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Front Seat Belt Anchor Inadequately Attached to B-Pillar — Recall 22V641 (2022)
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Safety2022
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14 recalls, open suspension investigation, OTA bricking. Rivian R1S repeat repairs may qualify under California lemon law. Free case review.
You paid over $80,000 for a Rivian R1S, one of the most-hyped EVs ever built. The promise: a luxury three-row SUV capable of towing 7,700 pounds, wading three feet of water, and hauling a family into the wilderness in near-silent quad-motor comfort. For many owners of the 2022-2024 R1S that promise has been met. For a significant number of early adopters, particularly 2022 and 2023 builds, ownership has meant something else: fourteen NHTSA recalls, OTA updates that introduced new defects, a 12V battery that died without warning, air suspension faults that stranded the vehicle at minimum ride height, and front drive units that failed before 20,000 miles.
The recall list covers three seatbelt-anchorage campaigns, two airbag deployment defects, a steering knuckle fastener, headlight aim, accelerator pedal software failure, and an OTA that disabled the defroster fleet-wide. NHTSA has also opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25-001 into potential rear toe link separation on approximately 114,922 R1T and R1S vehicles, with no remedy issued as of mid-2026. Beyond formal recalls, documented owner-reported patterns include recurring 12V battery failures, DC fast-charge session drops, Driver+ phantom braking at freeway speed, and heat pump failures in winter. A November 2024 OTA reportedly bricked multiple R1S vehicles, requiring flatbed tows. This page documents what is sourced so you can understand your rights.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
NHTSA Recall 22V641 established that Rivian had notice of a front seatbelt anchorage defect — one of the most fundamental crash-protection failures possible. Under California Song-Beverly, a vehicle with an unrepaired or inadequately repaired safety recall may support a claim if the owner returned for the recall remedy and continued to experience related symptoms. Owners should confirm the remedy was performed and obtain documentation from the dealer.
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.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 22V744 covers an improperly tightened fastener connecting the front upper control arm to the steering knuckle — a defect that can cause loss of steering control. This is a core safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, any repeat visit for steering symptoms after the recall remedy was purportedly performed is strong evidence of an unresolved defect and grounds for a lemon-law claim.
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.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 23V109 addresses a faulty ALR sensor that can suppress front passenger airbag deployment — a direct crash-protection safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, a manufacturer-acknowledged airbag non-deployment defect requires only two repair attempts to trigger the statutory lemon presumption (safety defect threshold). Owners should verify the recall remedy was completed and keep the repair order.
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.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 23V159 covers improperly secured side curtain airbag fasteners, creating a risk of non-deployment in a crash. Airbag defects are among the highest-priority safety recalls under FMVSS 208. Under California Song-Beverly, an unrepaired airbag safety defect — or a symptom recurrence after purported repair — is one of the strongest foundations for a lemon-law claim requiring only two repair attempts.
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.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 23V233 addresses a reverse lamp that fails to comply with FMVSS 108 visibility requirements at certain angles. This is a lighting compliance defect rather than a direct crash-hazard defect. For Song-Beverly purposes, the recall establishes manufacturer notice of a warranty non-conformance; its relevance to a lemon claim depends on whether the owner experienced related visibility issues and whether the remedy held.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 23V783 is notable because the defect was introduced by Rivian's own OTA software update — Rivian pushed an update that disabled visibility systems required for safe operation. Under Song-Beverly, this establishes a pattern of software-driven defects being introduced by the manufacturer after sale. If an owner experienced additional OTA-induced defects (see also the November 2024 bricking event), each incident is a separate repair event that can aggregate toward lemon-law eligibility.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 23V883 covers an accelerator pedal that fails to detect driver release, preventing auto-hold and park activation — a potential unintended vehicle movement defect. This is a safety-level recall. Under Song-Beverly, if the recall remedy did not permanently resolve the issue and the owner returned for additional pedal or vehicle-hold related repairs, those visits contribute to the repair-attempt count for a lemon-law claim.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 24V319 addresses a missing FMVSS 208 airbag warning label. While a label defect is lower-severity than a mechanical airbag fault, it still constitutes a warranty non-conformance the manufacturer was obligated to remedy. For Song-Beverly purposes, it adds to the recall history on 2024 R1S vehicles and may matter if combined with higher-severity issues in a cumulative claim.
