Rivian Vehicle Systems Incident Report: A Synthesis of Customer Complaints
1.0 Introduction
This incident report provides a structured synthesis and categorization of customer complaints filed for the Rivian EDV (Electric Delivery Van), R1S, and R1T models. The purpose of this document is to furnish a clear, data-driven overview of recurring safety, quality, and performance issues as reported by vehicle operators and owners. The analysis and findings presented herein are based exclusively on the provided source context, aiming to identify patterns and highlight areas of potential concern across Rivian's vehicle lineup.
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
This incident report provides a structured synthesis and categorization of customer complaints filed for the Rivian EDV (Electric Delivery Van), R1S, and R1T models. The purpose of this document is to furnish a clear, data-driven overview of recurring safety, quality, and performance issues as reported by vehicle operators and owners. The analysis and findings presented herein are based exclusively on the provided source context, aiming to identify patterns and highlight areas of potential concern across Rivian's vehicle lineup.
2.0 Rivian Electric Delivery Van (EDV) Incident Analysis
This analysis focuses on issues specific to Rivian's commercial delivery vehicle, the EDV. The reported incidents primarily concern component durability and fundamental safety equipment, which have direct implications for fleet operations, driver safety, and overall operational reliability. Failures noted in this section can lead to vehicle downtime and significant safety risks in the field.
2.1 System: AIR BAGS
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Unique 2
The primary complaint regarding the EDV's airbag system, filed under two separate categories, concerns the absence of a passenger-side airbag. This is identified as a significant safety issue in the context of its use for on-the-road driver training, where a trainer is required to occupy the passenger "jump seat" for extended periods. The lack of this fundamental safety feature exposes trainers to increased risk in the event of a collision.
Representative Complaint(s):
2.2 System: Pervasive Shifter Mechanism Failure
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Unique 4
Analysis of the source data reveals that a single, critical mechanical failure—breakage of the gear shifter lever—is so pervasive that it has been reported across three different system categories: POWER TRAIN, STEERING, and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. This single point of failure strands the vehicle by preventing the driver from selecting a gear. While only four formal complaints for this issue were filed, the content of these complaints describes a widespread field failure. One fleet manager overseeing 36 vehicles reports a failure rate of at least 50%, indicating the 'Unique' classification in the data source significantly underrepresents the real-world operational impact and safety risk. The component is consistently described as being constructed from "inferior materials" with an "insufficiently designed" mechanism.
Representative Complaint(s):
The following section transitions the analysis to Rivian's consumer SUV, the R1S.
3.0 Rivian R1S Incident Analysis
This section analyzes complaints related to the Rivian R1S, the company's seven-passenger consumer SUV. The issues reported by owners are critical to understand, as they directly impact consumer safety, brand perception, and potential regulatory scrutiny. The findings highlight significant concerns with foundational safety systems, software stability, and vehicle control.
3.1 System: AIR BAGS
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
High 20
A high volume of complaints indicates a systemic issue with the R1S front passenger occupancy classification system. The system consistently fails to detect adult passengers, particularly those with a lighter weight (e.g., 100-150 lbs), causing the passenger airbag to be disabled. Reports describe this failure as intermittent and unpredictable, sometimes depending on the passenger's posture. This presents a critical safety risk, as the airbag may not deploy in a collision. The issue is reported to occur with passengers weighing up to 425 lbs in one instance, suggesting a broader calibration or hardware problem beyond a simple weight threshold.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.2 System: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Medium 13
Complaints related to the R1S electrical system are varied and severe. The data reveals a recurring pattern of failed over-the-air (OTA) software updates causing critical system malfunctions, which have reportedly "bricked" vehicles by rendering infotainment screens, driver displays, and essential safety features (lights, wipers) non-functional. Other reports describe sudden and complete vehicle shutdowns while driving, abrupt shifting into park while in motion, and incidents of unintended acceleration. Additionally, "Critical Battery Issue" warnings have been reported, creating significant safety and reliability concerns.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.3 System: SEATS
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Medium 16
The complaints regarding the R1S seats are directly and consistently linked to the airbag system's failure to detect passengers. Owners report that when a passenger is seated, the vehicle often fails to recognize their presence, which not only disables the airbag but also deactivates passenger-side climate controls. This issue is reported across a wide range of adult passenger weights, from 100 lbs to over 140 lbs, indicating a persistent problem with the seat's weight sensor calibration or functionality.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.4 System: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE & DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEMS
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low to Emerging 14
Analysis of the R1S driver assist system complaints indicates a systemic instability, manifesting as sudden deceleration and software-induced failures. This issue combines complaints classified as 'Low' and 'Emerging,' collectively pointing to a pattern of instability in the vehicle's advanced driver-assistance systems. Reports describe sudden, unexpected vehicle deceleration while using adaptive cruise control on the highway. A failed software update is cited as a cause for completely disabling safety features. Other incidents involve sensor failures, including radars that required replacement shortly after vehicle delivery, and instances where the vehicle's sensors failed to detect objects. Several owners also reported unintended acceleration, leading to collisions while parking or at slow speeds.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.5 System: POWER TRAIN
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 5
Powertrain issues reported for the R1S include sudden and complete loss of motive power while driving, leaving the vehicle stranded in the middle of a busy road. One report of a non-functional drive stalk in a new 2025 model with only 2,400 miles highlights that critical failures are occurring on the newest vehicles. This issue temporarily prevented gear selection until a system reboot was performed. A separate mechanical concern involves front wheel hub bolts reportedly backing out on their own, presenting a significant safety risk of wheel detachment.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.6 System: SERVICE BRAKES
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 7
Service brake complaints are varied. Multiple reports describe incidents of unintended acceleration where the vehicle lunged forward despite the driver's foot being on the brake, resulting in collisions. Another safety concern involves the regenerative braking system unexpectedly disengaging, causing the vehicle to coast when the driver expected it to slow down, requiring a sudden application of the physical brakes to avoid an accident. One report details the parking brake disengaging on its own, allowing the vehicle to roll down a driveway.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.7 System: STEERING
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 6
Steering system complaints range from mechanical defects to unpredictable vehicle behavior. One owner discovered loose steering rack bolts, which caused inconsistent and unstable steering. Another report details a steering column defect where the wheel drops unexpectedly when even light weight is applied. Other complaints describe the vehicle lunging to the right without driver input and severe steering wheel vibration at highway speeds, causing driver fatigue and discomfort.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.8 System: SUSPENSION
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Emerging 4
Suspension issues include recurring "service suspension" error codes appearing shortly after vehicle purchase, particularly when driving over bumps. A more severe mechanical issue involves a front driver-side hub bolt backing out, which rendered the vehicle undrivable due to loud grinding and instability. These complaints point to potential quality control issues in critical suspension and wheel assembly components.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.9 System: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Medium 15
A significant number of complaints in this category focus on the vehicle's horn being insufficiently loud. Multiple owners state that other drivers and pedestrians cannot hear it, presenting a clear safety risk in emergency situations. This category also includes further reports of failed OTA software updates that left vehicle screens and controls non-functional, as well as incidents of the vehicle abruptly shifting into park while moving and unexpected lunges without driver input.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.10 System: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 5
Reports under this category describe dangerous and unpredictable vehicle behavior. Multiple owners experienced unintended acceleration, where the vehicle lunged forward at a high rate of speed while parking or at a near-stop, resulting in collisions. Conversely, one driver reported sudden, unexplained deceleration from 75 mph to 51 mph while driving on the highway, creating a significant rear-end collision risk.
Representative Complaint(s):
3.11 Other Reported Issues
This subsection summarizes and groups related low-frequency complaints across various other systems.
The subsequent section will detail reported issues for the Rivian R1T pickup truck.
4.0 Rivian R1T Incident Analysis
This analysis details the reported issues for the Rivian R1T pickup truck. The data reveals several parallels with the R1S platform, particularly concerning the airbag passenger detection system and software instability, while also highlighting unique concerns relevant to this specific model.
4.1 System: AIR BAGS
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Medium 18
Similar to the R1S, the R1T exhibits a pattern of complaints related to the front passenger airbag system failing to activate. The issue is consistently attributed to the occupancy sensor's high weight threshold, which owners report is set at or above 120 lbs. This results in the airbag being disabled for many lighter-weight adults. The failure is described as intermittent, sometimes deactivating mid-drive if the passenger shifts their position, creating a significant and unpredictable safety hazard.
Representative Complaint(s):
4.2 System: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 6
Complaints regarding the R1T's electrical system point to critical failures that compromise vehicle safety and operation. Reports include spontaneous blackouts of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen while driving, leaving the driver without essential information. More severe incidents involve the truck suddenly stopping without warning in heavy traffic and receiving a "Critical Battery Issue" warning shortly after taking delivery. Another event describes multiple safety systems (collision detection, regenerative braking) shutting down simultaneously at highway speeds.
Representative Complaint(s):
4.3 System: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE & DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEMS
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low to Unique 16
The driver assist systems in the R1T are the subject of complaints involving erratic and dangerous behavior. This consolidated analysis combines reports from four distinct sub-categories, revealing a pattern of instability. A key issue is "phantom braking," where the adaptive cruise control (ACC) suddenly brakes for non-existent obstacles, especially on curves or rural roads. The ACC has also been reported to lose track of the vehicle ahead in bends and accelerate unexpectedly. One of the most severe reports describes the vehicle surging forward at high speed from a parked position, causing a significant collision. Software updates are again cited as a source of system-wide failure, disabling these safety features entirely.
