What 62 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Rivian R1t Bev

The suspension system has failed three times. The entire system has been replaced by the dealership twice under warranty. The most recent failure has not been addressed, as the dealer is now refusing to make further repairs. The suspension issues significantly affect vehicle handling and steering during normal operation. Under heavy acceleration, the vehicle becomes difficult to control, posing a serious safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11676429

Catastrophic failure of rear upper control arm / suspension resulting in temporary loss of control. Occurred driving straight at 35mph without any prior damage or symptoms.

NHTSA ODI 11663157

Defective charge port door that has no manual release. If it gets stuck, the vehicle can no longer be charged, potentially stranding the driver. Only solution is a service visit.

NHTSA ODI 11662670

The vehicle brakes stopped working on the highway moving at 75 MPH. It felt like the brakes were locked mechanically after all the vehicle electronic fault codes appeared in the dash. The incident occurred [XXX] traveling down a highway right after a vehicle battery charge at a charging station. While driving, all error lights came on, including turtle mode, high voltage battery pack fault, front collision warning failure, failure in all 4 motors, failure of ABS and traction control, and most importantly failure in brake. Tried pulsating the brake, pressing as hard as possible on the brake pedal, but the brakes would not activate. The pedal was mechanically locked like when you try to turn a steering wheel without a key - that kind of lock. We pulled to the emergency lane and let the vehicle coast to a stop. We did a soft vehicle reset and then a hard vehicle reset. It continued locked. After about 5 minutes, all the error lights went out and vehicle worked again. Drove it home and called Rivian, who had the vehicle towed to their repair facility. While this is the first time the brakes failed, it was not the first time all the error lights came on after a battery charge at a charging station. The first time it happened, i took it to Rivian and they said it was a software glitch and gave it back to me without any repair. If a software glitch can cause your brakes to lock up at highway speeds, this needs to be addressed. This has happened 3 times since December of 2024. I also have a video that i can’t upload, but can provide through email. I can’t trust this vehicle with my life anymore. The vehicle has been in service over 12 times with suspension components replaced multiple times, vehicle error faults that can’t be traced to an issue, and now brake failure. This needs to be thoroughly investigated or someone can get killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11656000

The front passenger seat sensor does not respond to a 135lb 5’9” person resulting in the airbag being disabled. This has been an issue since we purchased the vehicle and has not been resolved with 4+ visits to the service center. No other vehicles we have driven have ever had this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11641528

Our rear passenger interior door handle stopped working today. We were unable to open the door from the inside of the car. I messaged Rivian support and we tried a software reset and checked to make sure the the child safety lock wasn’t on. Neither worked so I have scheduled a mobile service appointment for 2/11/2025. Checked inside the door panel and part of the door pull was broken off and loose inside the door. It looks like the cable barrel for the door release could have been anchored there a that was the point of failure.

NHTSA ODI 11640110

Rear center seatbelt not bolted down at manufacture. Vehicle was brought in to a Rivian service center, for an NVH complaint coming from the rear seats. It was discovered that the rear seat belt was not secured properly to the vehicle frame.

NHTSA ODI 11612709

Rivian updated it's the dashboard screen software on or about February 7th 2024 This update introduced a Short Cuts Access Panel UI change that displays from the left side of the center dashboard screen, 1. when the icon 3rd from the top-left is pressed, 2. The vehicle in shifted into Park. The delay time for this access panel UI to graphically slide in and display new buttons takes about 1.5 - 2 seconds after the vehicle is placed into Park. The driver may have the intent to use currently displayed buttons on the screen, like 'camera selection', 'open garage'. With driver intent underway and finger in motion or on touch screen surface, the Short Cuts panel is presented interrupting an intended press, or causing a complete different vehicle action to happen, such an example: the 'Open Tailgate' button was slid into position over the 'change rear camera' button. Where the driver's intent was to change the camera view because that was the button present to the driver just before and just after shifting the vehicle into Park, the move was made to press the 'change camera' button. Instead just before the finger could register the press on screen, the panel displayed a new button under the drivers finger and unsecured the vehicles tailgate. Had this unintended press happen while the vehicle was in a space that would have released the load or it would be otherwise dangerous to exit the vehicle and re-secure the tailgate all because the UI changed without the driver intent to display this changed panel of buttons. Rivian should not presume the drivers intent is to access the 'Short Cuts' panel, The panel should present on request of a button press, or by optional means that still puts driver intent back into UI display changes. If a driver has no intent to use 'Short Cuts' that are not always present on screen, the panel presentation is instead interfering with presently displayed input and causing unintended or even unsafe side effects.

NHTSA ODI 11582714

The passenger airbag does not engage for my 115 lb girlfriend. The answer from Rivian is dangerous and takes no responsibility. Official complaint and answer from Rivian. Concern: - Customer states Their partner is unable to to trigger the airbag when sitting in the front seat Timestamp: 7:04-7:05 PM PST 2/4 Cause: - OCS operating as designed. Future OTA being planned to potentially address issue. How does a "future" update help keep my loved ones safe now???

