Rivian R1T Gen2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Rivian R1T Gen2 is available with 2 engine variants — from 862 to 1039 hp.
Four all-new Rivian-designed oil-cooled motors, one per wheel — 764 kW / 1,025 hp peak, 1,198 lb-ft. The Gen 2 Quad replaced the Bosch units entirely with in-house hardware, adding real performance gains rather than just rebadging: +190 hp, +290 lb-ft over Gen1. In-house design also enabled the conserve-mode rear disconnect that the Gen1 Quad couldn't do. 0–60 in 2.5 seconds with Launch Mode — 0.1 sec quicker than the Cybertruck Cyberbeast. ECU count dropped from 17 to 7, wiring harness shed 1.6 miles. The 2025 R1T ran Pikes Peak in a fully stock configuration (race seat, roll cage only) and set the production electric truck record at 10:53.883 — driven by Rivian senior performance test engineer Gardner Nichols. Too new for long-term reliability data beyond the headlight recall 25V-085.
- !! Headlights fail in cold weather — Recall 25V-085
Same NHTSA Recall 25V-085 as Tri Motor. Affects early Gen2 production (April 2024 – February 2025). Free control module replacement.
Symptoms: Headlights fail to illuminate on cold startup
Three all-new Rivian-designed motors — the first time Quad-class hardware has been replaced entirely by Rivian in-house units. Gen 2 motor architecture is oil-cooled throughout. Combined output 634 kW / 850 hp. No more Bosch assemblies anywhere in the drivetrain. The third motor (rear center) adds torque density without the full complexity of four-corner control. Wiring harness reduced from 1.6 miles to less time under the hood — ECU count dropped from 17 to 7. Max battery: up to 401 miles range, faster DC charging. The Rebelle Rally data that fed into Soft Sand mode updates is baked into the software stack at launch. Early Gen 2 deliveries generated HVAC failure headlines and body quality complaints — typical Rivian launch exposure. Factory warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles vehicle, 8 years/175,000 miles powertrain.
- !! Headlights fail in cold weather — Recall 25V-085
NHTSA Recall 25V-085 affects 17,260 R1T and R1S vehicles from 2025. Incorrectly configured headlight control modules from supplier OPmobility may not illuminate on cold startup. Affects vehicles built April 29, 2024 through February 3, 2025. Rivian replaces control modules at no cost.
Symptoms: One or both low beams fail to light on cold startup - !! Drive unit failure — Gen2
Too early for reliable long-term data. Individual reports of failures on new Gen2 vehicles. Same process as Gen1: complete unit replacement under warranty.
Symptoms: System warning, power reduction
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 6 weaknesses have been documented for the Rivian R1T Gen2 (2025–2025) — 3 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? +
Is the Rivian R1T Gen2 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Rivian R1T Gen2? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee