RIVIAN R1S · model year

2023 RIVIAN R1S

108 NHTSA complaints, 20 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023RIVIANR1S carries 108 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 20 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2023 R1S is air bags with 27 filings, followed by unknown or other (14) and electrical system (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2023 R1S. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

108
Complaints
20
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

108 filings

Crashes Reported

20 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS27
UNKNOWN OR OTHER14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
SEATS11
SERVICE BRAKES6
SEAT BELTS6
STEERING4
WHEELS4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS4
POWER TRAIN2
SUSPENSION2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST2
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

Recalls (9)

23V23300031/03/2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS

Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The reverse light beam may not be visible from certain angles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated E

24V36700023/05/2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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."

23V78300021/11/2023

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

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.

24V45800020/06/2024

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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

26V00900015/01/2026

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

23V15900009/03/2023

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The fasteners that secure the right and left side curtain air bags may be improperly secured.

24V40800005/06/2024

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

26V00300005/01/2026

SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

25V37000003/06/2025

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

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.

Recent Complaints

20260105AIR BAGS

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. Rivian seems unable to fix the issue with the airbags on my vehicle creating a significant safety concern.

20260105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. Rivian seems unable to fix the issue with the airbags on my vehicle creating a significant safety concern.

20260105SEAT BELTS

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. Rivian seems unable to fix the issue with the airbags on my vehicle creating a significant safety concern.

20251001UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The horn is far to quiet to be heard by other drivers. This creates a dangerous situation in many common circumstances on the road and highway.

20250530CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. I quickly realized I was going to crash into the garage, and possibly into the house, so I steered away as much as I could to only drive into and through the side of the garage wall. The space I had would have given me enough time to stop had the car not been driving at a fast speed. Even the neighbors heard braking and ran outside to see what was happening. There is a recording on a ring cam, and you can hear him say "I heard brakes". Oddly, the massive impact did not deploy the airbags. Also,

20250530CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

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. I quickly realized I was going to crash into the garage, and possibly into the house, so I steered away as much as I could to only drive into and through the side of the garage wall. The space I had would have given me enough time to stop had the car not been driving at a fast speed. Even the neighbors heard braking and ran outside to see what was happening. There is a recording on a ring cam, and you can hear him say "I heard brakes". Oddly, the massive impact did not deploy the airbags. Also,

20250530CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. I quickly realized I was going to crash into the garage, and possibly into the house, so I steered away as much as I could to only drive into and through the side of the garage wall. The space I had would have given me enough time to stop had the car not been driving at a fast speed. Even the neighbors heard braking and ran outside to see what was happening. There is a recording on a ring cam, and you can hear him say "I heard brakes". Oddly, the massive impact did not deploy the airbags. Also,

20250329WHEELS

Front driver wheel had a hub bolt back out rendering the vehicle unable to drive. The car made a loud grinding noise and was unsteady. I had to pull over and was unable to drive any further. It required replacement of the hub bolt and axel. This is a known problem for rivian's and has not been addressed or checked. I reported a grinding sound when I turn 2 months ago and was told that the soonest Rivian could service my car was 2 months away. This known problem and complaint should have flaggged an immediate intervention and this needs a recall.

20250329SUSPENSION

Front driver wheel had a hub bolt back out rendering the vehicle unable to drive. The car made a loud grinding noise and was unsteady. I had to pull over and was unable to drive any further. It required replacement of the hub bolt and axel. This is a known problem for rivian's and has not been addressed or checked. I reported a grinding sound when I turn 2 months ago and was told that the soonest Rivian could service my car was 2 months away. This known problem and complaint should have flaggged an immediate intervention and this needs a recall.

20250307AIR BAGS

Front passenger airbag is inactive for long periods of time while a passenger is seated in the vehicle during operation. This is indicated by the message displaying the airbag as being off. This occurs regularly with an adult seated normally in the seat while traveling at highway speeds, for long periods of time. I reported this to Rivian and they said the car is functioning normally but it does not seem safe that the airbag is turned off with a passenger present in the vehicle during operation. I am listing the latest incident date here but this has been persistent since I purchased the car new in 2023.