NHTSA ODI 11581343

The front driver’s side door became stuck shut while inside the vehicle, forcing the driver to have to exit the vehicle by crawling across the inside of the vehicle and out the passenger’s side door. Repeated attempts to unlock and open the door from both inside and outside the vehicle (reaching through the door window to the exterior door latch) were unsuccessful. The manufacturer confirmed the problem and attempted to fix it on three occasions, replacing various door components and assuring me that the problem was fixed. However, the issue reoccurred each time and is still unsolved.

NHTSA ODI 11579366

Four to five events of phantom braking have occurred on rural roads under the following circumstances: 1) Opposing traffic temporarily erroneously appears to be in your travel lane because of road architecture. 2) Full size or larger vehicle or trailer parked along road in direction of travel. All of these phantom breaking events occur while driving on lightly traveled rural two lane roads. Personally, phantom braking has never occurred while driving on urban roads (wider with more vehicular traffic) or any two lane highways with or without a physical median divider irrespective of traffic volume.

NHTSA ODI 11574551

When towing a trailer with my Rivian R1T on interstate 75 I set my cruise control while going with the speed of traffic at approximately 60 mph. Instead of cruise control setting at the speed I was traveling, it instead sets at the posted speed limit. In most conditions, this wouldn't create a hazard as adaptive cruise control would keep the vehicle from accelerating more than the speed the vehicle directly in front of me is going. But when towing a trailer, the R1T disables the adaptive part of cruise control as well as emergency braking. Setting cruise control in this circumstance nearly cased me to rear end the car in front of my as I wasn't expecting the cruise control to set at nearly 10 mph faster than I was traveling when I set it. To be clear. This is not "resuming" a previous cruise control speed I had been set to, this sets at the posted speed limit.

NHTSA ODI 11572668

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MANY components of the vehicle that run on software are completely unuseable. This includes ALL sensors, safety features, ADAS, ability to adjust suspension, regen braking, HVAC, Audio, etc. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not know what is working and what is not working. Zero sensors are working. Are the regen brakes working? I do not know. Are my turn signals working or headlights on? I have no way of telling. Not having the ability to adjust suspension, drive mode, etc. is also concerning. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, confirmed by Rivian support and confirmed that it is VERY widespread. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. Happened after a failed OTA software update.

NHTSA ODI 11555052

Front passenger seat does not always recognize that a passenger (my wife who weighs about 110 lbs) is sitting in the seat. The airbag off light will be on during various parts of a trip when my wife is clearly sitting normal in the seat with her belt buckled. I’ve brought the vehicle in twice to the manufacturer for them to fix the issue and both times they have stated that they can’t find a problem. I have video and shared with them both times. I feel uncomfortable allowing my wife to sit as a passenger knowing she isn’t being fully protected with airbags ready to deploy. Please help fix this problem. Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11552772

On 9/23/23 at approximately 4:10pm, my Rivian R1T suffered a catastrophic failure of the left rear brake. After exiting the freeway, I was slowing for a traffic signal primarily using the regenerative brake feature. I applied light pressure to the brake pedal which initiated a left rear brake failure. I attempted to move the truck out of the traffic lane. The left rear wheel was locked and would not roll. Upon removing the aero cover from the wheel, I observed the brake caliper in an abnormal position. The wheel had a sizeable hole in the middle of it. I surmised that the brake caliper shifted position during braking and damaged the wheel. The vehicle was towed to the Rivian Service Center in Phoenix, Az. A representative at the Service Center has told me that the wheel would not roll because the brake caliper shifted into the center of the wheel preventing it from turning. They have withheld further information about the root cause until they can investigate further. Had this event occurred at higher speeds, I have no doubt it would have caused a loss of control of the vehicle when the wheel locked or perhaps as a result of an inability to slow the vehicle. Rivian is still investigating the root cause of the brake failure. The only warnings received occurred after the event. I was presented with a Parking Brake Service Needed warning, and an indicator that no drive modes could be selected.

NHTSA ODI 11546725

ACC phantom brakes on highways causing dangerous situations with vehicles following behind and also causing driver panic events particularly when phantom braking occurs most commonly on bends of highways or on single lane highways where it reacts to oncoming traffic. The most common way phantom braking triggers is while traveling on single lane highways with shoulders where there are objects on the side of the highway (either parked cars, trailers, or large structures) particularly when coming around a curve or bend (most unreliable on mountain highways). It will quickly react and cause the Rivian to rapidly brake/decelerate. When occuring on highways with bends it can cause unexpected reactions from cars following behind not expecting sudden braking of the vehicle ahead mid bend. The best way to mitigate is to apply pressure to the accelerator pedal to override the braking. It has happened numerous times since our ownership started 2 months ago. It’s received 3 over the air updates in that time and it continues to have phantom braking with update 2023.34.0.