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.
tail light out; exterior light warning; reduced rear visibility
Recall 24V367 covers improperly aimed headlights — a safety defect under FMVSS 108 because incorrect beam aim reduces visibility and can blind oncoming drivers. Under Song-Beverly, lighting safety recalls establish manufacturer notice; if the headlight aim remedy failed to hold (e.g., aim shifted again after the fix), that recurrence is a repeat repair attempt relevant to a lemon-law claim.
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.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 24V408 addresses damage to B/C-pillar trim attachment clips caused by a service procedure, which can prevent side curtain airbag deployment in a crash. This is particularly notable because the defect was introduced by Rivian service — meaning the repair made the vehicle less safe. Under Song-Beverly, if a dealer service visit created a new safety defect, the owner has grounds for a warranty claim and potentially a lemon-law claim if the issue cannot be permanently resolved.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 24V458 covers an incorrect tire placard that misstates maximum payload — an FMVSS 110 compliance defect. While lower-severity in isolation, it is relevant to a Song-Beverly claim as evidence of a recurring pattern of labeling and documentation non-conformances (see also 24V319 — missing airbag label) across the 2022-2024 R1S. Combined with higher-severity recalls, it strengthens the overall recall history.
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.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 25V370 (June 2025) covers D-ring bolts for front seat belt anchorage that may not have been properly installed — directly impairing crash restraint performance. This is the third seatbelt-anchorage recall on the 2022-2024 R1S platform (see also 22V641 and 26V009). Under Song-Beverly, a pattern of the same system requiring repeated manufacturer-acknowledged recalls is strong evidence of an ongoing unresolved defect, particularly relevant if the owner has had multiple seatbelt recall repairs.
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.
front suspension noise; stabilizer bar loose; vehicle pulls or clunks
Recall 26V003 (January 2026) covers incorrect toe link reassembly following prior service, which can cause the toe link to separate and create loss of directional control. This recall affects vehicles that had service performed before March 10, 2025 — meaning Rivian service may have created a new safety defect. Under Song-Beverly, a defect introduced during a warranty repair is itself a warranty non-conformance. Combined with NHTSA PE25-001 (broader toe link investigation), rear suspension claims on R1S have strong manufacturer-notice evidence.
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 sea
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 26V009 (January 2026) covers improperly tightened second-row seat belt retractor bolts — a safety defect affecting rear passengers. This is the fourth recall addressing seatbelt anchorage or retractor integrity on the 2022-2024 R1S (22V641, 25V370, 26V009, plus airbag-related 23V109, 23V159, 24V408). The accumulation of safety recalls on the same vehicle platform is directly relevant under Song-Beverly: owners who have presented for multiple recall repairs without permanent resolution of ongoing safety concerns have strong grounds for a claim.
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.
touchscreen goes black and will not respond; infotainment reboots while driving; navigation and climate controls unresponsive for minutes; vehicle will not start after OTA update; all screens dark after software update; required flatbed tow after update; Connect+ system unresponsive; Rivian app cannot connect to vehicle
If an R1S was rendered inoperable by an OTA update and required multiple dealer visits or extended out-of-service time to restore functionality, that repair history may support a California Song-Beverly claim. Under Song-Beverly, days the vehicle is out of service for warranty repairs count toward the buyback threshold — tow events and multi-day service appointments for OTA recovery are directly relevant.
Rivian deploys a remediation OTA or performs a remote/dealer software reflash. In severe brick cases the vehicle requires flatbed towing to a Rivian service center for full ECU recovery. Rivian replaced the central compute module in some cases.
front motor failure warning; loss of power to front axle; vehicle pulls to one side under acceleration; reduced range and performance; Service Drive Unit warning; front drivetrain disabled; towed to dealer for motor replacement; acceleration hesitation or cutout at highway speed
Loss of drive power at highway speed is a safety-level concern, and repeated drive unit replacements without a permanent fix are a classic lemon-law repair pattern. Under California Song-Beverly, a defect that requires two or more repair attempts for a safety issue, or four or more attempts total, may trigger the presumption of a lemon. Extended parts delays that keep the vehicle out of service compound the claim.
Rivian replaces the failed drive unit assembly under the 8-year/175,000-mile EV powertrain warranty. Wait times for drive unit parts have been reported as extended (weeks). Loaner vehicles not always available at Rivian service centers.
12V Service Required warning; vehicle will not start; dead 12V battery; battery drains when parked more than 2-3 days; Rivian app shows vehicle offline; replaced 12V battery more than once; car stranded in garage; 12V lithium battery failure; cannot unlock doors or start vehicle
A recurring 12V battery failure that leaves an owner stranded and requires multiple warranty replacements without a permanent fix is the textbook repeat-repair pattern under California Song-Beverly. Each 12V replacement event is a separate warranty repair attempt; if the same symptom (vehicle won't start / '12V Service Required') recurs after repair, those attempts aggregate toward the lemon presumption threshold.
