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Rivian R1S Buyer Checklist

2022–2026·Last reviewed 6/9/2026·21 active NHTSA recalls

Premium 3-row electric SUV. Excellent off-road, ongoing software polish. Gen 2 (mid-2024+) brings major hardware upgrades.

Used EV battery health →

Paperwork

  • VIN on dashboard matches title, window sticker, and finance contract
  • Window sticker (Monroney) included and matches the build you ordered
  • Confirm tax credit eligibility paperwork (IRS Form 15400 / time-of-sale report)
  • Owner's manual, key fobs (usually 2), and any included charging cable present
  • Warranty booklet shows correct in-service date and original-owner status

Exterior

  • Walk around in good daylight before signing — note panel gaps front, rear, hood, frunk, doors
  • Paint inspection: no swirl marks, orange peel beyond factory, or buffing burn-through
  • All glass clear of cracks, chips, or pitting; windshield not previously replaced
  • Tires match build sheet, manufacture date within ~6 months (DOT code on sidewall), even tread
  • Wheels free of curb rash; center caps and lug covers all present
  • Underbody check for transport damage and that the battery skid plate is undamaged
  • All exterior lights, turn signals, and reverse lights work

Interior

  • Seats free of stains, tears, scuffs; all seat motors and heaters/coolers function
  • Headliner, pillars, and trim properly seated with no visible gaps
  • All buttons, switches, window controls, sunroof/moonroof operate smoothly
  • Cabin smells clean — no chemical, smoke, or musty odor
  • Floor mats present and correct part numbers
  • Cargo cover, parcel shelf, or tonneau included as ordered

Tech / Software

  • Infotainment boots without errors; no warning lights on cluster
  • Latest over-the-air software version installed before delivery
  • Cameras (front, rear, surround) clear and aligned; parking sensors active
  • Bluetooth pairs, CarPlay/Android Auto connects, USB ports power
  • Driver-assist features (adaptive cruise, lane keep) verified on a short test drive
  • Account / app paired correctly to YOUR profile, not a dealer demo account

Charging

  • Battery state of charge at delivery (note %) and indicated full-charge range
  • Charge port door opens, closes, and locks; LED indicators function
  • Test AC (Level 2) charge on-site if possible — connector seats, current ramps up
  • Mobile / portable charger and adapters included as ordered
  • Confirm CCS / NACS / Tesla port and any included adapter

R1S specifics

  • Gen 1 vs Gen 2 — Gen 2 has a new compute platform; confirm which you ordered
  • Air suspension raises and lowers to all heights without errors
  • All three rows of seats fold; cargo cover present
  • Rivian Adventure Network access tied to your account
  • NACS adapter included (Gen 2+) or in pipeline

Known Issues

Curated from NHTSA, manufacturer TSBs, and owner-forum patterns.

  • Major

    Loose steering knuckle fastener recall

    Rivian recalled vehicles for possible loss of steering control.

    Source: NHTSA 23V-639 ↗
  • Watch

    Front seatbelt sensor recall

    Software issue with seatbelt occupancy detection.

  • Watch

    12V battery drain (Gen 1)

    Owners reported 12V failures on early R1S; improved by software updates.