NHTSA ODI 11546153

Loses sight of vehicle ahead and will accelerate to set speed ignoring vehicle in front when in bends. It only seems to track vehicles in a straight line of sight ahead and not accommodate for steering. It’s most obvious on curves in highways and can easily be reproduced on cloverleaf on ramps or off ramps or even at low speeds when going around an obstacle.

NHTSA ODI 11546155

Was driving through an intersection in traffic when I heard a loud explosion/metal-on-metal sound from the front drivers side of the vehicle. Instantly received two warnings in the IP; one for "Performance Limited" and the other for "Service Suspension Soon". The IP also stated speed was limited to 80MPH. I didn't notice any difference in driving but decided to pull over and check. Upon checking I identified a hydraulic suspension line completely disconnected and leaking hydraulic fluid in the front driver side wheel well. The wheel well also appeared to be covered in hydraulic fluid. Over the next 10-15 minutes the suspension became uneven/lopsided and the passenger side wheels were touching the wheel well. I called Rivian service and they said it was not safe to drive and had it towed to the Rivian service center. Rivian service is backlogged and will not be able to inspect and assess the damage until 9/21. Ultimately, I don't think the warnings accurately conveyed the severity of the issue and don't understand why the vehicle would let you drive up to 80mph when rivian service said it was not safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11543893

Recent interaction with a driver alongside my vehicle. Driver begin merging into my lane. Used horn as well as decelerating to prevent collision. It appears horn was unheard by other driver. Believe the fact the horn is mounted very low on my vehicle and ducted in a way that it is not sufficiently loud to alert other drivers and prevent accidents Other posts on the Rivian forum note other Rivian drivers experiencing same issue with horn volume.

NHTSA ODI 11531472

Critical battery issue, made the truck inoperable and stuck in my garage. Rivian replaced the main battery pack and the drained 12v batteries. One day after getting the truck back while I was driving, the truck motors stopped in a jarring fashion in the middle of dark one lane road. Error message said motor failure. Then got the same critical battery issue. Once the main battery dies it drains the 12v batteries; thereby, turning off the emergency lights. There is a major issue with the battery packs. It is incredibly dangerous that the motors shut down not allowing me to coast and move the truck to a safe spot. The 12v draining when there is a main battery pack failure; thereby, shutting off the emergency lights in a design flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11531138

We purchased our Rivian two weeks ago today from a private seller, and Rivian will not transfer ownership of the truck to us despite multiple calls, emails, and online chats. This is a safety, security, and privacy issue. There is a major recall that I cannot get fixed because Rivian will not transfer ownership of the vehicle from the previous owner to us. The previous owners have access to the vehicle, being able to disable our keys, and could access our vehicle at any point should they so desire. They can view all recordings from the truck, which means they are accessing private conversations and communications occurring in my own private garage. We've made it abundantly clear to Rivian that this is a security and safety issue, but they will not remedy the matter by transferring ownership (the truck is currently registered in the state of Florida, and the taxes, title, and tags have all been processed.

NHTSA ODI 11526327

The inner left tie rod in my truck bent and then completely snapped while I was backing out of my driveway. The tie rods are available for inspection. I was unable to steer the vehicle after the tie rod broke, and the vehicle was unable to reverse or move forward. I could've crashed on the side of the road had I gone at higher speeds. The problem has not been reproduced, but has been confirmed at the Rivian service center. The vehicle and components have been inspected by a Rivian service technician. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. They first appeared after I attempted to back out of my driveway at a very low speed (less than 5mph).

NHTSA ODI 11520686

I love my Rivian but . . . the headlights are LED or something, and the bulbs have a plastic cover. The bulbs do not generate much heat and we have been driving in snow storms and the snow accumulates on the plastic headlight covers and the bulbs do not generate enough heat to melt the snow, so the snow accumulates and the illumination decreases to the point they are no longer functional. Driving in the dark in a snow storm with no lights is a serious safety concern. Rivian simply says, treat the plastic covers with something like "RainX", but that is nowhere near a realistic solution. Feel free to contact me if needed, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11517210

My wife weights 109lbs and the passenger airbag turns off regularly. This was reported to Rivian back in July 2022 and there hasn't been a fix provided. I can share a picture of both her in the seat and the airbag light off if this is an option. I'm hearing it reported by other Rivian owners.

NHTSA ODI 11511947

The Rivian front passenger seat sensor is set to detect passengers that are >=120 pounds (according to the rivian service center). This setting is WAY too high and prevents the air bags from activating when my 5’5” daughter who weighs 110 pounds sits in the front seat. I have seen the vehicle fail to recognize she is sitting in the seat and is putting her at undue risk of injury. My complaints are: 1) I could not find the activation weight published in their owners manual and therefore assumed my vehicle was defective. This required me bringing my vehicle in for service to find out the 120 pound activation weight. This should be more actively published and owners warned to not let humans weighing less then 120 pounds sit in the front passenger seat. 2) This weight limit is WAY too high. This will prevent many adult humans from being able to safely ride in the front seat.

NHTSA ODI 11511592