2026 Rivian R1t Recalls, Issues & Maintenance
The 2026 Rivian R1t carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering turn signal. No recurring owner-reported issue clusters are on file. 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.
1 Open Recall
Source: NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Campaign #26V508000 · Jun 8, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Campaign #26V508000 · Jun 8, 2026
Issue: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025-2026 R1S and R1T vehicles. One or both front turn signals may fail to illuminate and flash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Turn signals that do not function properly increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Rivian will inspect and replace the front turn signals as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1833. This is an expansion of Recall 25V387. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 31, 2026.
Known issues for this vehicle
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2026 Rivian R1t.
Reported to NHTSA
No common issues reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Rivian R1t. That doesn't mean nothing can go wrong — just that the federal complaint database doesn't flag a pattern.
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 miEvery 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 miEvery 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 miEvery 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 miRivian'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 miBattery 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 miInspected 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 miInspected 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.
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 2026 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.