Common Rivian Lemon Issues
Owners of Rivian R1T and R1S models have reported a range of persistent issues:
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Suspension defects
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Cracking, shifting, or damper failures.
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Some vehicles required multiple replacements of front dampers.
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Air conditioning failures
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AC systems becoming inoperable or inconsistent.
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Reported across R1T and R1S models.
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Software and infotainment malfunctions
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Navigation errors, SOS system failures, and front camera errors.
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Owners note recurring glitches in the service menu.
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EV charging problems
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Faulty charging pads, misaligned charge port doors, or complete charging failures.
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Cases include repeated repairs and replacements.
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Water leaks and structural defects
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Water intrusion into the cabin, rusted bolts, and misaligned body panels.
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Some vehicles spent over 30 days in service for structural issues.
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ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System) failures
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Malfunctioning collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, or autopilot-like features.
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These defects raise serious safety concerns.
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Airbag deployment issues
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Reports of airbags not deploying properly during testing or incidents.
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Why These Qualify as Lemon Issues
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Repetition matters: Lemon law applies when the same defect persists after multiple repair attempts.
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Safety concerns: Suspension failures, ADAS glitches, and airbag defects are considered high-risk.
Warranty coverage: Issues occurring under warranty and remaining unresolved strengthen lemon law claims.
Rivian Models Frequently Reported
R1T - Suspension failures, charging defects, AC breakdowns, structural issues.
R1S - Software glitches, ADAS malfunctions, water leaks, airbag problems
Takeaway
If your Rivian has persistent, unrepairable defects—especially in suspension, charging systems, software, or safety features—it may qualify as a lemon. Documenting repair attempts and service delays is critical for pursuing compensation or a buyback under lemon law protections.