Used Car Checklists

2023 Rivian R1T: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the airbags, electrical, and transmission. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Rivian R1T2023
Owner complaints
35
Recalls
7
Crashes reported
3
Reliability
Good
65/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2023 Rivian R1T. 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.

0/8 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

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

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/1

3

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1

4

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4

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 R1T years with the same design

These years share the 2023's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2024 R1T

7 owner complaints

Worth adding to your 2023 checks

  • Test for steering wheel shake above 20mph.
  • Inspect door alignment and check for excessive wind noise.
  • Verify functionality of horn.
Open the 2024 checklist

Which R1T is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Rivian R1T. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
ElectricAWD, 4WD328–352 mi range
  • With a full charge, the range estimate on the dash should land near the EPA figure of 328–352 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 2023 Rivian R1T, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Airbags14No crashes

    The passenger airbag turns itself off with an adult in the front seat, and the "Passenger Airbag Off" light comes on. Most reports involve riders between about 110 and 150 pounds. The light can flip on and off mid-drive when the passenger leans forward, crosses their legs, or reclines. Service centers usually check the system and call it within spec or working as designed, so owners leave without a fix. The risk is an airbag that may not deploy in a crash for lighter adults and teens.

  • Electrical4No crashes

    Faults range from sudden warnings to total loss of the truck. One report describes a fire that destroyed the vehicle, blamed on an electrical or battery defect. Others describe a "Critical Battery Issue" warning with nonstop beeping on a brand-new truck, and braking on its own at highway speed with cruise control set and no traffic nearby. In another case, warnings switch off the front sensors, front camera, collision detection, and regenerative braking, and the truck then loses speed quickly. That happened the day after a software update. Sudden slowing on the highway raises the risk of a rear-end crash.

  • Transmission3No crashes

    Front half shafts come loose. One shop found a front CV axle bolt almost backed out, with no warning signs beforehand. Another truck had a front half shaft come detached after earlier repairs, with rattling from the front. Sudden power loss is the other pattern. The truck drops into limited performance or turtle mode, and in one case it stopped completely in moving traffic. Regenerative braking can also cut out at highway speed, and drivers have to switch to the friction brakes without warning. A loose half shaft can mean loss of steering control.

  • Brakes22 crashes

    Both reports involve crashes. In one, the parking brake does not hold the truck on a snowy, sloped driveway. The truck rolls and hits a house, and the tire tracks suggest only two wheels were locked. In the other, lane correction pushes the truck into the next lane and it accelerates. The driver avoids a head-on collision but hits a fence. In both cases the driver had no chance to prevent the loss of control.

  • Acceleration and cruise control21 crash

    High regeneration mode can make the truck hard to control on slick roads. One crash report describes the truck hydroplaning: the driver lifts off the accelerator and the front tires lose more grip and skid. The owner says traction control, stability control, and anti-lock braking did not catch it. A separate report describes the high-voltage battery failing twice at highway speed, both times putting the truck into turtle mode. Both describe loss of control or power at speed.

  • Automatic emergency braking2No crashes

    Driver assistance shuts off without warning. A "Driver Assistance Features Unavailable, Service Soon" message disables adaptive cruise and Highway Assist at highway speed, even in clear weather. In one case this started around 1,200 miles and went on for over a year despite repeat repairs. Another report blames software update 2023.42.0 for a dead center screen, no defrost or climate control, and every safety feature disabled except blind spot warnings. When the system drops out at speed, the driver has to take over suddenly.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints R1T owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Airbags
The Rivian R1T's passenger airbag does not engage if you weigh less than a certain amount. I am 5'2" and 120 pounds, and the airbag is "off" if I sit in the passenger seat. Some Rivian dealers say it is set at 135 pounds; one dealer said it is set at 150 pounds. When we complain to Rivian, they say the car is "functioning as designed," but will not tell us what those design parameters are. I cannot ride in my own car.

Filed with NHTSA, December 2023

Airbags
The front passenger airbag sensor goes on and off when my passenger sits in the front seat. My passenger is 133 pounds and sometimes it triggers the "disabled" airbag icon and sometimes it doens't. It's very inconsistent and I fear that if it is in the disabled position at the time of an accident the airbags will not deploy. The vehicle has not been inspected by a licensed professional, manufacturer or police.

Filed with NHTSA, December 2023

BrakesCrash reported
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.

Filed with NHTSA, April 2024

How the 2023 compares with other R1T years

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

The 2023 has the most owner complaints of the 3 R1T years we cover, about 4.7 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2023 Average of other years
  • Airbags140
  • Electrical40
  • Transmission30
  • Brakes20
  • Acceleration and cruise control20
  • Automatic emergency braking20

Where the 2023 fits in the R1T's history

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

The 2023 is the second model year of the R1T's first generation (2022–2024).

Recalls to confirm (7)

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.

  2. 26V003000SuspensionJan 2026

    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.

    Risk: The toe link joint may separate, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

  3. 25V370000Seat beltsJun 2025

    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.

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

    Fix: 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.

  4. 24V458000EquipmentJun 2024

    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.".

    Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

  5. 24V408000AirbagsJun 2024

    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.

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

    Fix: 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.

  6. 24V367000Exterior lightsMay 2024

    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.".

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

    Fix: 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.

  7. 23V783000Wipers and visibilityNov 2023

    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.

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

    Fix: 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.

Also looking at these instead of a R1T?

Cars shoppers compare with the Rivian R1T, with their own 2023 checklists.

2023 owner complaints, side by side