Active NHTSA Recalls

Live from the NHTSA Recalls API, refreshed nightly. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 25V085000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles. The headlight low beams may fail to illuminate when starting the vehicle in cold weather. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence: Headlight failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will replace the headlight control modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1612.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE 22V641000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The front seat belt anchors may have been inadequately attached to the B-pillar.
    Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt anchor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect the front seat belt assemblies and, as necessary, properly secure the bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were September 30, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-924.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM 23V783000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1T and R1S vehicles. A software update may have deactivated the defroster and defogger system controls.
    Consequence: The inability to operate the windshield defrosting and defogging system can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1331.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS 24V458000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S and R1T vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
    Consequence: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL 24V686000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S vehicles. The steering column control module (SCCM) may be missing cruise control markings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
    Consequence: The driver may not know how to activate or deactivate the cruise control without the proper markings, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and replace the SCCMs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 18, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1532.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY 25V537000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles. An improperly grounded connection inside the High Voltage Distribution Box (HVDB) may cause a loss of drive power.
    Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and repair the HVDB ground strap joint or replace the high voltage battery pack as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1723.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS 23V233000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The reverse light beam may not be visible from certain angles. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence: Reduced visibility of the reverse lights increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will repair or replace the reverse lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-855-748-4265. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1216.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR 23V109000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. A faulty automatic locking retractor (ALR) sensor in the front passenger seat belt system may incorrectly report as ON when it is actually OFF, causing the suppression or improper deployment of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
    Consequence: Failure of the air bag to deploy as intended increases the risk of injury to the front passenger during a crash.
    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger seat belt system components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1166.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL 23V883000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The accelerator pedal may not detect when the driver releases the pedal, failing to activate "auto-hold" or "park" as intended.
    Consequence: Failure to activate "auto-hold" or "park" can result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Rivian will also replace the accelerator pedals, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1342.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS 26V009000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and 2022-2026 R1S vehicles. The bolts that secure the second-row driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies may be improperly tightened.
    Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 2, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1795.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS 24V367000

    2023 RIVIAN R1S
    Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EDV, R1S, and R1T vehicles. The headlights may be improperly aimed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence: Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1445.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL 26V508000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S · 6/8/2026
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025-2026 R1S and R1T vehicles. One or both front turn signals may fail to illuminate and flash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence: Turn signals that do not function properly increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and replace the front turn signals as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 29, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1833. This is an expansion of Recall 25V387. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 31, 2026.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS 26V003000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S · 5/1/2026
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1S and R1T vehicles that previously had service performed. The toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service procedures performed before March 10, 2025.
    Consequence: The toe link joint may separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1794. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 24, 2026.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL 25V387000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S · 11/6/2025
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles. One or both front turn signals may fail to illuminate and flash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
    Consequence: Turn signals that do not function properly, failing to indicate the driver's intention to change direction, increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and replace the front turn signals as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2025. Owners will receive a second notice once the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1693.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE 25V585000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S · 8/9/2025
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles operating a software version prior to 2025.18.30. The Hands-Free Highway Assist (HWA) software may fail to correctly identify a lead vehicle.
    Consequence: Failure to detect another vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1744.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE 25V370000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S · 3/6/2025
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. The D-ring bolts for one or both front seat belt anchorage assemblies may not have been properly installed.
    Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will inspect and properly secure the seat belt anchorage assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1681.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS 24V319000

    2024 RIVIAN R1S · 9/5/2024
    Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The dashboard air bag warning label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
    Consequence: Without the dashboard label, operators may be unaware of the increased risks that an air bag poses to an infant or child in the front seat, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
    Remedy: Rivian mailed owners the warning label information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1429.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS 24V408000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S · 5/6/2024
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The attachment clips on the upper B-pillar and/or C-pillar trim panels may have been damaged during a service procedure.
    Consequence: Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE 24V827000

    2025 RIVIAN R1S · 1/11/2024
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1T and R1S vehicles. Software version 2024.39.30 may prevent certain exterior lights from turning on when the Car Costume feature is activated.
    Consequence: Deactivated exterior lighting reduces the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1552.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN 23V159000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S · 9/3/2023
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The fasteners that secure the right and left side curtain air bags may be improperly secured.
    Consequence: Improperly secured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy: Dealers will secure or replace the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. All owners have been notified and all vehicles will be repaired by March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1185.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

  • SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM 22V744000

    2022 RIVIAN R1S · 6/10/2022
    Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles. The fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened.
    Consequence: A loose steering knuckle fastener could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the steering knuckle fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 11, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 997.
    View on NHTSA.gov ↗

Checklist for Rivian R1S (2022–2026). Last reviewed 6/9/2026. evcostpermile.com — not affiliated with any manufacturer. Always verify by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.