Last updated: 2026-10-10

Rivian R1S

Rivian R1S Years to Avoid

4 scored model years (2023–2026) · model average 59/100

No R1S model year is one to avoid, because none sits far below the model's own average. Complaints and recalls do vary by year, and they run much higher for 2023 and 2025. Buyers should pick the 2024.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2024 62/100
Model average
59/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Rivian R1S Problems?

AIR BAGS

28 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024

2023: The front passenger airbag switches off while an adult is seated.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2025

2023: Screens go black after a November 2023 software update, version 2023.42, which also knocked out HVAC, cameras, driver aids, and control of the lights and wipers.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2023

2025: Sudden forward surges while stopped at a light appear in one crash report.

STEERING

8 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2023

2025: Pulling to one side under acceleration and the opposite way when slowing is a recurring complaint.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 complaints

Most reported in 2025

2025: Headlights pack with wet snow and stop lighting the road, which makes lane lines hard to see.

SUSPENSION

6 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2024, 2023

2025: Highway speed drops suddenly from 75 to 51 mph in one report, at under 900 miles.

Best Rivian R1S Year to Buy Instead

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Rivian R1S

The 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.

Score: 62/100 (Good)6 recalls13 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Rivian R1S has 6 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Rivian R1S Years by Generation

Rivian R1S Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Rivian R1s years should I avoid?
No year is clearly one to avoid, since none sits far below the R1S's own average. The weakest are 2023 and 2025, which carry the most complaints and recalls, so inspect those more closely and favor the 2024 if your budget allows.
Is the 2023 Rivian R1s a bad year?
Not clearly bad, but it is one of the two weakest. The 2023 has the most complaints of any year, 60, and 9 recalls. Air bags lead its complaints, followed by the electrical system. Check that every open recall has been completed before buying.
Is the 2025 Rivian R1s worth buying?
It is a reasonable but weaker choice than the 2024. The 2025 also has 9 recalls and a mixed rating. Owners reported exterior lighting and electrical faults, and the data includes one fire report. Ask for service history and recall status before committing.
Is the 2026 Rivian R1s the most reliable year?
No. The 2026 shows few complaints and one recall, but it is too new to judge. Problems pile up the longer a model year is on the road. Its early reports include latch and lock issues, so treat it as unproven, not best.
Which Rivian R1s years have transmission problems?
The data shows no transmission problem area for any year. One electrical report describes an unexpected shift into park that stalled the car on the road, but it is a single pattern and does not point to a specific year. Air bags and electrical faults are the bigger concerns.

How we score every Rivian R1S model year

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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