2023 Rivian R1t: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2023 Rivian R1t? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 36 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2023 Rivian R1t Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2023 Rivian R1t. 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 R1t 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 RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 R1t has 36 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Rivian
- Model
- R1t
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 73
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 76 / 69
- Fuel type
- Electricity
- Electric range (miles)
- 352
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2023 Rivian R1t Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2023 Rivian R1t?
The 2023 Rivian R1t 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.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2023 Rivian R1t
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system functionality and check for any related service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, brake, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system functionality and check for any related service bulletins.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, brake, and forward collision avoidance systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Rivian R1t, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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 R1T are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for a significant portion of the 36 total complaints. Other recurring themes include electrical faults, brake system issues, and forward collision avoidance problems. The data is based on a single model year with low confidence due to limited sample size.
- Airbag malfunctions are the most reported component, with 14 complaints.
- Electrical faults, brake system issues, and uncategorized problems each have 5 complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) accounts for 4 complaints, and lane departure for 3.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
- Brake System
All 2023 Rivian R1t Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Rivian R1t. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Rivian R1t. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 w…
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 …
My truck was recently upgraded to software version 2050.38.0. After the upgrade, I drove my truck about 3 miles in about 5 minutes. When I arrived at my destination, I exited the truck to get something out of the rear seat. The rear door was locked; this is normal. I returned …
The vehicle’s Driver+ advanced driver assistance system (including Adaptive Cruise Control and Highway Assist) repeatedly failed during normal highway driving. The system would display “Driver Assistance Features Unavailable – Service Soon” and immediately disable all assisted-dr…
I was shifting my truck from park to reverse when the shift handle snapped off. There was no warning and I had just driven the vehicle a couple hours earlier. The truck only has 13k miles on it.
Rivian R1T was brought to independent tire center for tire rotation on same day before 1,000 mile trip. Technician documented: "Drivers side front CV axle bolt almost completely backed out". Bolt took less than one rotation by hand to come off. Documented by tire shop technician…
The vehicle caught fire and was completely destroyed. The fire was due to an electrical or battery system defect.
I Was driving down highway and receive a fe messages in quick order -front sensors off, front camera off, collision detection off, regenerative braking off - started moving toward right shoulder prior to pulling off - car lost speed at high rate putting me in jeopardy of being …
1. The powertrain, acceleration system, and defrost system failed. The vehicle unexpectedly entered Limited Performance Mode, but instead of allowing reduced acceleration as expected, it resulted in a complete loss of power and left us stranded in traffic. Additionally, a defrost…
My driver side door intermittently does not close. There is something wrong with the latch. I called service center over 3 times and still haven’t been given any immediate appointment as the issue of safety is paramount, as I can’t drive with an open door. I still haven’t had thi…
Rivian passenger airbag is usually disabled (70 % cases) with adult passengers weighing about 125 lbs while they sit correctly in the front passenger seat. There is a warning light "Passenger airbag off". No problems with heavier passengers (> 140 lbs). There are tons of threads …
When driving on the highway with ADAS on with lane keeping assist turned on with software 2024.39.01, the truck would constantly pull me back into the center line even if I were not close to the white line on the road. This is very concerning as on a two-lane highway, it pulled m…
The passenger side airbag notification shows that the airbag is disabled when a passenger is seated in the seat and the car is moving. This happens very frequently when driving at various speed. If the passenger is not seated exactly at 90 degrees deeply in the seat in a perfect…
The horn in the car is very weak and not heard by 3d party when used. Had several occurrences when I needed to use the horn and the 3d party never mentioned it. It is a by far weaker than any other of my cars.
The contact owns a 2023 Rivian R1T. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated while overtaking another vehicle, the vehicle independently activated the brake. The contact had not turned off the cruise control and there were no othe…
The components that failed are Traction Control, Stability controls, and Anti-Lock Braking while in high regeneration mode. Vehicle can easily become incontrollable in low traction situations (in high regeneration mode) that is a danger to the driver and others on the road. Seq…
Concern: - Passenger seat not detecting person sitting in it. Airbag not arming. Cause: - The Occupant Classification System (OCS) uses a pressure sensor in the seat bottom to classify whatever is in the front passenger's seat. An improperly seated occupant can "trick" the OCS in…
Car was lane corrected into other lane and started accelerating. Like getting hit by a bumper in a pinball machine. Avoided a head on collision but managed to safety maneuver into a fence instead of a tree.
While driving with a passenger in the front seat, I noticed the passenger airbag was not enabled. Seems the passenger is not detected. Sometime having the passenger moving around or adjusting the seat/seatbelt would fix the issue and the airbag will enable. Randomly occurs and r…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Rivian R1t.
2023 Rivian R1t Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Rivian R1t. 7 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.
2023 Rivian R1t Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Rivian R1t reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 36 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2023 Rivian R1t 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 R1t?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (14 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (5 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Rivian R1t?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Rivian R1t?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Rivian R1t, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 36 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Rivian R1t have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2023 Rivian R1t. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. 7 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 R1t?▾
The 2023 Rivian R1t 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 R1t reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2023 Rivian R1t based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.