20250301STEERING

I am experiencing an ongoing and unresolved steering column defect in my 2023 Rivian R1S, which creates a serious safety risk while driving. Issue Details: The steering wheel drops unexpectedly when weight is applied, even lightly. This occurs both while the vehicle is stationary and while driving, including when hitting small bumps in the road. The issue compromises steering stability and could lead to a loss of vehicle control. Repair Attempts & Rivian’s Response: I have taken the vehicle to Rivian Service Centers four times for this issue. Rivian has replaced the steering column three times (May 2024, July 2024, January 2025), but the issue persists. Rivian has now claimed this is a "normal characteristic" of the vehicle, despite previously acknowledging it as a defect and attempting multiple fixes. I requested a written statement regarding their refusal to fix the issue further, but they have not responded. Safety Concern: My father currently drives the vehicle, and I am deep

20250125AIR BAGS

the sensitivity of the airbag sensor on the passenger seat is not functioning properly in my opinion. there are times when there is a passenger present and seated, the car is showing that the passenger airbag is off. I took the car to Rivian service center. They indicated that they could not replicate the problem and that to make sure the passengers are over 110 lbs. They also noted that with future software update, they may make it better, which indicates to me that they know there is a problem. I know for a fact that my passengers have been over 110 lbs.

20250125SEATS

the sensitivity of the airbag sensor on the passenger seat is not functioning properly in my opinion. there are times when there is a passenger present and seated, the car is showing that the passenger airbag is off. I took the car to Rivian service center. They indicated that they could not replicate the problem and that to make sure the passengers are over 110 lbs. They also noted that with future software update, they may make it better, which indicates to me that they know there is a problem. I know for a fact that my passengers have been over 110 lbs.

20250108SERVICE BRAKES

On our drive back from Yosemite, we began descending from Groveland, CA after leaving the Rivian charging station. Due to heavy rain, the car ahead of me was moving cautiously, limiting my speed to about 20 mph while maintaining a safe distance during the descent to Moccasin, CA. Thanks to the regenerative braking, I didn’t need to apply the brakes, as the car automatically slowed when I wasn’t pressing the throttle. However, my windows started to fog up, so I turned on the defoggers. Shortly after, I noticed the car’s door locks repeatedly unlocking and locking by themselves. As we neared the bottom of the descent, I began to smell something burning from the vents. This prompted me to step on the brake pedal for the first time, but it felt unusually stiff, with little travel. The car didn’t slow down, and the burning smell intensified. I pressed the brake pedal repeatedly, but it felt stuck, and the car did not decelerate. Eventually, I was able to roll to a stop. I pulled ove

20241120AIR BAGS

The passenger seat airbag turns off when a passenger is sitting in the seat. I have taken the vehicle to the service center twice for this issue and they insist it is working as intended. This is a major safety issue for myself and children when we are sitting in the passenger seat. Please help in resolving this!

20241106CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1> What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? * The sensors don't detect the object sometimes. There were 2 incidents when the car sensors did not detect the object a> In my office parking lot the rear sensors did not detect the fire hydrant and did not make the beep noise resulting in a collision. b> I was driving in my neighborhood; I was blinded by the sun and couldn't see the road ahead. Again, the sensors did not detect the car in front i ended up in a collision. 2> How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? * I had a collision with another car parked by the curbside. Luckily no one was in the other car but both cars had severe damages. I had bruises on my left-hand forearm. 3> Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? * When the first incident happened, I was not able to provide Rivian accurate date and time of the incident and the gear guard did not record the

20241106CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1> What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? * The sensors don't detect the object sometimes. There were 2 incidents when the car sensors did not detect the object a> In my office parking lot the rear sensors did not detect the fire hydrant and did not make the beep noise resulting in a collision. b> I was driving in my neighborhood; I was blinded by the sun and couldn't see the road ahead. Again, the sensors did not detect the car in front i ended up in a collision. 2> How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? * I had a collision with another car parked by the curbside. Luckily no one was in the other car but both cars had severe damages. I had bruises on my left-hand forearm. 3> Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? * When the first incident happened, I was not able to provide Rivian accurate date and time of the incident and the gear guard did not record the

20241021TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

I purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV towed to America's Tire where they confirmed that there were no punctures in the tire and that it was defective. This could have resulted in a serious accident simply because I was not given proper warning about the tire pressure.

20241021TIRES

I purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV towed to America's Tire where they confirmed that there were no punctures in the tire and that it was defective. This could have resulted in a serious accident simply because I was not given proper warning about the tire pressure.

20240910WHEELS

One of the bolts that attaches the electric motor to the front wheel (internal, under the vehicle) backed itself out. That seems really dangerous and I am hopeful the condition does not exist on the other wheels. I sent pictures to Rivian and they are taking the vehicle to their service center for further inspection.

Compare 2023RIVIANR1S to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 RIVIAN R1S have?
The 2023 RIVIAN R1S has 108 NHTSA complaints, 20 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 RIVIAN R1S?
The 2023 RIVIAN R1S received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 RIVIAN R1S?
Yes, the 2023 RIVIAN R1S has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 RIVIAN R1S?
The most-complained component for the 2023 RIVIAN R1S is AIR BAGS with 27 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2023 RIVIAN R1S safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2023 RIVIAN R1S has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.