What weaknesses does the Rivian R1T Gen1 have?

	Weakness	Cost
✖	Air suspension collapse — expensive after warranty Well-documented issue emerging around 60,000 miles, frequently just after warranty expiry. Rivian service centers have acknowledged it as a 'common issue'. Out-of-warranty repair cost: $3,500-7,500. Air bags, compressor, or valve block may be involved. No broad service campaign — individual repairs only. Symptoms: Vehicle sags at one corner, air suspension warning, permanently harsh ride, unable to adjust ride height from 80,000 km Ad Rivian air suspension strut R1T Rivian air compressor R1T Rivian air suspension valve block	High
●	Front halfshaft clunk and clicking noise The most widely reported mechanical complaint on Gen1 trucks. Clunking or clicking on initial acceleration, during turns, or transitioning from acceleration to regeneration. Primarily affects 2022-2023 builds. Rivian has revised parts; warranty repairs are standard. Out-of-warranty: $400-1,800 depending on the affected component (halfshaft, hub, subframe). Symptoms: Clunking or clicking from front wheels at low speed or during turns, vibration when entering regeneration from 40,000 km Ad Rivian front halfshaft R1T Rivian CV axle R1T Rivian front control arm R1T	Medium

Test Reports

consumer_reports

Consumer Reports

Below average

R1T reliability rating from Consumer Reports.

2024-01

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Below Average

94 complaints · 2021–2024

Airbags

Collision Avoidance

17 ⚠ 5

Other

Steering

10 ⚠ 1

Electrical

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (19 complaints)

⚠ Collision Avoidance (17 complaints)

⚠ Other (14 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

Alternatives

Same Segment

Ford Maverick I

Pickup (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Nissan Frontier D41

Pickup (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen

Pickup (2022–2025)

Same Segment

Ford F-150 14th Gen

Pickup (2021–2024)

Same Segment

RAM 1500 TRX DT

Pickup (2021–2024)

Same Segment

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 T1XX

Pickup (2019–2025)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Rivian R1T Gen1 (2021–2024) — 6 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Suspension, Other, HVAC, Body. Considered reliable: R1-Dual-Gen1 (Electric Motor (Dual, Gen1)).

R1T (R1-Quad-Gen1, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: Drive unit failure — Quad Motor, 12V auxiliary battery parasitic drain, High-voltage battery long-term degradation. Power: 835 PS.

What to watch out for with the Rivian R1T? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Rivian R1T Gen1 have? +

The Rivian R1T Gen1 has 6 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Rivian R1T Gen1? +

faq.watch_a_solid

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: R1-Dual-Gen1 (Electric Motor (Dual, Gen1)). The most reliable engine is the R1-Dual-Gen1 (Electric Motor (Dual, Gen1)) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the R1-Quad-Gen1 (Electric Motor (Quad, Gen1)).

Which Rivian R1T Gen1 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Rivian R1T Gen1. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Rivian R1T Gen1 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Rivian R1T Gen1 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} RJ Scaringe spent 12 years in near-total stealth — from a Florida garage in 2009 to the Normal, Illinois factory floor in 2021 — to deliver the world's first production electric pickup truck. The R1T didn't arrive to compete with the Cybertruck or Lightning; it arrived before either existed. Four Bosch motors, one per wheel, 623 kW, per-wheel torque vectoring that reads slip in milliseconds. Zero to 60 in under 3 seconds in a truck with an 11 cu-ft Gear Tunnel, a compressed air outlet, and Drift Mode. The Hummer EV arrived heavier and slower. The Lightning arrived three seconds behind on a drag strip. Tank Turn got cancelled before production; everything else stayed.

Is the Rivian R1T Gen1 worth buying used? +

The Rivian R1T Gen1 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.

What horsepower variants are available for the Rivian R1T Gen1? +

The Rivian R1T Gen1 is available with engine variants from 540 to 847 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee