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2023 Rivian R1t Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Rivian R1t carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering defroster/defogger/hvac system and headlights. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Passenger airbag sensor deactivation by weight.” Rivian publishes its schedule plainly, which is rarer than it should be. The rhythm: rotate tires every 9,000 miles, a comprehensive inspection every 18,000 miles or 18 months, brake fluid every 3 years, coolant at 108,000 miles. The stand-out item is one most EV makers ignore: if you drive on salted winter roads, Rivian calls for a brake caliper clean and lubrication every 12 months or 12,000 miles, because regenerative braking leaves the friction brakes idle enough to corrode. Adventure use is real use here; water crossings and mud justify treating inspections as due early. R2 has no published schedule yet; expect the same pattern.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Campaign #23V783000 · Nov 21, 2023

Issue: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #24V367000 · May 23, 2024

Issue: 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.

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #24V408000 · May 6, 2024

Issue: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #24V458000 · Jun 20, 2024

Issue: 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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Campaign #25V370000 · Mar 6, 2025

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #26V003000 · May 1, 2026

Issue: 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.

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #26V009000 · Jan 15, 2026

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Rivian R1t.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Rear Toe Link May Separate

    Action #PE26004 · opened May 26, 2026

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting left rear toe link separation in certain Model Year (MY) 2023-2024 Rivian R1S vehicles. Both VOQs report component separation while driving, causing the vehicles to swerve acr…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Passenger airbag sensor deactivation by weight

AIR BAGS

13 NHTSA complaints · 2023-09-21 → 2024-04-22

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561699
“The passenger airbag sensor is malfunctioning. When a passenger weighing 115 pounds is seated in the front passenger seat with the seatbelt connected, the vehicle disables the airbag. This has been documented with pictures and video multiple times to Rivian”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545749

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front half-shaft and CV axle bolt loosening

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04-30 → 2026-05-22

“Rivian R1T was brought to independent tire center for tire rotation on same day before 1,000 mile trip. Technician documented: "Drivers side front CV axle bolt almost completely backed out". Bolt took less than one rotation by hand to come off. Documented by tire shop technician”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671561
“Was driving on the highway in the left lane at roughly 80 mph and suddenly lost regenerative braking and almost got into an accident not realizing I had to use my physical brakes to slow down. Truck entered turtle mode and was able to make it safely over and back home. Problem…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567244

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver+ ADAS unavailability and lane assist errors

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04-13 → 2025-10-20

“The vehicle’s Driver+ advanced driver assistance system (including Adaptive Cruise Control and Highway Assist) repeatedly failed during normal highway driving. The system would display “Driver Assistance Features Unavailable – Service Soon” and immediately disable all…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694627
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582833

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden power loss and turtle mode entry while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11-03 → 2025-03-26

“The powertrain, acceleration system, and defrost system failed. The vehicle unexpectedly entered Limited Performance Mode, but instead of allowing reduced acceleration as expected, it resulted in a complete loss of power and left us stranded in traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644509
“I Was driving down highway and receive a fe messages in quick order -front sensors off, front camera off, collision detection off, regenerative braking off - started moving toward right shoulder prior to pulling off - car lost speed at high rate putting me in jeopardy of being…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11650888

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield defrost blowing cool air in cold temperatures

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-04-15 → 2026-04-15

“On multiple occasions I have experienced the defrost feature of my 2023 Rivian R1T blowing cool air instead of warm or hot air, leading to a build up of ice on the windshield while driving. I have brought this concern to Rivian's attention with two service appointments”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731452

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion through sun visor hinges and roof console

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-01-05 → 2026-01-05

“When it rains, or water is allowed to collect on top of the roof, water seeps in through the hinges of the driver and passenger sun visors. Depending on how much water is allowed to collect, it can trickle in or gush right inside the interior of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708829

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Traction and stability control loss in high regeneration mode

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02-20 → 2024-04-24

“The components that failed are Traction Control, Stability controls, and Anti-Lock Braking while in high regeneration mode. Vehicle can easily become incontrollable in low traction situations (in high regeneration mode) that is a danger to the driver and others on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585044
“The vehicle was parked on a 8 degree slope in the driveway with approximately 2 inches of snow on the drive way. Within thirty minutes of the vehicle being parked the truck slide down the driveway and crashed into the house. The parking brake failed and or is miss-engineered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572970

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Tire Rotation

Every 9,000 mi

Every 9,000 miles on matched-size setups. Three tons of truck and instant torque eat tires; skipping rotations gets expensive fast.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Comprehensive Inspection

Every 18,000 mi

Every 18,000 miles or 18 months per Rivian's schedule: brakes, suspension, low-voltage batteries, fluid condition, and underbody, which matters if the truck actually goes off-road.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Brake Fluid

Every 36,000 mi

Every 3 years per the factory schedule, regardless of mileage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Brake Caliper Clean & Lube (Salt States)

Every 12,000 mi

Rivian's own line item: every 12 months or 12,000 miles if driven on salted roads. Regen braking spares the pads and lets corrosion move in instead; this service is the antidote.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Coolant (and 2022-24 Coolant Filter)

Every 108,000 mi

Battery and drive coolant every 108,000 miles. Early trucks (2022-24) also replace a coolant filter at the same point, and Quad-Motor versions their drive-unit fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Cabin Air Filter

Every 18,000 mi

Inspected at the comprehensive inspection and replaced as needed; dusty trail use shortens it.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Low-Voltage Batteries

Every 18,000 mi

Inspected for condition and corrosion at each comprehensive inspection; no scheduled replacement. Early trucks carry two 12V batteries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

No occupant deaths in FARS 2010–2024 crashes are on record for this year and model. That is the census answer for the window, and it says nothing more than that.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Rivian R1t reflects Rivian's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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