Last updated: 2026-03-16
2023 Rivian R1s Reliability Report
The 2023 Rivian R1s scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). With 9 recalls and 60 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
9
Complaints
60
Complaint Rate
25.6
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (26)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- STEERING (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the First generation (R1S).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 1st generation R1s (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2022: First generation (R1S) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the First generation (R1S).
Should You Buy the 2023 Rivian R1s?
The 2023 Rivian R1s scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2023 is the last model year of the First generation (R1S).
With 60 owner complaints and 9 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in air bags (26) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on air bags (26) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2024 Rivian R1s, which scored 5 points higher.
Pros
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −AIR BAGS issues reported (26 complaints)
Compare 2023 Rivian R1s With
2023 BMW X5
Reliability: 65/100
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability: 70/100
2023 Audi Q7
Reliability: 66/100
2023 Lexus GX
Reliability: 81/100
2023 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 61/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 9 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (26)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
Recall Overview
9
recalls on record
The 2023 Rivian R1s has 9 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
25.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.3
Safety Incidents
7
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Rivian R1s Recall Details
9 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Rivian R1s. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.
Consequence
Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EDV, R1S, and R1T vehicles. The headlights may be improperly aimed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1445.
VISIBILITY, EQUIPMENT
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles. A software update may have deactivated the defroster and defogger system controls.
Consequence
The inability to operate the windshield defrosting and defogging system can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1331.
2023 Rivian R1s NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 12.7%
Safety Technologies
Rivian R1s Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2023 Rivian R1s Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| AC Compressor Replacement | $1,004 – $1,356 |
| AC Compressor Clutch Replacement | $666 – $797 |
| AC Condenser Replacement | $803 – $935 |
| Air Conditioning Condenser Fan Motor Replacement | $360 – $548 |
| AC Evaporator Replacement | $1,292 – $1,819 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Rivian R1s.
Verify passenger airbag activation with a light passenger
Test for unintended acceleration from a stop
Check for software update issues affecting screens and safety features
Inspect for steering instability or unexpected movement
Ensure horn is audible at highway speeds
Confirm regenerative braking functions properly
Buying a 2023 R1s? Check Its History First
Every 2023 Rivian R1s has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2023 Rivian R1s Common Problems by Component
60 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
26 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Rivian R1S frequently report issues with the passenger airbag system not recognizing occupants properly, particularly with lighter-weight passengers. Complaints commonly describe the airbag system as failing to activate when passengers are seated, with many reports involving adults who weigh between 105 to 150 pounds. This problem is often noted to persist since the vehicle's purchase and remains unresolved despite multiple service visits and software updates. Safety implications include the potential risk of airbags not deploying during a collision, as the system may inaccurately detect the seat as unoccupied. These issues are particularly noted during normal driving conditions and are not attributed to specific mileage ranges.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Rivian R1S report several issues with the electrical system, notably involving software updates that render the infotainment and driver information screens non-functional, with some also losing access to safety features and exterior controls. Complaints frequently mention sudden unintended acceleration, with two incidents resulting in crashes, and issues with the airbag system, where errors persist despite multiple repairs. Reports indicate that these problems can occur at various mileages and timelines, with some vehicles being less than a year old. Safety implications are significant, as these issues have led to loss of control and crashes, raising concerns for potential buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsOwners report that the 2023 Rivian R1S has a horn that is consistently described as too quiet and insufficiently audible, especially at highway speeds and in noisy environments. Complaints frequently mention that the single horn is not loud enough to alert other drivers, potentially leading to safety risks during emergencies. Multiple owners describe situations where the horn's low volume nearly caused incidents, suggesting the issue is prevalent shortly after purchase, within the first few months of ownership. Additionally, one complaint highlights a brief reduction in regenerative braking, which could pose a risk in situations needing quick response, though this is less commonly reported than the horn issue. These concerns may be relevant for used car buyers prioritizing vehicle safety features.