Rivian R1T Gen2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
With the R1T Gen2 arriving in 2025, Rivian thoroughly reworked its electric pickup and applied the most important lessons from the first generation. The big leap is the new zonal architecture: instead of many scattered control units, just three central computers now run the vehicle, drastically shortening the wiring harness and simplifying the electronics. Just as important is the switch to fully in-house, oil-cooled Enduro drive units. Rivian now builds its own motors rather than relying on supplied units. The character stays the same, an uncompromising adventure truck with brutal power, only more mature and cleaner under the surface.
The motor lineup includes the Tri-Motor with three drive units and roughly 850 hp, plus the Quad-Motor with four units and around 1,025 hp. From a shop perspective the rule still applies: fewer drive units mean fewer potential failure points, which makes the Tri-Motor the more relaxed baseline unless you genuinely need the full Quad output. Crucially, the worst Gen1 issues appear to be resolved. The notorious 12V deep-discharge problem, which left vehicles completely dead, is considered fixed with the new architecture. That is the single most important step forward over Gen1.
Against that, Gen2 is simply new, with a correspondingly thin long-term data record. There are already recalls: a ground connection in the high-voltage distribution unit can cause a loss of drive power, the rear tie link joint can separate, and the highway assist may misidentify vehicles ahead. Front halfshafts can loosen at the inner CV joint, and on the Quad there are thermal-system faults with power reduction. The new zonal software shows the expected teething issues. On the vehicle side, Gen2-specific points stand out: squeaking electromagnetic door handles, a hard-to-reach rear emergency release, and the same tie rod recall that also affects 2025 vehicles with earlier suspension work.
For a purchase this means Gen2 is clearly the better choice if you are eyeing a new Rivian, mainly because of the solved 12V problem and the tidier electronics. Even so, caution is warranted with such a young model. Check every recall by VIN, insist on full drivetrain warranty coverage, and let a few software updates settle in until the zonal architecture proves itself in the field. Honest verdict: the more mature, better-thought-out Rivian, but still without a solid long-term track record.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Rivian R1T Gen2 is available with 2 engine variants — from 850 to 1025 hp.
The Gen2 quad motor is Rivian's first fully in-house, oil-cooled Enduro drive unit, delivering roughly 1,025 hp from four electric motors. The layout is cleverly split: the rear unit tuned for maximum torque, the front for cruising efficiency. Pressurised oil cooling replaces the earlier quad's glycol-only setup and keeps the motors thermally stable even under repeated launches. Acceleration is brutal (under three seconds to 60 mph) and traction from individual wheel control is exceptional. As the newest variant, long-term data is almost entirely absent; the issues seen so far are software and supplier parts, not the motors.
- !! Recall: high-voltage distribution box ground strap (drive power loss)
An improperly tightened ground connection inside the high-voltage distribution box can cause a sudden loss of drive power. Rivian inspects the joint and, if needed, replaces the HV battery pack free of charge.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive power while driving, warning message in the display. - !! Recall: rear toe link joint separation
Vehicles whose rear toe link was disassembled and reassembled with the pre-March-2025 service procedure may develop joint separation. Rivian replaces the toe link bolts free of charge (NHTSA 26V003).
Symptoms: Vague rear steering behaviour, clunking, or sudden loss of steering control. - !! Half-shaft separates at inner CV joint from 20,000 km
On certain Gen2 builds, supplier-made half-shafts can separate at the inner constant-velocity joint. Rivian replaces the half-shaft and motor disconnect under a campaign free of charge.
Symptoms: Grinding noise and vibration under acceleration, limited-performance warning.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The Gen2 tri-motor uses three Rivian-built, oil-cooled Enduro drive units (one front, two rear) for roughly 850 hp. The zonal electrical architecture, condensed to three central zone controllers, cuts wiring-harness complexity and improves serviceability. Mechanically the drive units are solidly engineered and thermally well managed; the documented issues concern supplier half-shafts and software rather than the motors themselves. As the platform only launched in 2025, reliable long-term high-mileage data is still missing. Buyers should confirm all recalls are closed and that software is up to date.
- !! Recall: high-voltage distribution box ground strap (drive power loss)
An improperly tightened ground connection inside the high-voltage distribution box can cause a sudden loss of drive power. Rivian inspects the joint and, if needed, replaces the HV battery pack free of charge.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive power while driving, warning message in the display. - !! Recall: rear toe link joint separation
Vehicles whose rear toe link was disassembled and reassembled with the pre-March-2025 service procedure may develop joint separation. Rivian replaces the toe link bolts free of charge (NHTSA 26V003).
Symptoms: Vague rear steering behaviour, clunking, or sudden loss of steering control. - !! Front half-shaft separates at inner CV joint from 20,000 km
On certain Gen2 builds, supplier-made front half-shafts can separate at the inner constant-velocity joint. Rivian replaces the half-shaft and motor disconnect under a service campaign.
Symptoms: Grinding noise and vibration under acceleration, limited-performance warning.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Door handles squeak — Gen2 specific Gen2 door handles use an electromagnetic system instead of mechanical linkage to the door latch. This causes squeaking on actuation. Rivian has acknowledged the issue and is working on replacement handles. Temporary DIY solution: dry lubricant. Symptoms: Squeaking when pressing the door handle, noise on every door operation | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Rivian R1T Gen2 (2025–2025) — 10 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Other. Considered reliable: R1-Tri-Gen2 (Electric Motor (Tri, Gen2)), R1-Quad-Gen2 (Electric Motor (Quad, Gen2)).
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 Gen2 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Rivian R1T Gen2? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Rivian R1T Gen2 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Rivian R1T Gen2 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee