Used Car Checklists

2026 Rivian R1S: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the door latches and locks. The 6 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Rivian R1S2026
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
1
Crashes reported
3
1 injury
Reliability
Mixed
59/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2026 Rivian R1S. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/6 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/4

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other R1S years with the same design

These years share the 2026's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2025 R1S

45 owner complaints
  • Exterior lights 6
  • Electrical 5
  • Acceleration and cruise control 4

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Run the VIN for open recalls and ask the seller whether any recall repair is still waiting on parts.
  • Drive at highway speed for 20 minutes and watch for screen blackouts, reboots, or disabled emergency braking warnings.
  • Shift through every gear with the drive stalk several times and watch for drive stalk error messages.
Open the 2025 checklist

2024 R1S

13 owner complaints
  • Airbags 2
  • Suspension 2

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Drive slowly over speed bumps with the windows down and listen for front-end clunking or thumping.
  • Ask for service records and look for repeat visits about front-end noise or passenger seat detection.
  • Put a light adult in the front passenger seat and confirm the car recognizes the seat as occupied.
Open the 2024 checklist

Which R1S is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2026 Rivian R1S. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
Electric4WD374–410 mi range
  • With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 374–410 miles. A much lower number on a mild day can mean a worn battery; ask for a battery health report.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2026 Rivian R1S, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Door latches and locks2No crashes

    Opening the rear doors without power is hard. The manual release sits behind a stiff piece of plastic that does not come off quickly, so getting out in a hurry takes effort and know-how. The front doors are simpler, with a manual latch right next to the electric open button. Families say they worry rear passengers could be stuck inside during an emergency or power failure. There are only 2 complaints on file. Both describe this design concern, not a part that broke.

How the 2026 compares with other R1S years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of the 4 R1S years we cover, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2026 Average of other years
  • Door latches and locks20

Where the 2026 fits in the R1S's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2026 is the third model year of the R1S's second generation (2024 on).

It includes the 2024 update.

What changed for 2024

  • Introduction of dual-motor versions.
  • Independent traction motors for front and rear axles.

Recalls to confirm (1)

Recall repairs are free at any Rivian dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 26V009000Seat beltsJan 2026

    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.

    Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Fix: 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.

Also looking at these instead of a R1S?

Cars shoppers compare with the Rivian R1S, with their own 2026 checklists.

2026 owner complaints, side by side