Last updated: 2026-10-10
Rivian R1S Reliability by Year
Rivian R1s reliability is mixed and well below other SUVs, with air bag, electrical and steering complaints. Look to the 2024 first.
Rivian R1S Reliability Overview
Used R1S buyers get a mixed picture, and the SUV sits well below average among others on the site. The 2024 is the year to favor, with far fewer complaints than 2023 or 2025. Two problems matter most: the front passenger air bag switching off with an adult seated, and software-related electrical failures such as black screens and power loss in traffic.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2024–present), facelifted 2024.
Best & Worst Rivian R1S Years
Best Rivian R1S Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 2024 drew 13 owner complaints, against 60 for 2023 and 45 for 2025, and it has been on the road long enough for that gap to mean something. It also has 6 recalls to 9 for each of those years. Its complaints are spread thin across suspension, air bags and lane departure instead of piling up in one area.
Rivian R1S Years to Avoid
No Rivian R1S years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 56 and 62 across 4 scored model years.
Rivian R1S Reliability Score Trend
Rivian R1S reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 59/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 56/100 | Mixed |
| 2026 | 59/100 | Mixed |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Rivian R1S
1 recalls · 6 complaints
Mixed standing with few complaints so far, mainly about a hard-to-use rear door manual release, plus one seat belt recall.
2025 Rivian R1S
9 recalls · 45 complaints
The weakest of four scored years, marked by unintended acceleration reports, screen blackouts, and headlight failures.
2024 Rivian R1S
6 recalls · 13 complaints
Best of the four scored years, with fewer complaints and recalls than 2023 or 2025, though air bag and suspension complaints still appear.
2023 Rivian R1S
9 recalls · 60 complaints
Final first-generation year, marked by a recurring passenger airbag shutoff and electrical faults, with more complaints than the 2024 model.
Found Your Rivian R1S? Check Its History
Latches locks linkages (2) problems come up most in Rivian R1S owner complaints, and 25 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Rivian R1S Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2/5
Rivian R1S Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Rivian Models
Compare all Rivian models by reliability
Compare Rivian R1S With Similar SUVs
The Rivian R1S competes with other midsize suvs such as Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and BMW X5.
R1S vs Audi Q7
9 years tracked · 314 complaints
R1S vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
8 years tracked · 410 complaints
R1S vs BMW X5
9 years tracked · 647 complaints
R1S vs Porsche Cayenne
8 years tracked · 111 complaints
R1S vs Lexus GX
9 years tracked · 53 complaints
More Rivian R1S comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best Rivian R1s model year to buy used?
- The 2024 is the best pick. It has the lowest complaint rate of the years that have had time on the road, and its reliability rating is good. The 2023 and 2025 years both rate mixed, with far more complaints and more recalls than 2024.
- Is the Rivian R1s reliable?
- Reliability is mixed, and the R1S ranks well below average among SUVs on the site. Owner complaints and federal recall records show repeat trouble with air bags and electrical software. The 2024 model year is the exception, with a good rating and far fewer complaints.
- What are the most common Rivian R1s problems?
- Air bags lead the complaints, followed by the electrical system, steering and suspension. Air bag reports center on the passenger air bag switching off with an adult seated. Electrical reports include black screens after a software update and a full power loss in traffic.
- Does the Rivian R1s have steering or suspension problems?
- Yes, though they are less common than air bag and electrical complaints. Steering reports describe the vehicle lunging sideways and loose steering rack bolts that left the wheel off-center. Suspension reports include a service fault over speed bumps and a front hub bolt backing out, which left one car undrivable.
- Will the Rivian R1s hold up long term?
- The data cannot say yet. The R1S has only been tracked from the 2023 model year, so there is no record of older, high-mileage vehicles. What the records show is repeat air bag warnings that returned after several part replacements and long waits for service.
How we score the Rivian R1S
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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