Representative Complaint(s):
4.4 System: POWER TRAIN
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 5
Powertrain complaints for the R1T describe sudden and hazardous failures. Incidents include a complete loss of motive power, causing the truck to stop abruptly in a busy intersection. Another report details a sudden loss of regenerative braking at highway speed, nearly causing an accident as the driver had to switch unexpectedly to the physical brakes. A "Drive Fault" message has also been reported, which was accompanied by a loss of power and brake function, requiring increased effort to stop the vehicle.
Representative Complaint(s):
4.5 System: SERVICE BRAKES
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 7
Reports on the R1T's service brakes highlight several safety concerns. Multiple owners describe their parked vehicles sliding down sloped driveways, even in only slightly icy or snowy conditions, and crashing into their houses. One incident involved a catastrophic failure of a rear brake caliper after exiting a freeway. Other complaints detail failures of traction control and anti-lock braking systems when in high regenerative braking mode, making the vehicle uncontrollable in low-traction situations.
Representative Complaint(s):
4.6 System: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Reported Frequency Complaint Count
Low 5
Vehicle speed control issues mirror some of the severe powertrain and brake system failures. Reports describe a loss of system controls at highway speeds, forcing the vehicle into "turtle mode" after a high-voltage battery failure. Another complaint details an issue where setting cruise control while towing causes the vehicle to accelerate to the posted speed limit rather than the current speed of travel, creating a dangerous situation. These events point to instability in how the vehicle manages its speed under various conditions.
Representative Complaint(s):
4.7 Other Reported Issues
This subsection summarizes and groups related low-frequency complaints across various other R1T systems.
The final section will analyze recurring themes and potential systemic issues across all three Rivian models.
5.0 Cross-Model Thematic Analysis
By analyzing recurring themes across the entire Rivian product line—from the commercial EDV to the consumer R1S and R1T—it is possible to identify potential systemic weaknesses in design, manufacturing, or software development. This cross-model perspective highlights the most pervasive and critical issues impacting vehicle safety and reliability.
5.1 Systemic Airbag System Deficiencies
A critical and consistent safety theme is the failure of the airbag systems, though the manifestation differs between commercial and consumer vehicles. In both the R1S and R1T, there is a high volume of reports detailing the failure of the front passenger occupancy sensor to detect adult passengers, particularly those under 150 lbs. This deactivates a crucial safety device and appears to be a systemic calibration or design flaw in consumer models. In contrast, the issue with the commercial EDV is more fundamental: the reported absence of a passenger-side airbag altogether, posing a direct risk to personnel required to ride in that seat for training purposes.
5.2 Software and Electrical System Instability
Instability within the software and electrical architecture is a significant concern across the R1S and R1T platforms. The data reveals a recurring pattern of over-the-air (OTA) software updates causing catastrophic system failures, rendering central screens inoperable and disabling essential functions like exterior lights, wipers, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Beyond updates, owners report spontaneous and dangerous events, including complete vehicle shutdowns while in motion, sudden blackouts of driver information displays, and critical battery warnings that compromise vehicle operation. These incidents suggest a foundational issue with software robustness and its integration with core vehicle hardware.
5.3 Powertrain and Control System Reliability
Failures within the powertrain and driver control systems represent another troubling cross-model theme, indicating a systemic failure of the fundamental driver-vehicle interface. For the EDV fleet, this manifests as a mechanical fragility, with numerous reports of the gear shifter breaking, which physically severs the driver's control over the vehicle and strands it. For the consumer R1S and R1T, the interface failure is rooted in software and electrical control issues, leading to sudden power loss, unintended acceleration, and "Drive Fault" errors. Whether through physical breakage or software malfunction, the reliability of core vehicle control is a significant and recurring concern.
These thematic issues point toward areas requiring comprehensive investigation and potential remediation.
6.0 Conclusion
This synthesis of customer complaints reveals several significant patterns of concern across the Rivian EDV, R1S, and R1T models. The most critical findings center on foundational safety systems and vehicle control. A widespread and high-frequency issue in the consumer R1S and R1T is the failure of the passenger airbag occupancy sensor to detect adult passengers, creating a severe safety risk. Furthermore, critical software and electrical system instability is a recurring theme, with reports of failed updates disabling essential vehicle functions and spontaneous shutdowns occurring during operation. Finally, powertrain and control system faults—ranging from the pervasive mechanical failure of shifters in the commercial EDV to sudden power loss and unintended acceleration in consumer models—underscore significant concerns regarding the reliability and safety of Rivian's vehicle platforms.