What 37 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Rivian R1t Bev

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.

NHTSA ODI 11731452

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 system failure warning appeared, causing a loss of visibility. The vehicle is currently at a Rivian service center, and it should be available for inspection upon request. 2.The vehicle became completely unresponsive while on a single-lane on-ramp overpass, leaving us stranded in moving traffic. Other vehicles were traveling at 50-60 mph, and drivers had to swerve abruptly to avoid a collision. This failure created an imminent risk of a rear-end or multi-car accident, putting my wife and me—and other drivers—at serious risk of injury or death. Additionally, the defrost failure further compromised visibility, making it even more dangerous to remain in the vehicle while waiting for assistance. 3.The vehicle is currently at the Rivian service center, but Rivian has not yet provided a definitive diagnosis or explanation for the failure. We are awaiting their response and further inspection. 4. The vehicle is at Rivian’s service center, where it is undergoing inspection by the manufacturer. However, it has not yet been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Yes, the “Limited Performance Mode” message appeared, but according to Rivian’s own system, the vehicle should have still allowed for reduced acceleration. Instead, it lost all power completely, leaving us stranded. Additionally, a defrost system failure warning appeared at the same time, preventing us from defrosting the windshield.

NHTSA ODI 11644509