Rivian R1S Common Problems

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.

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.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2025 Rivian R1S, with notable patterns emerging around unintended remote liftgate activation and windshield durability. The liftgate can open via the mobile app without intentional command, posing a risk of injury or property damage in confined spaces. Windshield cracks are frequently mentioned, occurring from minor impacts like pebbles on the highway, with some owners experiencing multiple incidents within a few months of ownership. Safety implications are highlighted by a crash incident where unintended forward acceleration at a stoplight resulted in a collision, potentially linked to a known recall or software malfunction. Additionally, issues with the HVAC system are noted, including failure to maintain set temperatures in Pet Comfort mode and a thermal system fault leading to loss of cabin heat. These complaints suggest potential safety and usability concerns for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owners report several issues with the exterior lighting of the 2025 Rivian R1S. A common problem is the accumulation of snow on the headlights during wet snow conditions, which obstructs light and significantly reduces visibility, creating unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, multiple owners describe malfunctions with the vehicle's turn signals and hazard lights, with one complaint noting a failure to signal on a left-hand turn and another mentioning a non-functional hazard light switch. Some complaints also highlight issues with the high beam lights, including malfunctions and lack of dashboard warnings. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one specific mention at approximately 10,000 miles. Safety implications include reduced visibility and awareness of the vehicle's intentions on the road, which could increase the risk of accidents.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report multiple electrical system issues with the 2025 Rivian R1S, including sudden screen blackouts and erratic vehicle behavior. Complaints frequently mention complete shutdowns of the infotainment system, leading to loss of critical displays such as speedometer, navigation, and safety alerts, often at highway speeds. Sudden uncontrolled acceleration and deceleration is also described, with some incidents accompanied by "Thermal Fault Detected" warnings and unresolved service issues. These problems typically arise around 15,000 miles, with service visits failing to resolve them. Safety implications are significant, as the loss of control and lack of access to safety information can create hazardous driving situations.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report issues with the 2025 Rivian R1S involving unintended acceleration and difficulty with vehicle speed control. Complaints frequently mention the accelerator pedal becoming stuck, leading to rapid acceleration and challenges in bringing the vehicle to a stop. Symptoms include a lack of regenerative braking, abnormal brake pedal stiffness, and the vehicle continuing to accelerate despite braking efforts. One incident resulted in a crash, while another involved a fire after smoke and flames emerged from the front tire. These issues occur at varying mileages, with one vehicle having approximately 13,500 miles. Safety implications include the risk of collisions and potential fire hazards, making these reports critical for prospective buyers to consider.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

STEERING

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2025 Rivian R1S. Commonly mentioned symptoms include the vehicle pulling to one side during acceleration or deceleration, and a steering wheel that is off-center or vibrates at highway speeds. Some owners note that these issues persist despite alignment and wheel balancing efforts. In one case, a driver experienced a sudden loss of power steering and braking, leading to a dangerous situation where the vehicle became difficult to control. Complaints suggest these issues can arise soon after purchase, with no specific mileage pattern noted. Safety implications include difficulty maintaining lane position and potential loss of vehicle control.