Rivian Tri Max
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.
850 hp, no Bosch parts, 401 miles
Gen 2 means Rivian replaced every Bosch motor in the drivetrain with in-house units. Three motors, oil-cooled, 634 kW combined. The ECU count dropped from 17 to 7; Rivian removed 1.6 miles of wiring from the platform. The result is faster charging, more range, and a truck that inherited the Rebelle Rally data Rivian collected from 2023's first-ever EV win — baked into Soft Sand and off-road mode calibrations. Build quality complaints from Gen1 are substantially reduced. Still early for long-term reliability data on the in-house motors.
Engine Weaknesses 2
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
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 3
Same recall as Gen1 — affects 2025 vehicles that had suspension work before March 2025. Rivian replaces toe link bolts at no cost.
Gen2 vehicles moved the rear door emergency release behind the door panel trim. Unlike Gen1 (accessible pull handle), this is extremely hard for adults to operate and nearly impossible for children. Rivian promised redesign for the R2. Interim owner fix: tie paracord to the release cable before reinstalling trim.
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.
