Rivian R1S Gen1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Rivian R1S Gen1 arrived in 2022 as the SUV counterpart to the R1T pickup, sharing its platform, drivetrain, and electronics. As a large, three-row electric SUV, it targets families who want premium comfort combined with genuine off-road ability. Air suspension, adjustable ride height, and brutal acceleration make it an exceptionally capable vehicle that had no real competition in the US for a long time. The character convinces, but because the technical base is identical to the R1T, the R1S inherits its early-phase teething troubles almost one for one.
On the drivetrain side there is the Quad-Motor with four electric machines and roughly 835 hp, plus the more composed and less complex Dual-Motor. For buyers who prioritize maximum reliability, the Dual is the smarter choice simply because it carries fewer drive units and control modules. Both, however, share the serious Gen1 issues: complete drive unit failures including the inverter, the dreaded 12V deep-discharge problem that leaves the vehicle completely dead, and sudden loss of drive power through the high-voltage distribution unit. These are potentially stranding faults that must be taken seriously on a used purchase.
The vehicle-level weaknesses repeat the R1T picture. The air suspension can collapse from around 60,000 mi, often right after warranty expiry, with an expensive repair. Front halfshafts clunk, clogged HVAC condensate drains route water into the footwell, documented as far as mold growth. Add uneven panel gaps on early builds, a sticking charge port actuator, and a powered tailgate that sometimes opens only a crack and closes again. The infotainment software freezes regularly, and Consumer Reports rates software reliability on both models critically. Several NHTSA recalls cover the steering knuckle fastener, the rear tie rod, and accelerator pedal detection.
For a purchase the same rules apply as with the R1T: valid drivetrain warranty coverage is a must, because an unprotected drive unit swap blows up any budget. Check every recall by VIN, ask about the 12V history, and go through service records for the air suspension and software. Anyone using the third row should know where the hidden emergency releases are. Honest verdict: a characterful, extremely capable family SUV with real adventure credentials, but technically early-phase. Recommendable only with airtight warranty coverage and realistic expectations.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Rivian R1S Gen1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 533 to 835 hp.
The first-generation quad drivetrain pairs four individually controlled e-motors (two per axle, partly Bosch-sourced units) for roughly 835 hp and brutal torque vectoring. Acceleration and traction are exceptional, but the early drive units are the weak point: inverter and motor defects triggered replacements, sometimes more than once on the same vehicle. Reliability improved across software and hardware revisions. Buying tip: only purchase with intact drivetrain and high-voltage warranty and check service history for replaced drive units. Never leave the vehicle sitting discharged for weeks.
- !! Drive unit failure (motor/inverter) from 40,000 km
Early drive units failed via inverter or motor defects, often sudden loss of power up to standstill. Rivian replaced affected units, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle, usually under warranty.
Symptoms: Reduced power or drivetrain fault warning, jerky loss of power, vehicle coasts to a stop, needs towing, grinding or whining noise before failure. - !! 12V battery deep discharge, dead vehicle from 20,000 km
The 12V batteries deep-discharge when parked long or on faults, leaving the vehicle completely dead. Neither frunk nor doors open electrically, requiring emergency mechanical releases and a wheel-well cable.
Symptoms: Vehicle unresponsive, no wake via app or key, doors and frunk electrically locked, 12V battery low warning, mechanical emergency release needed. - !! Sudden power loss high-voltage distribution from 30,000 km
A poorly grounded or disturbed connection in the high-voltage distribution box or drivetrain harness can cause abrupt, warningless loss of drive power and safety system failure while driving.
Symptoms: Vehicle loses drive without warning while moving, Limited Performance Mode warning, restart sometimes needed, multiple seemingly unrelated fault messages at once.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The first-generation dual drivetrain uses two e-motors, one per axle, for confident all-wheel thrust with less complexity than the quad. In practice it shows similar drive-unit failures as the quad, statistically roughly as often across the whole vehicle but with fewer units per car and thus a smaller attack surface. Reliability grew across revisions. Buying tip: intact drivetrain and high-voltage warranty plus service history are essential, avoid 12V deep discharge from long parking, and check winter charging behavior and wheel bearing noise before purchase.
- !! Drive unit failure (motor/inverter) from 45,000 km
The dual drivetrain also suffered drive unit failures via inverter or motor defects. Rivian replaced affected units, sometimes proactively or repeatedly, mostly under warranty including occasional battery replacement.
Symptoms: Reduced power or drivetrain fault warning, sudden loss of power up to standstill, towing needed, grinding or whining noise before failure. - !! 12V battery deep discharge, dead vehicle from 20,000 km
As on the quad, the 12V batteries deep-discharge on long parking or faults and fully immobilize the vehicle. Frunk and doors no longer open electrically, requiring mechanical emergency releases.
Symptoms: Vehicle unresponsive, no wake via app or key, doors and frunk locked, 12V battery low warning, mechanical emergency release needed. - !! Sudden power loss high-voltage distribution from 30,000 km
A poorly grounded connection in the high-voltage distribution box or drive harness can cause abrupt loss of drive without warning while moving. Affects 2021 to 2024, sometimes dropping into reduced-power turtle mode.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive while moving, Limited Performance or turtle mode warning, severe power reduction in cold, multiple fault messages at once.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The first-generation dual drivetrain uses two e-motors, one per axle, for confident all-wheel thrust with less complexity than the quad. In practice it shows similar drive-unit failures as the quad, statistically roughly as often across the whole vehicle but with fewer units per car and thus a smaller attack surface. Reliability grew across revisions. Buying tip: intact drivetrain and high-voltage warranty plus service history are essential, avoid 12V deep discharge from long parking, and check winter charging behavior and wheel bearing noise before purchase.
- !! Drive unit failure (motor/inverter) from 45,000 km
The dual drivetrain also suffered drive unit failures via inverter or motor defects. Rivian replaced affected units, sometimes proactively or repeatedly, mostly under warranty including occasional battery replacement.
Symptoms: Reduced power or drivetrain fault warning, sudden loss of power up to standstill, towing needed, grinding or whining noise before failure. - !! 12V battery deep discharge, dead vehicle from 20,000 km
As on the quad, the 12V batteries deep-discharge on long parking or faults and fully immobilize the vehicle. Frunk and doors no longer open electrically, requiring mechanical emergency releases.
Symptoms: Vehicle unresponsive, no wake via app or key, doors and frunk locked, 12V battery low warning, mechanical emergency release needed. - !! Sudden power loss high-voltage distribution from 30,000 km
A poorly grounded connection in the high-voltage distribution box or drive harness can cause abrupt loss of drive without warning while moving. Affects 2021 to 2024, sometimes dropping into reduced-power turtle mode.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive while moving, Limited Performance or turtle mode warning, severe power reduction in cold, multiple fault messages at once.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air suspension collapse — expensive after warranty Same issue as R1T. Air bags or compressor fail around 60,000 miles. Vehicle sags at one corner. Out-of-warranty repair: $3,500-7,500. Service centers confirm this as a known issue. Symptoms: Vehicle sags at side or corner, air suspension warning, permanently harsh ride from 80,000 km | High | |
| Front halfshaft clunk and clicking noise Same platform as R1T, same issue. Clunking or clicking from front on low-speed acceleration or turns. Rivian has revised parts. Under warranty not a problem; afterward $400-1,800. Symptoms: Clicking from front at low speed or when turning from 40,000 km | Medium |
Test Reports
Consumer Reports
R1S reliability rating from Consumer Reports.
2024-01Top Reported Issues
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Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Rivian R1S Gen1 (2022–2024) — 12 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: R1-Quad-Gen1 (Electric Motor (Quad, Gen1)), R1-Dual-Gen1 (Electric Motor (Dual, Gen1)). Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, HVAC, Body.
R1S (R1-Quad-Gen1, 2022–2024) — Stay Away!: Drive unit failure (motor/inverter), 12V battery deep discharge, dead vehicle, Sudden power loss high-voltage distribution. Power: 835 PS.
R1S (R1-Dual-Gen1, 2023–2024) — Stay Away!: Drive unit failure (motor/inverter), 12V battery deep discharge, dead vehicle, Sudden power loss high-voltage distribution. Power: 533 PS.
R1S (R1-Dual-Gen1, 2023–2024) — Stay Away!: Drive unit failure (motor/inverter), 12V battery deep discharge, dead vehicle, Sudden power loss high-voltage distribution. Power: 665 PS.
What to watch out for with the Rivian R1S? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Rivian R1S Gen1 have? +
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Which Rivian R1S Gen1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Rivian R1S Gen1 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee