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Rivian · NHTSA safety record

2023 Rivian R1T

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 38 safety complaints about the 2023 Rivian R1T with the US government. Of those, 3 describe a crash, 1 mentions a fire and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the air bags, named in 14 complaints, 37% of the total.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers April 2023 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

38 complaints on file

38

Complaints

3

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

0

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
AIR BAGS 14 · 37%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 · 16%
SERVICE BRAKES 5 · 13%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 · 13%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 4 · 11%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 · 8%
LANE DEPARTURE 3 · 8%
POWER TRAIN 3 · 8%
SEATS 3 · 8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 · 8%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 1 · 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1 · 3%
0 8 15

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 38.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 14.

16 12 8 4
23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2023 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2023 Rivian R1T. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

26V597000 · September 16, 2026

The defect
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2027 R1S, 2022-2026 R1T, and 2027 R2 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a notification when in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1866. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 9, 2026.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 98,828 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

26V009000 · January 15, 2026

The defect
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and 2022-2026 R1S vehicles. The bolts that secure the second-row driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies may be improperly tightened.
The risk
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy
Rivian will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 2, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1795.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 869 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

26V003000 · January 5, 2026

The defect
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1S and R1T vehicles that previously had service performed. The toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service procedures performed before March 10, 2025.
The risk
The toe link joint may separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1794. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 24, 2026.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 19,641 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

25V370000 · June 3, 2025

The defect
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. The D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies may not have been properly installed.
The risk
An improperly secured seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy
Rivian will inspect and properly secure the seat belt anchorage assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1681.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 536 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

24V458000 · June 20, 2024

The defect
Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk
A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 666 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

24V408000 · June 5, 2024

The defect
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.
The risk
Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 1,723 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

24V367000 · May 23, 2024

The defect
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."
The risk
Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 2,334 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

23V783000 · November 21, 2023

The defect
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.
The risk
The inability to operate the windshield defrosting and defogging system can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Rivian Automotive, LLC · up to 1,463 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Rear Toe Link May Separate

PE26004

Still open preliminary evaluation · opened May 26, 2026

the suspension

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting left rear toe link separation in certain Model Year (MY) 2023-2024 Rivian R1S vehicles. Both VOQs report component separation while driving, causing the vehicles to swerve across multiple lanes of traffic. One incident resulted in a collision with an adjacent vehicle and roadside barrier.  In both separations, the bolt that maintains the integrity of the toe link fractured. Evidence collected from the complaint vehicles included repair histories, onboard video, imagery of the damaged components, and a police accident report. The two vehicles with reported separation have different vehicle histories. One vehicle received prior service and the other was involved in a previous collision. In both instances, the vehicles operated for multiple months and thousands of miles of usage with no apparent problems between the previous service or the previous collision and the failures that prompted this investigation. Rivian recognized the subject toe link joint’s sensitivity to service procedures in March of 2025 in its updated service procedures. In January 2026 through recall 26V-003, Rivian extended the improved repair procedure to vehicles that received toe link service prior to the March 2025 improvement. ODI is opening a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to (1) assess the sensitivity of the rear toe link joint to foreseeable road and service conditions, (2) compare the physical failure evidence from the two VOQs to  identify apparent similarities and potential differences, (3) evaluate Rivian’s current toe link repair procedure, and (4) assess the in-field subject population’s toe links conditions. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire

The vehicle caught fire and was completely destroyed. The fire was due to an electrical or battery system defect.

NHTSA complaint 11662648. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · towed

The vehicle was parked on a 8 degree slope in the driveway with approximately 2 inches of snow on the drive way. Within thirty minutes of the vehicle being parked the truck slide down the driveway and crashed into the house. The parking brake failed and or is miss-engineered seeing that only two of the wheels were locked and two rolled noting the tire tracks in the snow. The saftey of myself and others could have been much worse if the truck hadn't hit the house and kept rolling down the hill into an adjacent street or house. There is other vehicle reports of this happening on online forums. The vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer. The issue lies with it being an

NHTSA complaint 11572970, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash

Car was lane corrected into other lane and started accelerating. Like getting hit by a bumper in a pinball machine. Avoided a head on collision but managed to safety maneuver into a fence instead of a tree.

NHTSA complaint 11582833. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

crash

The components that failed are Traction Control, Stability controls, and Anti-Lock Braking while in high regeneration mode. Vehicle can easily become incontrollable in low traction situations (in high regeneration mode) that is a danger to the driver and others on the road. Sequence of Events 1.Vehicle begins to Aquaplane 2.Driver (myself) removes foot from the accelerator pedal (standard technique to regain control) 3.The tires in the front loose more traction and skid due to high regeneration mode. 4.With even less traction the vehicle is out of control In the moment, my first concern and priority was other drivers. I was able avoid six lanes of traffic in the direction of travel without

NHTSA complaint 11585044, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 12v battery died in less than 3 years. Rivian replaced at cost over $500. Unacceptable. Their new battery only warrenty for 2 years.

NHTSA complaint 11762549. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

WHEELS
I was driving to a restaurant and out of nowhere started hearing this metal-on-metal sound 1/4 mile before I got there. I pulled into the parking lot and it kept getting worse, so I called Rivian to tow the car. They confirmed it was a hub and shaft bolt that came loose. I have video of the sound it made if needed. The Rivian technicians took the pictures that I am uploading here.

NHTSA complaint 11739639. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
On multiple occasions I have experienced the defrost feature of my 2023 Rivian R1T blowing cool air instead of warm or hot air, leading to a build up of ice on the windshield while driving. I have brought this concern to Rivian's attention with two service appointments, both of which resulted in Rivian noting they couldn't see any errors in the vehicle's diagnostic logs. I specifically noted the date, time, and temperature of one event but Rivian failed to copy the log data when requested. The issue is trivially reproducible in temperatures around 32ºF, when the defrost mode is enabled. Tapping the defrost/defog button on screen twice to enable defrost mode results in the vehicle selecting

NHTSA complaint 11731452, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
No changes to the car happened before the airbag system went out.

NHTSA complaint 11720146. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When it rains, or water is allowed to collect on top of the roof, water seeps in through the hinges of the driver and passenger sun visors. Depending on how much water is allowed to collect, it can trickle in or gush right inside the interior of the vehicle. Not only can it come in thru the sun visor hinges, but water also came out of my center roof console where my hazards and SOS button are at, causing me to worry about a water + electricity issue. Furthermore, the water obviously gets the carpeted floor wet. My truck is in the Van Nuys Rivian service center for the 2nd time for this issue. This is a well known issue on Rivian forums and on the Rivian subreddit.

NHTSA complaint 11708829. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My truck was recently upgraded to software version 2050.38.0. After the upgrade, I drove my truck about 3 miles in about 5 minutes. When I arrived at my destination, I exited the truck to get something out of the rear seat. The rear door was locked; this is normal. I returned to the front seat to unlock the door via the control panel, but the unlock function did not work. The button is in the center touchscreen of the truck. I check the screen on the center console. It appeared the unlock button was disabled due to the information screen from the code update. This screen was not there when I exited the truck. After I acknowledged the screen, the unlock button was working. If I were trying

NHTSA complaint 11696263, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Rivian R1T

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 9 10 —
2024 9 7 —
2022 67 12 —

Other 2023 Rivian models

R1S 75 EDV 15

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Rivian on this site — 9 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst