Most common Rivian warranty defects
Rivian’s recall history on the R1T, R1S and new R2 centers on high-voltage faults that can cut drive power, suspension and seat belt fasteners, software updates that introduced new problems, and lighting components that sometimes had no remedy part available when the recall was announced. Because the R1 lineup changed substantially with the second-generation trucks and SUVs in 2024, which generation you own affects both the parts involved and your warranty terms. For a claim, what matters is a dated record of each defect, each software version and each day your Rivian sat waiting for service.
High-voltage distribution and battery fastener faults causing loss of power
Rivian recalled certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles because an improperly grounded connection inside the High Voltage Distribution Box could cause a loss of drive power; the remedy is to inspect and repair the ground strap joint or replace the high-voltage battery pack as necessary (25V-537). A September 2026 R2 recall involves a high-voltage battery fastener on 2027 R2 vehicles that may not have been tightened properly, again with possible loss of drive power (26V-625). A truck that loses propulsion is a safety defect, and when the fix involves pulling or replacing the pack, downtime adds up quickly. Keep tow records and ask that every invoice describe the warning you saw.
ModelsR1SR1TR2
R1T and R1S suspension fasteners, including errors made during service
Early 2022 R1T, R1S and EDV vehicles were recalled because the fastener connecting the front upper control arm to the steering knuckle may not have been tightened properly (22V-744). A more unusual campaign followed in January 2026: Rivian recalled 2022–2025 R1S and R1T vehicles because the rear toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service performed before March 10, 2025, and is replacing the toe link bolts (26V-003). A separate recall replaced B-pillar and C-pillar trim panels whose clips may have been damaged during a service procedure (24V-408). When a repair visit creates a new defect, that visit and the follow-up both belong in your repair history.
ModelsR1TR1S
Over-the-air updates that created new problems
Rivian relies heavily on software, and several recalls trace back to it. In November 2023, update 2023.42 left some R1T and R1S infotainment screens black; Rivian said a “fat finger” error pushed the wrong build with the wrong security certificates, and the recall noted that defroster and defogger controls were deactivated (23V-783). Other software-related campaigns cover accelerator pedals on 2022 R1T and R1S that may not detect release, so auto-hold or park fails to engage (23V-883), exterior lights disabled by the Car Costume feature on 2025 models (24V-827), Hands-Free Highway Assist that may misidentify a lead vehicle (25V-585), and a notification that can block the rearview camera image on R1 and R2 models (26V-597). Note your software version every time a problem appears.
ModelsR1TR1SR2
Seat belt anchorages, retractors and occupant sensing
Restraint hardware has been recalled again and again on the R1. Campaigns include a 2022 R1T occupant classification system that may not turn off the passenger air bag for a child seat, fixed by replacing the passenger seat (22V-319), front belt anchors that may be inadequately attached to the B-pillar on 2022 models (22V-641), a faulty passenger automatic locking retractor sensor (23V-109), loose curtain air bag fasteners on 2022–2023 R1S (23V-159), front D-ring bolts that may not be properly installed on 2022–2025 R1T and R1S (25V-370), and second-row retractor bolts that may be improperly tightened on 2022–2025 R1T and 2022–2026 R1S (26V-009). Seat belt and air bag warnings that return after one of these repairs are a serious, documentable defect.
ModelsR1TR1S
Headlight, low beam and turn signal failures
Lighting has been a recurring R1 problem, and it shows how parts supply can stretch a repair. Rivian recalled 2023–2024 R1S, R1T and EDV vehicles for improperly aimed headlights (24V-367) and 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles whose low beams may not illuminate on cold starts, replacing the headlight control modules (25V-085). Front turn signals that may fail to light on 2025 R1S and R1T were recalled in June 2025 with owners told they would get a second notice once the remedy became available (25V-387), and a further campaign covers 2025–2026 models (26V-508). A turn signal or headlight that works intermittently may not show up at the appointment, so photos and video of the failure help.
ModelsR1SR1T
Signs your Rivian may be a lemon
- More than one loss-of-propulsion event. Drive power warnings on an R1 or R2, especially after high-voltage box or battery work, point to a continuing defect.
- A problem that started after a service visit. Suspension noise, loose trim or warning lights that appeared after Rivian worked on the vehicle should be reported right away and tied to the earlier invoice.
- Features that break with each update. Screens, climate controls, driver assistance or camera views that fail again after successive over-the-air releases.
- Recurring restraint warnings. Air bag or seat belt lights that come back after recall repairs to anchors, retractors or the occupant sensor.
- Long waits on a recall or repair part. Weeks parked while a headlight module, turn signal or battery component is unavailable count toward days out of service in many states.
Rivian models we see
Lemon law claims can involve any Rivian still under factory warranty, including:
- R1T, first generation (Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor)
- R1T, second generation (introduced in 2024, including Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor)
- R1S, first generation (Dual-Motor and Quad-Motor)
- R1S, second generation (introduced in 2024, including Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor)
- R2
What Rivian’s warranty means for a claim
Rivian’s US terms depend on generation. Second-generation R1 vehicles carry a 4-year or 50,000-mile comprehensive warranty, battery and drivetrain coverage of 8 years or 120,000 miles with the Standard pack or 8 years or 150,000 miles with the Large or Max pack, an 8-year corrosion (perforation only) warranty, an 8-year or 100,000-mile occupant active restraint warranty, and a 1-year or 12,000-mile adjustment warranty. First-generation vehicles have 4 years or 50,000 miles of comprehensive coverage on Dual-Motor models and 5 years or 60,000 miles on Quad-Motor models, with battery and drivetrain coverage of 8 years and 120,000, 150,000 or 175,000 miles depending on motor and pack. The R2 has its own warranty guide, so check it rather than assuming R1 terms apply.
In practice, Rivian often responds with software updates, and many campaigns are remedied over the air without a service visit. Ask for written documentation of each in-person repair, record the software version before and after updates, and keep messages from the Rivian app or service team. When a recall notice says a remedy is not yet available, note that date; time spent waiting for parts can matter.
Rivian recalls and problem reports
No Rivian articles match that exact combination — but that does not mean you do not have a claim. Repeat repair attempts, days out of service, and warranty status matter more than whether a recall exists.
A recall is not a claim
An open recall on your Rivian is not, by itself, a lemon law case — and a recall that has already been repaired does not mean you don’t have one. Recalls are safety campaigns run by the manufacturer; lemon law claims turn on how your specific vehicle has performed under warranty. What matters is the record: how many times you brought the vehicle in for the same problem, how many days it has spent out of service, and whether the defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety while covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
A Rivian that has been back to the dealer repeatedly for one persistent issue can qualify with no recall on file, while a vehicle with three open recalls may not qualify at all if each was repaired on the first visit. Repair-attempt and days-out-of-service thresholds vary from state to state, so the same facts can play out differently depending on where you bought or registered the vehicle. Keep every repair order — the paper trail is the case.
Who handles your Rivian claim
Lemon Law Group Partners is a law firm dedicated to lemon law. Jason S. Hegedus founded it in 2012 after years as a defense attorney for a major automaker in Michigan, and he has litigated lemon law claims since the late 1990s. That background shows us how manufacturers evaluate and defend claims — and we use it for consumers.
Your Rivian case is handled by a team of more than twenty attorneys, paralegals and case managers. We collect and review your repair orders, deal with the manufacturer and its lawyers, and pursue a buyback, replacement or cash settlement where your state’s law allows. No attorney’s fees unless we recover.
Jason S. HegedusManaging Partner & FounderFrequently asked questions about Rivian lemon law claims
Do Rivian over-the-air updates count as repair attempts?
They can, depending on your state. An update Rivian released to fix a known defect, such as the November 2023 update that had to be corrected after it disabled screens and defroster controls, is evidence the manufacturer tried to repair the problem. But updates do not always create a repair order. Write down the version number and date, keep the release notes, and if the issue continues, book a service visit so a technician documents it.
My Rivian lost drive power. Is that covered?
High-voltage battery and drivetrain failures fall under Rivian’s battery and drivetrain coverage, which runs 8 years and 120,000 to 175,000 miles depending on generation, motor configuration and pack. Rivian has also recalled 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles for a High Voltage Distribution Box ground fault and 2027 R2 vehicles for a battery fastener, both tied to loss of drive power. A repeat power-loss event after one of these repairs is the kind of defect lemon laws are designed to address.
What if my Rivian’s problem was caused by a service visit?
Rivian has recalled R1T and R1S vehicles because a rear toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service before March 10, 2025, and separately for pillar trim clips damaged during a service procedure. If a defect appeared after Rivian worked on your vehicle, report it promptly and ask that the new invoice reference the earlier visit. Warranty repairs that introduce new problems still count toward how long, and how often, your vehicle has been out of service.
Is my first-generation R1T or R1S still under warranty?
Possibly in part. Early R1 vehicles had comprehensive coverage of 4 years or 50,000 miles on Dual-Motor models and 5 years or 60,000 miles on Quad-Motor models, so some 2022 trucks and SUVs may be past that window. Battery and drivetrain coverage runs 8 years, with mileage caps between 120,000 and 175,000 depending on configuration. Lemon law rights usually turn on when the defect was first reported, so repair records from inside the comprehensive warranty still matter.
Can waiting for a Rivian part make my vehicle a lemon?
It can contribute. Many state lemon laws count the total days a vehicle is out of service for warranty repairs, not just the number of attempts. Rivian has issued recalls, such as the 2025 front turn signal campaign, where owners were told a second notice would follow once the remedy was available. If your R1 or R2 sits waiting for a part, keep the dates you dropped it off and picked it up, and any messages explaining the delay.
Think your Rivian might be a lemon?
If your Rivian has been in the shop repeatedly for the same warranty problem, or has sat out of service for weeks, tell us what happened. The review is free, and there are no attorney’s fees unless we recover for you.
Lemon Law Group Partners PLC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rivian or any other vehicle manufacturer. All trademarks, service marks, and brand names are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify the vehicles at issue.
