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Own a defective Rivian R1T or R1S? Learn about recalls, common defects, and your lemon-law rights in California.
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Rivian Automotive launched the R1T pickup and R1S SUV in 2021–2022, becoming the first major EV-native truck maker to reach production scale in the U.S. Both vehicles share the R1 skateboard platform with quad-motor or dual-motor configurations and massive battery packs (135–180 kWh). Early adopters experienced a recurring pattern of software-driven malfunctions—infotainment freezes, Driver+ ADAS disable events, and 12V battery faults triggered by OTA updates—alongside safety recalls for accelerator pedal drift and headlight misalignment. A broader NHTSA investigation into rear toe-link failures (covering up to 115,000 R1S and R1T units) raises serious drivability-safety concerns. California owners whose vehicles have required multiple service visits for the same defect may qualify for a buyback or replacement under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
The recurring, documented problem areas across the lineup — the patterns behind many California claims.
Early-revision pedal may not register zero, preventing auto-hold/park — confirmed recall, approx. early 2022 production units.
Headlights shipped with incorrect aim, increasing forward-crash risk — confirmed recall, remedy is inspection and adjustment.
Toe link re-assembled incorrectly during service, risking joint separation and sudden lane departure — confirmed recall.
Ongoing preliminary investigation into rear toe-link failure while driving; two collisions reported.
Retractor bolts may be improperly tightened, reducing restraint effectiveness — confirmed recall.
Repeated OTA update failures, 12V battery faults post-update, Driver+ disable events — owner-complaint pattern across model years.
Range inconsistency, calibration errors, and premature 12V battery failure reported on R1S and R1T.
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires a manufacturer to repurchase or replace a vehicle it cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts under warranty. If your Rivian qualifies, the manufacturer — not you — pays the attorney fees.
Tell us what the dealer hasn’t been able to fix. We’ll tell you if you have a case — for free.
Rivian owners most frequently report: (1) accelerator pedal drift preventing auto-hold or park (NHTSA 23V-883, 2022 models); (2) headlight misalignment on 2023–2024 vehicles (NHTSA 24V-367); (3) rear toe-link failure or incorrect reassembly after service (recall + ongoing investigation up to 115,000 units); (4) second-row seat belt retractor bolts improperly tightened (NHTSA 26V-003); (5) 12V battery faults and infotainment failures often triggered by OTA updates; and (6) battery range inconsistency or charging failures. If any defect has required two or more repair attempts without resolution, you may have a lemon-law claim.
Yes. A confirmed NHTSA recall is strong evidence that a defect exists and that Rivian had knowledge of it. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a recall-covered defect that Rivian cannot repair in a reasonable number of attempts — generally as few as two — may entitle you to a full repurchase or replacement. Even if Rivian pushes an OTA software fix, the recall does not automatically close your claim; the vehicle must actually conform to its warranty. Consult a lemon-law attorney to evaluate whether your repair history meets the threshold.
To pursue a lemon-law claim against Rivian in California: (1) Gather all repair orders showing each visit to a Rivian Service Center for the same defect. (2) Confirm you are within California's Song-Beverly presumption window — generally 18 months or 18,000 miles from delivery. (3) Send a written demand to Rivian documenting the defect and prior repair attempts. (4) If Rivian does not respond or denies the claim, retain a California lemon-law attorney; fees are paid by Rivian if you prevail. (5) The attorney will file a demand or civil action against Rivian Automotive, LLC and negotiate a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
If your Rivian qualifies under Song-Beverly, Rivian must repurchase the vehicle at the full contract price — including taxes, registration fees, and finance charges — less a mileage offset calculated from the first reported defect. Alternatively, Rivian may offer a replacement vehicle of the same or equivalent model. In some cases a cash-and-keep settlement is negotiated. Attorney fees and costs are paid by Rivian, not you, if your claim succeeds.
Yes. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act covers both purchased and leased vehicles, including Rivian R1T and R1S. As a lessee you may be entitled to the same buyback or replacement remedies as a buyer, and Rivian must pay your attorney fees if you prevail. Buyback amounts for leased vehicles are calculated differently — Rivian typically refunds lease payments made plus the down payment, minus the mileage offset. Consult an attorney to determine your specific recovery.
In most Rivian lemon-law cases, no. California's Song-Beverly Act requires Rivian to pay your attorney fees and costs if you prevail — qualified attorneys typically handle these cases on a fee-shifting basis with no upfront cost to you. If Rivian denies your claim and you lose, fee arrangements vary, so confirm specific terms with your attorney. Most lemon-law firms offer free case evaluations.
An OTA update may address certain software defects, but it does not automatically eliminate your lemon-law claim. Under Song-Beverly, each failed repair attempt — including service visits where an OTA fix was applied but the symptom recurred — counts toward the reasonable-number-of-attempts threshold. Moreover, if an OTA update itself caused a new defect (such as 12V battery failure after a software push), that may constitute a separate warranty breach. An attorney can review your full repair history to evaluate your claim.
California's Song-Beverly Act creates a rebuttable presumption of lemon status if, within 18 months or 18,000 miles from original delivery: (1) the same defect has been repaired two or more times and poses a serious safety risk, OR (2) the same defect has been repaired four or more times without success, OR (3) the vehicle has been out of service for a cumulative 30 or more days for any warrantable defect. For Rivian owners, each service visit for issues such as rear toe-link failure, accelerator drift, or persistent software malfunctions counts — even if Rivian pushed an OTA fix. Acting before the 18-month window closes maximizes your remedies.
A closer look at the Rivian issues our attorneys have covered.
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