solid, although you've noticed a bit more wind noise than other vehicles. Overall, you're really impressed with it!
Are you having problems with your Rivian R1t?
Bernie Kuphal 2024-10-18
Vehicle year: 2022
I love the R1T truck! Although I'm not a big fan of the Alexa/Amazon features that are required for use, it's still really fun to drive. However, I did have some trouble with customer service. It's been 5 months since delivery and I still haven't received my plates. Unfortunately, no one at Rivian seems to be making it a priority.