Rivian R1T Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Rivian R1T options? We analyzed 5 model years (2022–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Rivian R1T you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Rivian R1T has 113 owner complaints and 30 safety recalls across model years 2022–2026. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2022 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Rivian
- Model
- R1T
- Model years analyzed
- 2022–2026 (5 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 113
- Safety recall campaigns
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2022 (59 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (7 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
Rivian R1T: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Below AverageThe RIVIAN R1T has 113 NHTSA complaints and 30 recalls on record. 10 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 113 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 30 federal recall campaigns
- 10 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
30 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2022–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 113 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
113 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
AXM module failure, Driver+ and cameras disengaged during drive. No accidents occurred, driver quickly took control.
The contact owns a 2025 Rivian R1T. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH on a local road, the driver’s side charging port door detached from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 800.
The half shaft axel on My Rivian R1T broke in under 6000K miles. Rivian tried hard to deny it, but did finally concede and fix it. But upon return there is still something wrong with the drive train.
While scheduling service for NHTSA recall No. 25V-387/FSAM-1693 (Front Turn Signal Lamps malfunction that leads to no fulfillment of FMVSS 108 requirements) I was refused correction of the recall by the Rivian Miami Service Center rep (Service Advisor Joel). I was informed that Rivian has informed the Service Advisors that this recall will only be performed on already malfunctioning lamps or in cold weather areas (car is in Miami). However, none of this is defined in the recall notice sent, nor in the Rivian and NHTSA recall database. Requested written confirmation by Rivian of this directive to both the Service Advisor and Service Representative but neither had one. The advisor mentioned he had seen one in the past but does not recall where. Meanwhile, Rivian is refusing addressing the recall on my vehicle.
The manufacturer service tech advised that the clevis mount holding the front passenger suspension in place was missing a weld to the frame (the attached work order says it was re-welded, but when asked they said the weld was missing). This resulted in creaking noises through the cab when turning.
The car while driving at normal highway speeds announced that there was a high risk of electrocution associated with driving in wet conditions. This was via a red screen in the driver display. Car is 2025 R1T with 15,000 miles on it. Anyway near the vehicle was at risk of being exposed to 400v electricity.
We leased this R1T from Polestar Boston, though we live in Vt, because it was assured to us that in the event of a warranty or recall issue, Polestar Boston would pick up the car and tow to the service center for the repair. Now with this turn signal recall, the gentelman on the phone told me no... that they will not come repair the recall. That if we want it fixed, we have to drive the 4 hours to Boston and they will change the blinkers for us. What legal rights do we have here? thank you
I leased my Rivian on June 28th. Around July 21st, the vehicle started to drift to the left. On August 19th, my vehicle started to develop bump steer over uneven road surfaces. I brought my vehicle in for service on August 20th. From August 20th to now, my vehicle has had 3 alignments performed, none of them have been maintained spec. Attached are screenshots/pictures of the alignments. Between the first and second alignment the vehicle was driven about ~50 miles. Between the second and third it was driven about another 50 miles. I do not have exact mileage as Rivian has not released service records to me. My vehicle does not track straight on any surface. In addition, because of the regenerative breaking of the Rivian, when you stop the vehicle it pulls significantly to the right, approximately a half lane for every 75 feet. My concern is that the vehicle cannot maintain an alignment over the course of ~110 miles, does not track straight, exhibits bump steer, and Rivian has no available solve to this behavior.
passenger airbag gets deactivated while there is an adult setting in the passenger seat.
While traveling at highway speed on Interstate 95, the vehicle experienced a complete and sudden loss of propulsion. The vehicle would not respond to the Vehicle Restart function. The driver was able to safely pull to the shoulder from the right lane. The vehicle was towed to a Rivian service center, where technicians identified a low-voltage event matching a known Rivian engineering investigation. Rivian confirmed no current repair exists and that engineering is actively working on software improvements. The vehicle was returned unrepaired after 13 days. Rivian also replaced the 12V battery under warranty at a prior service visit in July 2025 for a related electrical system defect. Two field service actions (FSAM-1507, FSAM-1794) have also been performed on this vehicle.
Vehicles Steering wheel shakes when traveling over 20mph. Dealer has reproduced the problem multiple times but insists it’s a “design limitation”. The shaking can cause loss of control of the vehicle. Dealer refuses to investigate further. This has been occurring since day of purchase.
