The 2023 Rivian R1s has mixed reliability. There are 9 recalls and 60 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Rivian R1s. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (26), Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (7).
R1s reliability snapshot
57/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.0/5
RepairPal rating (low)
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Rivian R1s before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Air Bags26
Electrical System11
Unknown Or Other7
Steering4
Suspension2
Service Brakes2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2023 Rivian R1s
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Verify passenger airbag activation with a light passenger
☐Test for unintended acceleration from a stop
☐Check for software update issues affecting screens and safety features
☐Inspect for steering instability or unexpected movement
☐Ensure horn is audible at highway speeds
☐Confirm regenerative braking functions properly
What owners reported
2023 Rivian R1s owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 7 crashes and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Rivian R1s. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints26
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1S frequently report issues with the passenger airbag system not recognizing occupants properly, particularly with lighter-weight passengers. Complaints commonly describe the airbag system as failing to activate when passengers are seated, with many reports involving adults who weigh between 105 to 150 pounds. This problem is often noted to persist since the vehicle's purchase and remains unresolved despite multiple service visits and software updates. Safety implications include the potential risk of airbags not deploying during a collision, as the system may inaccurately detect the seat as unoccupied. These issues are particularly noted during normal driving conditions and are not attributed to specific mileage ranges.
Owner complaints11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1S report several issues with the electrical system, notably involving software updates that render the infotainment and driver information screens non-functional, with some also losing access to safety features and exterior controls. Complaints frequently mention sudden unintended acceleration, with two incidents resulting in crashes, and issues with the airbag system, where errors persist despite multiple repairs. Reports indicate that these problems can occur at various mileages and timelines, with some vehicles being less than a year old. Safety implications are significant, as these issues have led to loss of control and crashes, raising concerns for potential buyers.
Owners report that the 2023 Rivian R1S has a horn that is consistently described as too quiet and insufficiently audible, especially at highway speeds and in noisy environments. Complaints frequently mention that the single horn is not loud enough to alert other drivers, potentially leading to safety risks during emergencies. Multiple owners describe situations where the horn's low volume nearly caused incidents, suggesting the issue is prevalent shortly after purchase, within the first few months of ownership. Additionally, one complaint highlights a brief reduction in regenerative braking, which could pose a risk in situations needing quick response, though this is less commonly reported than the horn issue. These concerns may be relevant for used car buyers prioritizing vehicle safety features.
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners report multiple steering-related issues with the 2023 Rivian R1S. Common symptoms include unexpected steering wheel movement when weight is applied, steering instability, and the vehicle pulling to one side without driver input. Complaints frequently mention steering columns being replaced multiple times without resolving the issue and steering rack bolts being loose. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, including as early as 1,801 miles. Safety implications include a crash resulting from the vehicle lunging to the right and concerns about potential loss of vehicle control, which may be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1S report issues primarily related to the suspension system, with two distinct problems highlighted. One complaint describes a hub bolt backing out, causing a loud grinding noise and rendering the vehicle undriveable, which required replacement of the hub bolt and axle. Another owner reports recurring suspension error codes that disable ride height adjustments, blind spot sensors, and cruise control, which persisted despite multiple attempts to reset the system. This second issue is associated with a crash, resulting in one injury, and involved a failure of the front tie rod ends. Both complaints involve recent purchases, with one owner noting the issue immediately after acquiring the vehicle. The reported problems have significant safety implications, including loss of control and a collision.
Owners report issues with the 2023 Rivian R1S service brakes, including a stiff brake pedal with minimal travel and an inability to decelerate effectively. Complaints frequently mention a burning smell near the front wheels, potentially linked to brake overheating, and describe electrical anomalies such as cycling door locks. One report details a scenario where the parking brake disengaged unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to roll, which highlights a possible safety risk. These issues appear to occur regardless of specific mileage or timeline, with one incident occurring during vehicle startup and another during a descent in rainy conditions. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to brake failure and unintended vehicle movement, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1S report issues with the power train, specifically involving the accelerator pedal and the front drive inverter. One complaint describes a crash resulting from an accelerator pedal defect, with no prior warning signs, leading to a casualty and an injury. Another owner details a sudden halt in traffic due to a front drive inverter failure, occurring at approximately 2,100 miles, with no prior warnings, causing a hazardous situation on the road. Both complaints highlight safety risks, including the inability to move the vehicle to a safer location when the failure occurs. These reports suggest potential safety implications for drivers, particularly in situations where the vehicle becomes immobilized without warning.
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2023 R1s. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V408000Jun 5, 2024
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 24V367000May 23, 2024
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.
VISIBILITY, EQUIPMENTNHTSA 23V783000Nov 21, 2023
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles. A software update may have deactivated the defroster and defogger system controls.
Consequence: The inability to operate the windshield defrosting and defogging system can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1331.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 23V233000Mar 31, 2023
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The reverse light beam may not be visible from certain angles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Reduced visibility of the reverse lights increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Rivian will repair or replace the reverse lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-855-748-4265. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1216.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 23V159000Mar 9, 2023
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The fasteners that secure the right and left side curtain air bags may be improperly secured.
Consequence: Improperly secured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will secure or replace the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. All owners have been notified and all vehicles will be repaired by March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1185.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 26V009000Jan 15, 2026
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and 2022-2026 R1S vehicles. The bolts that secure the second-row driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies may be improperly tightened.
Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Rivian will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 2, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1795.
SUSPENSIONNHTSA 26V003000Jan 5, 2026
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1S and R1T vehicles that previously had service performed. The toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service procedures performed before March 10, 2025.
Consequence: The toe link joint may separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1794. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 24, 2026.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 25V370000Jun 3, 2025
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. The D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies may not have been properly installed.
Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Rivian will inspect and properly secure the seat belt anchorage assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1681.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 24V458000Jun 20, 2024
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.
2023 Rivian R1s on the road
23,437 2023 Rivian R1s units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2023 Rivian R1s stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
The 2023 Rivian R1s scores below the segment average for reliability, indicating an elevated risk for potential buyers. Complaints are notably concentrated in the airbag and electrical system categories, suggesting persistent issues in these critical areas. This concentration may affect overall vehicle safety and functionality.
With nine recalls, the recall count is elevated, further highlighting concerns about the vehicle's dependability. The distribution of other complaints across various systems, like steering and suspension, although less frequent, suggests a broader range of potential issues.
As the final year of its generation, these reliability concerns may not see significant resolution in subsequent models. Overall, the 2023 Rivian R1s presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its peers.
What you get in a 2023 Rivian R1S report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2023 Rivian R1S now
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2023 Rivian R1S — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Rivian R1S reliable?
The 2023 Rivian R1s scores below the segment average for reliability, indicating an elevated risk for potential buyers. Complaints are notably concentrated in the airbag and electrical system categories, suggesting persistent issues in these critical areas. This concentration may affect overall vehicle safety and functionality.
How many recalls does the 2023 Rivian R1S have?
9 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2023 Rivian R1S. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2023 Rivian R1S problems?
The most-reported 2023 Rivian R1S problem areas are: Air Bags (26), Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (7).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2023 Rivian R1S?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2023 Rivian R1S, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
