2023 Rivian R1S Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 21%of 76 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 2023 Rivian R1S, 21% of the 76 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Stopped at McDonalds drive through waiting to order with my foot on the brake and the vehicle lunged forward rearending the car stopped 5 feet in front of me ordering. I was trying to brake but it kept pushing the car in front of me then careened to the right hitting a sign and a parked car. I kept pumping the brakes and I thought it was going to run into a building when the vehicle finally stopped about 30 feet from the 2nd parked car it struck. …”
NHTSA complaint #11553554, filed 2023-11“I pulled into my semicircle, long driveway as I do every morning, and stopped at the top by releasing my foot off the accelerator (no need for brakes as it is an EV). I opened the garage door and slowly stepped on the accelerator, but it started to go fast, and I felt out of control. I immediately released my foot off the accelerator (which should have stopped the vehicle) and slammed on the brakes (there is proof in my driveway with tire marks leading up to the accident) but still did not stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11664025, filed 2025-05“On five separate occasions the airbag system on my car has become inoperable. Starting in July 2025 I noticed an airbag error on the display of the vehicle. I brought the car in for service and they replaced the steering wheel. The airbag error occurred again in August, this time requiring replacement of a different wiring harness. The error occurred again and again went in for service in November, this time replacing the front seats, seatbelt control modules, and the airbag module. This past weekend the air bag alert appeared again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11708710, filed 2026-01“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11599545, filed 2024-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11543063, filed 2023-09Related recalls
- 23V783000Nov 21, 2023Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles. A software update may have deactivated the defroster and defogger system…Covers: Rivian R1S 2022–2023, R1T 2022–2023
Related service bulletins
- 11033439May 19, 2026Rivian is launching a technical service bulletin for some model year 2022-2024 R1 vehicles that may have ultrasonic sensors detached from the front fascia mounting area. After…
- 11029593Feb 17, 2026SMS Reminder sent to customers who had still open potential 12-volt failures.
- 11029592Feb 9, 2026SMS sent to customers with potential 12-volt failure and advising need for replacement to avoid drivability interruptions.
- 11019107May 6, 2025Rivian is initiating a customer satisfaction campaign for some model year 2023-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with an improperly formatted solid…
- 11016388Mar 22, 2025Bulk SMS - Service Campaign Awareness
- 11015128Feb 21, 2025We’re reaching out about your <<<R1T,R1S>>> (VIN: <<insert VIN here>>). We need to <<<replace the 12V battery>><<,>> << and>> swap the HVAC drain plug <<,>> << and>> <<inspect…
- 11015126Feb 21, 2025Rivian Internal Hi <customer name>, We’re reaching out about your Rivian. We identified a need to inspect your vehicle for a potential issue that could result in being unable to…
- 11015122Feb 21, 2025We’ve identified your R1T/R1S as needing a service appointment related to its 12V battery. Please bring your vehicle in to prevent a 12-Volt Failure, which could leave you unable…
- 11011343Nov 15, 2024Text message sent to customers to encourage them to call and schedule service.
- 11008360Oct 20, 2024Rivian is initiating a customer satisfaction campaign for some model year 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles that may have been built with the incorrect interior audio amplifier. On…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2023 Rivian R1S
29 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsLane departure
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Rivian R1S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology