2023 Rivian R1S other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle experiences recurring, uncommanded high-speed steering "lurches" where the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system initiates aggressive, sudden steering inputs at highway speeds (65+ mph). These inputs force the vehicle out of its lane and require immediate, significant manual driver counter-steering to prevent collisions. These events occur without warning, despite no perceived environmental triggers. This issue involves the vehicle's automated steering and Lane Keep Assist software suite. This safety defect renders the vehicle inherently dangerous to operate at highway speeds for the driver, occupants and everyone on the freeway. This issue is not isolated to this vehicle; numerous owners have reported identical, terrifying high-speed steering shoves on public forums for over a year. There is credible evidence indicating that the manufacturer's executive leadership, including the CEO, has been aware of these fleet-wide issues for well over a year. Despite this knowledge, the manufacturer continues to characterize these life-safety events as "Operating as Designed" or "No Fault Found" (NFF). This issue has been reported to the manufacturer’s service center repeatedly over several months by myself and other owners. Despite the manufacturer claiming to be "diagnosing" or "duplicating" the steering failure, telemetry data from the vehicle (including odometer audits) confirms that the vehicle remains stationary at the service facility for extended periods with zero diagnostic miles driven during these "repair" attempts. Other service appointments show minimal miles driven. The manufacturer has replaced safety-critical steering hardware, including the steering column assembly, without resolving the persistent software-driven steering lurches. The manufacturer’s refusal to acknowledge the defect or conduct meaningful, speed-appropriate road validation, despite being notified of the systemic safety risk, suggests a failure to address an acute life-safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11748472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving at city speeds, I heard a rubbing/grinding noise from the right rear of the vehicle and noticed that the suspension no longer felt normal. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, I found that the right rear wheel had shifted rearward within the wheel opening and was contacting the wheel liner. The condition appeared suddenly without prior warning messages or warning lights. I do not recall any curb strike, pothole impact, collision, off-road event, or other significant impact prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a manufacturer service center and inspected. The manufacturer determined the damage was impact-related and not covered under warranty. Recommended repairs include replacement of the right rear knuckle, upper longitudinal link, toe link, hub bearing, and halfshaft. The failure resulted in a significant change in rear suspension geometry and raised concerns about vehicle safety. The damaged components are currently in the possession of the manufacturer service center and may be available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11743356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The horn is far to quiet to be heard by other drivers. This creates a dangerous situation in many common circumstances on the road and highway.

NHTSA complaint #11690848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Horn is extremely underpowered and not audible to other drivers at highway speeds in particular. This has not been inspected by Rivian because all R1S vehicles are like this since they removed the second horn that was originally shipped in earlier builds.

NHTSA complaint #11611043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I received a critical safety recall regarding side air bags from Rivian regarding my 2023 R1S on June 14. After multiple attempts by me to connect with their Customer Service, I was informed that a mobile service technician would come to fix the issue on August 26, 2024. This would be more than 60 days after Rivian's initial notification. Additionally, on July 6 2024, when I turned on the vehicle, I was notified of multiple system failures. I promptly created an incident ticket with Rivian on this but have to yet hear back from Rivian. Rivian's lax attitude on getting such critical issues fixed is of great concern. The vehicle is barely over a year old since I have owned it and I feel distrustful of this company and thoroughly disappointed by their nonchalant approach to getting these critical issues fixed.

NHTSA complaint #11599545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

(1) Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: "Critical Battery Issue" + "Electrical Hazard Possible; Drive to service center immediately. Avoid driving through water" + "Coming to emergency stop soon; Steer to safety and park" (2) Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: (1) The car abruptly stopped near a corner in middle of street blocking the street, police had to intervene with traffic *potential for collision/pedestrian strike (2) The car had no electrical, completely blacked out and HAZARD lights didn't work when Police asked to turn them on, nothing would turn on **potential for collision (3) Car was blacked out with all windows down, doors unlocked and unable to get into compartments of vehicle to remove personal items of value due to all electrical being backed out *potential safety / theft concern Police ended up towing due to Rivian being unable to locate a tow in a timely manner the incident occurred at 4:30pm and Police politely waited for Rivian until her 6:30 and then called their local tow yard for secure space for unresponsive unit blocking street (3) Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: Not sure - It took Rivian until 11:30am the next day to coordinate a pick up from local tow yard where Police mandated tow due to Rivian being unable to clear a hazard blocking the street (4) Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: The local Police were on scene and were highly accommodating directing traffic to mitigate any potential safety issues for pedestrians, drivers and on-lookers. Rivian hasn't shared anything at all and its 24hours+ after the incident (5) Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes, as listed above in #1

NHTSA complaint #11571793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Horn is too weak and inaudible when there’s other noise around or if someone is listening to music in their car. Other vehicles don’t seem to hear the horn in case of emergencies.

NHTSA complaint #11570453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The single horn on this vehicle is incredibly weak/not loud enough and has almost led to two separate incidents in my 3 months of ownership due to other drivers not being able to hear my horn.

NHTSA complaint #11559419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle horn is not very loud and makes a low frequency noise that is not easily recognizable as a vehicle horn. The horn presents a safety risk to vehicle occupants, other vehicles and pedestrians.

NHTSA complaint #11558233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was at 44% state of charge and the ambient temp was around 65 F. While taking a turn at an intersection, the vehicle reduced regenerative braking(regen bar on the vehicle was greyed out) had I had quickly break as the car started to coast. This only lasted for 8-10 secs and the vehicle had regular regen breaking. Rivian don’t have blended braking, so if that had happened in different situations that needed much faster reaction time I would be in trouble. Issue 1: vehicle randomly decided to go into reduced regen for a brief period even at ideal conditions for regen( low SoC and normal temp, vehicle drive only for 5 mins) Issue 2: There is no blended braking to compensate for this in such situation, putting the driver/passengers at risk

NHTSA complaint #11555912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Software update rolled out version 2023.42.0 and now the vehicle screen is black and HVAC does not work. It is unclear if any safety or airbag systems are operational. Cameras not working.

NHTSA complaint #11555040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

OTA update 2023.42 failed to install and left car without working screens, the only way to really manage the vehicle's settings. No formal communication until mid-afternoon next day, approximately 16+ hours after problem became known. Rivian stating vehicle can be driven without speedometer and working systems.

NHTSA complaint #11555106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Horn on the car not loud enough. Other drivers on road can barely hear it. I can barely hear inside my own car.

NHTSA complaint #11548357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car automatically, abruptly, and without warning shift into park as I slowed down at a stop sign and stalled in the middle of the road. It did not shift into Park for 30-35 mins and even after doing hard and soft resets while on the phone with service. Somehow it worked again after my hitting the brakes several times and I was able to move it out to the side and drive it back home. This issue has happened multiple times in the past too but it only happened for a few seconds as opposed to such a long time. The car had a ‘charger not connected properly’ warning on the dashboard. My safety and that of my wife was put in danger as an abrupt and automatic shift to park disrupted traffic and we could’ve been rear-ended. This is also a particularly troubling issue if the car stalls abruptly when slowing down on the freeway and cars in the back are speeding up and end up rear-ending my car. This situation could be fatal. I wasn’t able to reproduce the event but it has happened to me multiple times in the past. Rivian is looking into this issue now as I’ve dropped off my car for service today (9/6). I did receive responses to my post on Reddit about this situation and other customers complaining of experiencing the same issue. There were no warning lamps or prior warnings of this issue. The dashboard showed a charger not installed correctly error but I believe that’s for another issue I’ve had with the car where the car does not fast charge. The issue first appeared for me in stop and go traffic in Seattle downtown a few days after taking delivery of the car in June, and once again on the Canada-US border in Vancouver in July when moving slowly in line to reach the immigration booth. The car abruptly stopped and would not shift back to drive. It took a minute or two but it eventually shifted back to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11543063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.