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#BS-2023-RIVR1S-24992023 Rivian R1SProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 137 owners and 10 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 137 complaints, 25 crashes, 0 fires, and 10 recalls. Complaint rate is 2.0x the class average.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
29 owners reported airbags issues — failures commonly reported around 29K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Airbags (29 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2023 Rivian R1S: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 21% of all reports filed for the 2023 Rivian R1S, with 29 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 29,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 29K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 12% of all reports filed for the 2023 Rivian R1S, with 16 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Seats Issues
Seats complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2023 Rivian R1S, with 12 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to seats-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Suspension Issues
Suspension complaints account for 6% of all reports filed for the 2023 Rivian R1S, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to suspension-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2023 Rivian R1S. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (10 recalls)
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The fasteners that secure the right and left side curtain air bags may be improperly secured.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The reverse light beam may not be visible from certain angles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
+ 5 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2023 Rivian R1S NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedRollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Rear Toe Link May Separate
SUSPENSION:REAR
2023 Rivian R1S vs. Class Average (Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
137
Class avg
70
2.0x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical standard sport utility vehicle 4wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 137 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 10 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2023 Rivian R1S: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2023 Rivian R1S Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 137 owner reports. Know before you buy.