The entertainment and gauge cluster displays begin to slow down and stutter, eventually leading to a full reboot. This causes the ADAS view, as well as the blind spot cameras, and reverse camera to display a still image, even while the vehicle is moving, or display no image at all. Also, if this happens while Highway Drive Assist is active, the state of the system is not displayed and an audible chime is played.
I believed my car had a problem with the seals of the windows allowing severe wind noise. After attempted repair the problem persisted and, on closer inspection, it became evident that the driver side door is mis-installed and crooked. Rivian attempted to reprair this and only made it worse. The amount of wind/road noise that is coming in now is as if the windows was open. The door frame vibrates and whistles at speed. The mobile tech doesn't feel this is repairable but Rivian won't take responsibility for it. They have denied my BBB claim and I am pursuing a lemon lawyer.
Rivian alerted me that there was a “service action” related to the hub, and while waiting for that appointment, the hub came loose while driving and began grinding against the brakes and went into full system shutdown. The truck needed to be towed and the hub and brakes needed to be replaced. The truck was undrivae while driving at highway speeds and could have crashed. When questioned, the service center reiterated that this was “not a recall” but simply a head up. The repairs were covered under warranty.
The horn no longer works. Mine and other’s safety are at risk because I have no way to relay hazards while driving.the issue has been ongoing and dealer has not reached back out. The component has not been inspected. No warning lights or messages.
The contact owns a 2024 Rivian R1T. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the "Drive Fault," message was displayed after which the vehicle lost motive power and the contact became aware that the brakes were not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 1,700.
I was driving to a restaurant and out of nowhere started hearing this metal-on-metal sound 1/4 mile before I got there. I pulled into the parking lot and it kept getting worse, so I called Rivian to tow the car. They confirmed it was a hub and shaft bolt that came loose. I have video of the sound it made if needed. The Rivian technicians took the pictures that I am uploading here.
On multiple occasions I have experienced the defrost feature of my 2023 Rivian R1T blowing cool air instead of warm or hot air, leading to a build up of ice on the windshield while driving. I have brought this concern to Rivian's attention with two service appointments, both of which resulted in Rivian noting they couldn't see any errors in the vehicle's diagnostic logs. I specifically noted the date, time, and temperature of one event but Rivian failed to copy the log data when requested. The issue is trivially reproducible in temperatures around 32ºF, when the defrost mode is enabled. Tapping the defrost/defog button on screen twice to enable defrost mode results in the vehicle selecting the vents for floor and windshield heat, speeds the fan to near maximum, and is supposed to blow hot air to aid in clearing built up ice. Instead what happens is the vents blow cool air for several minutes at maximum fan speed. Then the fan motors slow to their slowest speed at which time the vents blow slightly warm air After 5-10 minutes the fans speed up to maximum and the air coming from the vents is cool. When the vehicle was initially purchased, the defrost feature blew air hot enough to nearly be uncomfortable on the face. This is very much in line with any other vehicle I have owned when the defrost temperature and fan speed was set the maximum. But after an end of year update in 2024 or early 2025, the defrost feature began blowing cooler air and has never regained its original ability to clear the windscreen. The winter of 2025 and early 2026 has now resulted in this complaint. Rivian maintains the system is functioning as expected, but the service center staff doesn't quite seem to understand the severity of the issue. They claim a bug report can not be filed with Rivian until they capture an error in diagnostic data that they repeatedly fail to collect. Instead their advice is to enable cabin vents to warm the cabin instead of the windshield.
No changes to the car happened before the airbag system went out.
When it rains, or water is allowed to collect on top of the roof, water seeps in through the hinges of the driver and passenger sun visors. Depending on how much water is allowed to collect, it can trickle in or gush right inside the interior of the vehicle. Not only can it come in thru the sun visor hinges, but water also came out of my center roof console where my hazards and SOS button are at, causing me to worry about a water + electricity issue. Furthermore, the water obviously gets the carpeted floor wet. My truck is in the Van Nuys Rivian service center for the 2nd time for this issue. This is a well known issue on Rivian forums and on the Rivian subreddit.
Showing 20 of 113 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Rivian R1T
These pages show model-year patterns across 5years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Rivian R1T has 113 complaints on record across 5 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Rivian R1T has 30 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 10 of the Rivian R1T's 113 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Rivian R1T vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Rivian R1T vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Rivian R1T has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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