Rivian replaces the 12V lithium auxiliary battery under warranty. Rivian has also issued OTA updates to reduce parasitic draw. However, multiple owners report the failure recurring after one or more replacements.
estimated range significantly lower than EPA-rated; charging to 100% gives far less range than when new; range dropped 50-70 miles after 12-18 months; dealer says degradation is within spec; battery health tool shows reduced capacity; shorter trips between charges than expected for the pack size purchased
If an R1S battery pack degrades to the point that the vehicle cannot perform its essential function — providing the advertised driving range — and Rivian refuses repair because degradation falls just below the warranty threshold, a Song-Beverly claim may be viable on the theory that the vehicle does not conform to its written warranty. Owners should preserve all Rivian app range history and dealer statements about 'within-spec' degradation as evidence.
If degradation exceeds Rivian's warranty threshold, the HV battery pack is replaced under the 8-year/175,000-mile battery warranty. Below the threshold, Rivian has offered OTA updates to refine charge management. No wholesale fix for above-average but below-threshold degradation.
DCFC drops to very low speed after a few minutes; charging rate falls from 200 kW to under 30 kW mid-session; charging session terminates without completing; charging error on display; must unplug and replug multiple times to complete a charge; Rivian Adventure Network charger session drops; CCS charge port won't accept plug; can only charge slowly on Level 2
For an EV, the ability to charge at rated speeds is an essential warranty-covered function. Repeated charging failures that require dealer visits without a durable fix can support a Song-Beverly claim, particularly if each failed 'charge session' event is tied to a warranty repair visit. Owners should log each charging failure, the charger used, and the repair order for each dealer visit addressing the issue.
OTA software updates have improved charging performance on some builds. In hardware fault cases, Rivian replaces the charge port module or high-voltage junction box under warranty. Third-party network compatibility issues partially addressed by OTA.
sudden hard braking on highway with no obstacle present; phantom brake event at freeway speed; Driver+ applies emergency stop unexpectedly; Highway Assist disengages without warning; ADAS hands control back abruptly; near rear-end collision after unexpected brake application; adaptive cruise control cuts out; forward collision warning activates falsely
Phantom braking at highway speed that creates a rear-end collision risk is a safety-level defect. Under California Song-Beverly, a safety defect requires fewer repair attempts to establish the lemon presumption than a non-safety issue. If Driver+ phantom braking recurs after a warranty repair or OTA update, each recurrence is a separate repair attempt. Owners should video-record events and preserve all repair orders citing ADAS recalibration or software updates.
Rivian has issued OTA updates to improve Driver+ sensor fusion and reduce false positives. No recall or dedicated investigation for R1S ADAS phantom braking as of Jun 30, 2026. Rivian service centers may recalibrate sensors if misalignment is found.
Air Suspension Fault warning in app and dash; vehicle stuck at minimum or maximum ride height; cannot adjust ride height; suspension drops to lowest setting unexpectedly; loud compressor noise that stops suddenly; vehicle scrapes on speed bumps or driveway aprons; off-road modes disabled; towed to dealer for suspension repair
An air suspension that repeatedly fails and leaves the vehicle at minimum ride height impairs the R1S's core value proposition (off-road and all-terrain capability). Recurring air suspension failures requiring multiple dealer visits without a durable fix build a repair-attempt record that can support a Song-Beverly claim. Extended out-of-service time for parts procurement also counts toward California's lemon day-out-of-service threshold.
Rivian replaces the failed compressor assembly, air bladder, or height sensor under warranty. Software OTA has addressed some sensor false-fault events. Repair requires dealer visit; parts availability has sometimes extended repair time beyond a week.
frunk will not open or close using app or button; frunk stuck open or closed; power rear sliding glass stuck in open or closed position; rear glass motor failed; glass stuck half-open in rain or cold weather; manual emergency frunk release required; Rivian app shows frunk error; rear window actuator grinding noise then stops
Repeated actuator failures that prevent normal use of the frunk or leave the rear glass stuck open — impounding weather damage — are functional warranty defects. If the same actuator fails twice or more, each replacement is a separate repair attempt under Song-Beverly. A rear glass stuck open in rain or winter conditions may also create a safety-adjacent concern (water damage to interior electrical systems).
