2023 Rivian R1s Problems
Shopping for a used 2023 Rivian R1s? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 61 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2023 Rivian R1s has 61 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2023 Rivian R1s Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2023 Rivian R1s. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2023 Rivian R1s Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated12.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
12.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Rivian R1s has 61 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Rivian
- Model
- R1s
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 61
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 68
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 73 / 63
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 321
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2023 Rivian R1s problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Seat-Related Issues
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues, Seat-Related Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2023 Rivian R1s?
The 2023 Rivian R1s shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2023 Rivian R1s
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system functionality and check for any warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, seat, and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system functionality and check for any warning lights.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag, seat, and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
- Test seat adjustments and seat belt operation.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Rivian R1s, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2023 RIVIAN R1S are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for nearly half of all reports. Other recurring themes include uncategorized issues, seat-related problems, and electrical faults. The data suggests potential quality concerns in the first model year, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most reported component, with 28 complaints.
- Uncategorized issues and seat-related problems each have over 10 complaints.
- Electrical faults, seat belt issues, brake system, and forward collision avoidance each have 6 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 28 complaints, the highest count.
- Seat-Related Issues: 12 complaints, indicating potential comfort or safety concerns.
- Electrical Faults: 12 complaints, suggesting possible electronic system problems.
Full breakdown
All 2023 Rivian R1s complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Rivian R1s. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Insert | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Padding | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Rivian R1s. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The driver seat has preset settings for seat adjustments but they do not have Obstruction Detection. We have a rear facing car seat that was placed behind the drivers seat that had to be replaced (by us) as the seat auto adjusted and did not detect the back of the car seat and sn…
Yesterday was the 3rd time in 2 months that the vehicle displayed a "Airbag System needs service - Drive with caution until serviced" warning. I have taken it to Rivian 2 times where each time they replaced various components of the airbag system and it was reported to be fixed. …
On five separate occasions the airbag system on my car has become inoperable. Starting in July 2025 I noticed an airbag error on the display of the vehicle. I brought the car in for service and they replaced the steering wheel. The airbag error occurred again in August, this time…
The horn is far to quiet to be heard by other drivers. This creates a dangerous situation in many common circumstances on the road and highway.
I pulled into my semicircle, long driveway as I do every morning, and stopped at the top by releasing my foot off the accelerator (no need for brakes as it is an EV). I opened the garage door and slowly stepped on the accelerator, but it started to go fast, and I felt out of cont…
Front driver wheel had a hub bolt back out rendering the vehicle unable to drive. The car made a loud grinding noise and was unsteady. I had to pull over and was unable to drive any further. It required replacement of the hub bolt and axel. This is a known problem for rivian'…
Front passenger airbag is inactive for long periods of time while a passenger is seated in the vehicle during operation. This is indicated by the message displaying the airbag as being off. This occurs regularly with an adult seated normally in the seat while traveling at highw…
I am experiencing an ongoing and unresolved steering column defect in my 2023 Rivian R1S, which creates a serious safety risk while driving. Issue Details: The steering wheel drops unexpectedly when weight is applied, even lightly. This occurs both while the vehicle is stationa…
the sensitivity of the airbag sensor on the passenger seat is not functioning properly in my opinion. there are times when there is a passenger present and seated, the car is showing that the passenger airbag is off. I took the car to Rivian service center. They indicated that th…
On our drive back from Yosemite, we began descending from Groveland, CA after leaving the Rivian charging station. Due to heavy rain, the car ahead of me was moving cautiously, limiting my speed to about 20 mph while maintaining a safe distance during the descent to Moccasin, CA.…
The passenger seat airbag turns off when a passenger is sitting in the seat. I have taken the vehicle to the service center twice for this issue and they insist it is working as intended. This is a major safety issue for myself and children when we are sitting in the passenger …
1> What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? * The sensors don't detect the object sometimes. There were 2 incidents when the car sensors did not detect the object a> In my office parking lot the rear sensors did not detec…
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…
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 thei…
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.
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 i…
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 …
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 wou…
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 flo…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Rivian R1s.
Safety recalls
2023 Rivian R1s recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Rivian R1s. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2023 Rivian R1s buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Rivian R1s reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 61 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 Rivian R1s shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Rivian R1s?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (28 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (14 complaints). #3: Seat-Related Issues (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Rivian R1s?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Rivian R1s?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Rivian R1s, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 61 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Rivian R1s have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Rivian R1s. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2023 Rivian R1s?▾
The 2023 Rivian R1s shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Rivian R1s reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2023 Rivian R1s based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.