2026 Rivian R1S: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
14 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
739 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2026 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 14 complaints (14.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 21.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 21.4% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 14.3% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 7.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch:Emergency Mechanical Release | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
Electrical System: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 2; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch:Emergency Mechanical Release: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Steering: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 12 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 9 |
2025: 5; 2026: 9
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11702245 · 2025-12-01 (December 1, 2025)
I am writing to report a serious safety incident involving my 2026 Rivian R1S. While I was slowly parking the vehicle, it suddenly experienced what appears to be unintended acceleration, causing the car to lunge forward uncontrollably and crash directly into my home. This resulted in significant property damage as well as injuries to the passengers inside the vehicle. Earlier in the drive, I had also reported experiencing electronic and system irregularities, which now seem potentially related to this failure. Given the severity of the inciden…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11702245 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11705326 · 2025-12-16 (December 16, 2025)
The contact owned a 2026 Rivian R1S. The contact stated that while at a red light and idled, the vehicle accelerated violently, and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle and damaged the rear corner bumper of the other vehicle. The vehicle then crashed into a median strip where there was a 5-foot boulder. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a five-foot boulder, and the vehicle was damaged. In addition…
Owner-reported narrative. 977 miles reported. Look up ODI 11705326 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11707052 · 2025-12-25 (December 25, 2025)
I would like to file a safety concern regarding the vehicles rear doors. The manual latch is covered by a strong piece of plastic that cannot be opened in a quick emergency. I am very worried as I drive with family and I don’t want them to potentially be stuck. The front doors have an easy manual latch right next to the electric door open button, and I would like to report this concern as the back doors should also have a manual latch just like the front. The current latches genuinely are difficult to open.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11707052 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11707661 · 2025-12-29 (December 29, 2025)
The access to open the rear doors in case of a power failure is complex and not practical or safe.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11707661 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11708078 · 2025-12-31 (December 31, 2025)
I have had siginificant issues with my new 2026 rivian R1S specifically based around two key areas: 1. inaccurate battery range reporting/capacity below 20% charge 2. inaccurate mapbox navigation. Those two issues combine to create a dangerous situation in extreme conditions for a vehicle specifically designed and marketed for off-road adventure (snow, rain, below freezing temperatures) and for large capacity (7 passengers). These two issues have left me and my family stranded three different times in remote locations in spite of our best …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11708078 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11713145 · 2026-01-24 (January 24, 2026)
I was involved in an incident where the vehicle (R1S 2026) accelerated unexpectedly, struck the car in front of me and the brakes were unresponsive at the time. The car only stopped after crashing.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11713145 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11726259 · 2026-03-23 (March 23, 2026)
Summary of the problem: The rear liftgate on my Rivian failed to detect an obstruction while closing and continued to close despite contact with a person. What happened: While the rear liftgate was automatically closing, I was unaware it was coming down and walked into it. The liftgate made contact with my upper body/face and did not stop or reverse as expected. Instead, it continued closing and forced me to the ground. Safety issue: The liftgate’s safety sensor failed to detect a human obstruction, creating a serious risk of injury. This is …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11726259 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11738519 · 2026-05-18 (May 18, 2026)
When backing into a parking spot on two separate occasions the drivers door popped open while the vehicle was in motion and the doors were locked after my knee brushed against the button to open the door while the car was in motion.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11738519 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
26V009000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other:Retractor | Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners
Reported: 2026-01-15 (January 15, 2026)
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.
Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V508000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal
Reported: 2026-08-05 (August 5, 2026)
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."
Consequence: Turn signals that do not function properly increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