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple steering-related issues with the 2023 Rivian R1S. Common symptoms include unexpected steering wheel movement when weight is applied, steering instability, and the vehicle pulling to one side without driver input. Complaints frequently mention steering columns being replaced multiple times without resolving the issue and steering rack bolts being loose. These issues are reported at various mileage levels, including as early as 1,801 miles. Safety implications include a crash resulting from the vehicle lunging to the right and concerns about potential loss of vehicle control, which may be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Rivian R1S report issues primarily related to the suspension system, with two distinct problems highlighted. One complaint describes a hub bolt backing out, causing a loud grinding noise and rendering the vehicle undriveable, which required replacement of the hub bolt and axle. Another owner reports recurring suspension error codes that disable ride height adjustments, blind spot sensors, and cruise control, which persisted despite multiple attempts to reset the system. This second issue is associated with a crash, resulting in one injury, and involved a failure of the front tie rod ends. Both complaints involve recent purchases, with one owner noting the issue immediately after acquiring the vehicle. The reported problems have significant safety implications, including loss of control and a collision.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2023 Rivian R1S service brakes, including a stiff brake pedal with minimal travel and an inability to decelerate effectively. Complaints frequently mention a burning smell near the front wheels, potentially linked to brake overheating, and describe electrical anomalies such as cycling door locks. One report details a scenario where the parking brake disengaged unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to roll, which highlights a possible safety risk. These issues appear to occur regardless of specific mileage or timeline, with one incident occurring during vehicle startup and another during a descent in rainy conditions. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to brake failure and unintended vehicle movement, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Rivian R1S report issues with the power train, specifically involving the accelerator pedal and the front drive inverter. One complaint describes a crash resulting from an accelerator pedal defect, with no prior warning signs, leading to a casualty and an injury. Another owner details a sudden halt in traffic due to a front drive inverter failure, occurring at approximately 2,100 miles, with no prior warnings, causing a hazardous situation on the road. Both complaints highlight safety risks, including the inability to move the vehicle to a safer location when the failure occurs. These reports suggest potential safety implications for drivers, particularly in situations where the vehicle becomes immobilized without warning.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintSafety-related1> What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? * The sensors don't detect the object sometimes. There were 2 incidents when the car sensors did not detect the object a> In my office parking lot the rear sensors did not detect the fire hydrant and did not make the beep noise resulting in a collision. b> I was driving in my neighborhood; I was blinded by the sun and couldn't see the road ahead. Again, the sensors did not detect the car in front i ended up in a collision. 2> How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? * I had a collision with another car parked by the curbside. Luckily no one was in the other car but both cars had severe damages. I had bruises on my left-hand forearm. 3> Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? * When the first incident happened, I was not able to provide Rivian accurate date and time of the incident and the gear guard did not record the collision although it was supposed to record. So I went back to my office parking lot and i reproduced the problem 1 time after trying several attempts and shared the video with Rivian. I have had too many email exchanges with Rivian to help address the issue but they did not help. 4> Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? * When i reported the first-time issue first time, Rivian inspected the sensors on May 29th 2024 and they said there was no problem with the sensors. But it failed to detect the car in my street and hence i had this collision. I could not see anything as i got blinded by the Sun in the evening. I have a recording from the car's gear guard. 5>Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? * There were no warnings or messages during the incident. However, When it detects it applies the brake. But not this time.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintI purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV towed to America's Tire where they confirmed that there were no punctures in the tire and that it was defective. This could have resulted in a serious accident simply because I was not given proper warning about the tire pressure.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintOne of the bolts that attaches the electric motor to the front wheel (internal, under the vehicle) backed itself out. That seems really dangerous and I am hopeful the condition does not exist on the other wheels. I sent pictures to Rivian and they are taking the vehicle to their service center for further inspection.
When Do 2023 Rivian R1s Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Rivian R1s Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Rivian R1s Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Rivian R1s year is 2024 with a reliability score of 62/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (57/100) and 2025 (56/100).
2024
2023
(Current Model)
2025
Rivian R1s Years to Avoid
No Rivian R1s years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Rivian R1s maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Rivian R1s Reliability Score Trend
Rivian R1s reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 58/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 56/100 | Mixed |
Rivian R1s Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Rivian R1s reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Rivian R1s?
How many recalls does the 2023 Rivian R1s have?
Is the 2023 Rivian R1s expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 Rivian R1s without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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