What 10 owners told NHTSA about the 2025 Rivian R1t Bev

This vehicle has experienced two separate failures of the high-voltage (HV) battery pack, each resulting in a different drive unit being damaged and total loss of electrical systems while driving. First incident (July 28, 2025): While driving, all warning lights illuminated and the vehicle indicated a possible electrical hazard. The vehicle lost power completely. It was taken to a Rivian service center on July 29, 2025, and was not returned until August 15, 2025 — a total of 17 days out of service. Rivian’s technicians found multiple faults in the HV battery pack and replaced it. Rivian’s own repair notes state that its engineering team requested the front drive unit also be replaced “due to the nature of the failure with the HV battery pack” — i.e., Rivian attributed the drive unit damage to the battery pack failure, not to an independent defect. Both the HV battery pack and front drive unit were replaced under warranty. Second incident (June 29, 2026, approx. 16,256 miles): After charging at a Tesla Supercharger, the vehicle displayed a “Rivian thermal system fault” warning, which indicated driving could continue. While subsequently driving on the highway, the vehicle displayed a “reduced performance” warning, followed by an “all-wheel drive system fault” warning. A loud popping sound was then heard from the rear drive unit, accompanied by visible and smell of smoke in the vehicle. The driver safely pulled over. All electrical systems malfunctioned in the same manner as the first incident. The vehicle is currently undergoing diagnosis; based on the symptoms (identical to the first incident) and Rivian’s own causal link between battery failure and drive unit damage in the first incident, it is possible the HV battery pack is again involved, this time in connection with the rear drive unit.

NHTSA ODI 11747254

AXM module failure, Driver+ and cameras disengaged during drive. No accidents occurred, driver quickly took control.

NHTSA ODI 11732508

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.

NHTSA ODI 11728744

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.

NHTSA ODI 11727425

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.

NHTSA ODI 11716453

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.

NHTSA ODI 11715222

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.

NHTSA ODI 11703602

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

NHTSA ODI 11691216

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.

NHTSA ODI 11686762

passenger airbag gets deactivated while there is an adult setting in the passenger seat.

NHTSA ODI 11644781