Rivian Problems and Recalls by Model
Owner complaints and safety recalls from NHTSA for 2 popular Rivian models, 2008–2024 – and which problems a mobile mechanic can fix in your driveway.
NHTSA data pulled September 2026.
Rivian models side by side
Complaints depend on how many were sold, so compare the pattern, not the raw numbers.
| Model | Complaints | Recalls | Year with most | Most named system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1T | 113 | 14 | 2022 | Driver-assist systems |
| R1S | 96 | 15 | 2023 | Airbags |
Complaints are reports owners file with NHTSA, the federal vehicle-safety agency. NHTSA does not verify each one, and a year or model that sold more cars usually gets more complaints, so treat the counts as a map of what to check, not a reliability score. Data pulled from NHTSA's public complaint and recall databases in September 2026.
What Rivian owners report most
| System | Complaints | Mobile mechanic? |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 52 | Dealer or recall |
| Driver-assist systems | 49 | Dealer or recall |
| Electrical system | 32 | Often in the driveway |
| Suspension | 29 | Often in the driveway |
| Seats | 22 | Usually a shop |
| Steering | 17 | Diagnose first |
| Brakes | 15 | Usually on the spot |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 14 | Usually a shop |
Safety recall repairs are done free by the brand's dealers. A mobile mechanic cannot do recall work. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls on your exact car. "Park it" means NHTSA and the maker say not to drive the vehicle until it is fixed.
More makes
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Rivian: questions
What are the most common Rivian problems?
Across the 2 Rivian models here, NHTSA owner complaints most often name the airbags, driver-assist systems, electrical system.
Which Rivian model has the most complaints?
Of the models here, the Rivian R1T has the most (113 for 2008–2024), which partly reflects how many were sold.
Can a mobile mechanic work on a Rivian?
Yes, on the 12-volt battery, brakes, tires, suspension, wipers and filters. High-voltage, charging and software work goes to the brand's service center, where recall repairs are free.
Where this data comes from
- NHTSA – vehicle safety complaints (public complaint database)
- NHTSA – recalls lookup by VIN
- NHTSA – Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing (vPIC)
Complaint and recall records for Rivian model years in range, retrieved September 2026. Owner quotes are short excerpts from public NHTSA complaint records, lightly cased for reading.