Rivian replaces the frunk latch actuator or rear glass motor assembly under warranty. Emergency frunk release is accessible through the interior via a manual pull. No OTA fix for hardware actuator failures.
no heat from vents in cold weather; heat pump failure warning; cabin blows cold air only; HVAC system faults and shuts down; heat pump replaced under warranty but failed again; vehicle undrivable in winter without cabin heat; towed to dealer in freezing temperatures; HVAC shows Service Required warning
A heat pump that fails to provide cabin heat in cold weather impairs the vehicle's fundamental habitability, particularly in states with cold winters. Recall 23V783000 already established that Rivian HVAC software is susceptible to OTA regression; a hardware heat pump failure that recurs after replacement is a classic repeat-repair pattern under Song-Beverly. Owners in cold-weather states should preserve repair orders and any Rivian service communications about heat pump replacement history.
Rivian replaces the heat pump compressor/assembly under warranty. OTA updates have refined the thermal management system. However, repeat failures after replacement are documented. In extreme cold conditions, Rivian may instruct owners to use resistive supplemental heat while awaiting repair.
sudden loss of directional control; rear of vehicle steps out unexpectedly; rear suspension collapse; vehicle pulls severely to one side without warning; clunking from rear suspension; rear toe link detached; loss of steering control; towed after rear suspension failure
An open NHTSA investigation into rear suspension structural failure is significant evidence that Rivian had or should have had notice of a potential defect. Under Song-Beverly, a vehicle that has been subject to multiple suspension-related recalls (26V003000, 26V009000) and an open NHTSA investigation, and that has required suspension repair under warranty, may meet the repeat-repair threshold for a buyback or replacement claim — even before a formal recall is issued.
No remedy established — NHTSA PE25-001 is an open preliminary evaluation as of Jun 30, 2026. Recall 26V003000 (service reassembly) has been issued; if PE25-001 escalates, a broader structural recall is possible. Owners who experience rear suspension symptoms should contact Rivian and file an NHTSA complaint.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §1790 et seq.), a new vehicle with a warranty-covered defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts may qualify for a refund or replacement. This is general information, not legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is formed. Law as of 2026.
Safety defects (seatbelt, airbag, suspension): The Song-Beverly presumption of a lemon may arise after as few as two unsuccessful safety-defect repair attempts. With four seatbelt recalls, three airbag recalls, and NHTSA PE25-001 open, owners with multiple repair visits for these systems may be at or near the threshold.
Repeat failures (12V battery, drive unit, heat pump): Each warranty visit for the same symptom counts as a separate repair attempt. Two or more replacements without a permanent fix is the classic repeat-repair pattern Song-Beverly is designed to address.
Days out of service: Relief is also available when a vehicle is out of service more than 30 cumulative days in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles. R1S parts delays — drive units, suspension, heat pumps — have left some vehicles stranded for weeks.
OTA-delivered defects: Warranty obligations follow the defect, not the delivery method. An OTA that disables a system or bricks the vehicle is a manufacturer-introduced warranty non-conformance. Song-Beverly allows prevailing consumers to recover attorney's fees — most cases are handled at no upfront cost.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
Rivian's service network is still maturing — 'cannot replicate' is common for intermittent electronic, software, and suspension symptoms on the R1S. Here is what to do when your dealer or service center dismisses the problem:
1. Capture the symptom immediately. Photograph or video warning messages the moment they appear — suspension faults, '12V Service Required' alerts, charging errors. These warnings often clear after an OTA, making them hard to prove retroactively. Note the date, odometer, and conditions.
2. Record software version before every OTA. If a symptom starts after an update — as happened with Recall 23V783 (defroster) and the November 2024 bricking event — the version change timing is critical evidence of a manufacturer-introduced defect.
3. Get every symptom in writing on the repair order. Even if the technician says 'unable to duplicate,' insist your complaint is documented. That written visit still counts as a repair attempt under California lemon law.
4. Escalate within Rivian. Ask the service center to open a technical assistance escalation case; obtain the case number in writing.
5. Verify all recalls by VIN at recalls.nhtsa.gov. If any R1S recall was performed but symptoms recurred, that recurrence is a new repair attempt.
6. File at nhtsa.gov for any safety event — suspension failure, phantom braking, airbag warning. NHTSA complaints create a government record that supports legal claims.
