Rivian R1T Common Problems

AIR BAGS

Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Rivian R1T's passenger airbag sensor failing to detect occupants, particularly those weighing between 110 and 135 pounds. Complaints commonly describe the airbag being disabled when passengers are not seated perfectly upright or shift their weight, leading to inconsistent airbag activation. Some owners note that the problem persists despite dealer service visits, with responses indicating the system is functioning within design specifications. No crashes or injuries are reported, but the potential for airbag non-deployment in an accident is a significant concern for those affected. Buyers should be aware of these reports, especially if the vehicle will regularly carry lighter passengers.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1T report several issues under the "UNKNOWN OR OTHER" category. Water leakage is a recurring problem, with water seeping through sun visor hinges and the center roof console, potentially affecting electrical components and causing interior water damage, particularly noted during rain. Software update issues are also mentioned, where a screen verification process temporarily disables the door unlock function on the center touchscreen, posing a potential safety hazard if immediate access is needed. Additionally, there is a report of the shift handle snapping off at approximately 13,000 miles, and another complaint about the horn being notably weak and ineffective in alerting others. These complaints highlight concerns about water intrusion, software usability, and component durability.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2023 Rivian R1T, including a serious incident where a vehicle caught fire, attributed to an electrical or battery system defect. Multiple complaints frequently mention sudden deactivation of front sensors, cameras, and regenerative braking, leading to rapid speed loss and potential safety risks. Another common problem involves the cruise control system intermittently and unexpectedly engaging the brakes, even without nearby vehicles, and resuming speed afterwards. Additionally, owners describe discrepancies in the vehicle's range estimates, with full charges displaying 369 miles but achieving only 260 miles. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others around 7,000 miles, highlighting potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

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

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1T frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the CV axle bolt and half-shaft. One owner discovered a nearly detached CV axle bolt during a routine tire rotation, while another experienced a detached front half-shaft, which had been repaired multiple times. Complaints also describe unexpected entries into "Limited Performance Mode," leading to complete power loss and stranding vehicles in traffic. Symptoms such as loss of regenerative braking and rattling noises from the front compartment are mentioned, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds around 80 mph. Safety implications include risks of loss of steering control, potential wheel loss, and significant danger during power failures in traffic, posing a risk of collisions.

STEERING

Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2025 Rivian R1T, particularly involving alignment and suspension components. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle drifting to the left and developing bump steer over uneven surfaces, with one owner noting that alignment cannot be maintained over approximately 110 miles. Another owner describes a missing weld on the front passenger suspension clevis mount, resulting in creaking noises during turns. These issues arise shortly after acquiring the vehicle, within the first few months of use. Safety implications include the vehicle not tracking straight and pulling significantly to the right during regenerative braking, which could affect control.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report issues with the 2023 Rivian R1T's Driver+ advanced driver assistance system, particularly the Adaptive Cruise Control and Highway Assist features. Complaints frequently mention that these systems fail intermittently, displaying a message that reads “Driver Assistance Features Unavailable – Service Soon,” and disabling functions even in clear conditions. This problem often starts around 1,200 miles and persists despite multiple service attempts, including computer replacements. Additionally, an over-the-air update, version 2023.42.0, reportedly disables all advanced safety features except blind spot warnings, leaving the center screen and climate controls inoperable. The safety implications include unexpected disengagement of automated steering and braking at highway speeds, which necessitates sudden driver intervention.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2023 Rivian R1T report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving high regeneration mode. One complaint details a crash where the vehicle became uncontrollable in low traction conditions, with the driver noting a lack of traction control and anti-lock braking system functionality, which led to a loss of control and collision with a barrier. Another owner describes a high voltage battery failure at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to enter "turtle mode," significantly reducing speed. These reports highlight potential safety concerns, including loss of control and crashes, particularly in specific driving modes or conditions.

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

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report issues with the 2023 Rivian R1T's service brakes, including two incidents involving crashes. One complaint describes the vehicle being lane corrected and accelerating unexpectedly, resulting in a crash into a fence. Another owner reports a failure of the parking brake on an 8-degree slope, leading to the vehicle sliding into a house, with only two wheels locked while the others rolled. Both incidents highlight significant safety implications, including potential loss of control and property damage. These complaints suggest that the braking system, particularly the parking brake, may not adequately secure the vehicle on inclines or during unexpected maneuvers.

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