The 2022-2024 Rivian R1S is an ambitious first-generation product from a startup manufacturer still maturing its production processes. Fourteen NHTSA recalls across seatbelts, airbags, steering, suspension, lighting, and software reflect those growing pains honestly. Some issues were remedied via OTA; others required hardware replacement. What concerns us from a lemon-law standpoint is the pattern: the same occupant protection systems recurring across multiple recall campaigns, an open NHTSA suspension investigation without a remedy, and a documented case of an OTA update bricking vehicles. For owners through multiple service visits without a durable fix, the R1S recall record provides substantial manufacturer-notice evidence. Qualification under Song-Beverly depends on each owner's specific repair history.
— The Margarian Law team
If your Rivian R1S has been in for multiple warranty repairs — seatbelt or airbag recalls, suspension faults, 12V battery failures, drive unit issues, or an OTA that left you stranded — you may have options under California lemon law. Margarian Law offers a free case review with no obligation and no upfront cost.
The 2022-2024 Rivian R1S has been subject to fourteen NHTSA recall campaigns as of mid-2026, covering front and rear seatbelt anchorage, side curtain airbag securement, an airbag suppression sensor defect, steering knuckle fasteners, headlight aim, reverse lighting, accelerator pedal auto-hold failure, OTA-deactivated defroster, B/C-pillar trim damage from service, tire placard errors, and rear toe link service reassembly. Additionally, NHTSA has opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25-001 into potential rear toe link structural separation on approximately 114,922 vehicles — an investigation with no remedy issued as of mid-2026. Owners should check recalls.nhtsa.gov with their VIN to confirm all campaigns have been completed.
A recurring pattern of 12V auxiliary battery drain and '12V Service Required' warnings is documented in multiple NHTSA owner complaints for 2022-2024 Rivian R1S vehicles. Unlike conventional EVs that use a lead-acid 12V battery, the R1S uses a lithium-ion 12V cell. Owners report the battery depleting when the vehicle sits unplugged for two to four days, leaving the car unable to start. Some owners report Rivian has replaced the 12V battery two or more times under warranty without a permanent fix. If you have had multiple 12V replacements for the same symptom, those repair attempts may be relevant to a California lemon-law claim.
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25-001 is an open investigation into whether the rear toe link on approximately 114,922 model year 2022-2025 Rivian R1T and R1S vehicles can separate, causing loss of directional control. As of mid-2026, no defect determination or recall has been issued under PE25-001 — it remains at the preliminary evaluation stage. Two related recalls have already been issued on a narrower basis: 26V003000 (incorrect toe link reassembly after service) and 26V009000 (second-row seatbelt retractor bolt tightening). Owners who notice rear suspension instability, pulling, or clunking should stop driving the vehicle and contact Rivian. Owners can also file a complaint at nhtsa.gov to contribute to the investigation record.
Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a Rivian R1S may qualify as a lemon if a warranty-covered defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or if the vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles. With fourteen NHTSA recalls, an open rear suspension investigation (PE25-001), and documented patterns of repeat 12V battery failures, drive unit failures, and OTA-induced defects, some R1S owners may have strong claim records. Safety defects — like seatbelt or suspension issues — require fewer repair attempts to trigger the statutory presumption. This is general information, not legal advice. A California lemon-law attorney can evaluate your specific repair history at no upfront cost.
The phenomenon you are describing is commonly called 'phantom braking' — where an ADAS system applies emergency braking in response to a false-positive obstacle detection. Multiple NHTSA owner complaints for the 2022-2024 Rivian R1S describe Driver+ applying hard braking at freeway speeds with no obstacle present, creating a rear-end collision risk. Rivian has issued OTA updates to improve Driver+ sensor fusion, but complaints continue in the record. If you experience phantom braking, document the date, speed, location, and conditions immediately. If it recurs after a Rivian service visit or OTA update, each recurrence is a separate warranty repair event that may be relevant to a Song-Beverly claim. File an NHTSA complaint at nhtsa.gov to create a government record of the event.
If a Rivian over-the-air update rendered your R1S inoperable — screens dark, vehicle will not start — document the exact software version before and after the update (if possible), the date, and every communication with Rivian. Contact Rivian roadside assistance for a flatbed tow to a service center; do not attempt to drive the vehicle. Get a repair order from the service center that specifies the OTA version that caused the issue and what was done to restore the vehicle. NHTSA Recall 23V783000 already established that Rivian OTA updates can disable critical systems (defroster); a subsequent bricking event is a separate warranty repair attempt. If your vehicle has been in for multiple OTA-related repairs, a California lemon-law attorney can evaluate whether the repair history meets the Song-Beverly threshold.
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