Rivian executive acknowledges R1S AC noise problem

[NY_Rob]

..AND- when the Rivian delivery lady says you can just accept the new vehicle they have brought you (after waiting 3 years) with whatever issue you have noticed during the 30 min walk/drive around, and assures you that you can put in a ticket and the local mobile Rivian repair person will come fix it... DON’T believe her.

Tesla was doing the same and when the word got out (early Model Y era) they they were basically refusing almost all common repairs as "within spec" people just started returning the cars via the 7-day/1K mi return policy. That resulted in huge problems for Tesla, so they simply canceled the return policy and never reinstated it. So now you either accept the vehicle at delivery without ever running it or reject it because of cosmetic issues. I can see a day when Rivian resorts to the same protocol after rescinding the current return policy if people start returning vehicles.

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[TXR1SMD]

I'm going to point/counterpoint you here.

Point: The Dallas service center sucks. I think when you mention Lemon Law to them, they become incredibly defensive. Find out the name of the person who keeps saying it is "operating as expected" because I will be willing to bet it is Justin, who in my texting and personal interactions with him, is an arrogant and condescending ? . Screenshot below from my issue (which is not AC related, FYI) seems to echo the same tones.

Counterpoint: It is not a safety issue, as I think you've admitted. It is annoying. Not all R1 vehicles seem to have the same problem. I agree with many others that throwing new parts on a vehicle without knowing the cause is not an answer. Also, they won't put you in a loaner indefinitely while the vehicle is still drivable and has a functional (albeit noisy) AC. IMO you shouldn't have sold the RRS. Sounds like your wife wants something flashy to be seen in and the cachet of RR is far above that of Rivian. You made a profit on the RRS sale, you likely still have a profit in the R1S. There are daily orphaned orders for RR and RRS at LR Dallas and Frisco, as multiple friends have been able to pick vehicles up - without an order or allocation - same week without a markup. If you hate the Rivian so bad, hate the service experience, and want out then jump and don't look back. But also enjoy that LR Dallas service experience where you spend $120k on a vehicle and get a service appointment 6 weeks or more out every time, get a worn out Evoque for a lonaer IF YOURE LUCKY and an enterprise Kia Sorento if you aren't.

 

[RWerksman]

I'll post here what I said in the other thread - there is no world where that noise coming from a passenger vehicle would be acceptable. You should never need to, "turn up the stereo" or whatever to have an enjoyable drive.

I think we all need to support those experiencing a similar issue in taking reasonable steps to get it solved. Having issues like this persist hurts all owners and the company. Think about it - if the same issue were happening to you, would you want to be told that you shouldn't have sold your prior vehicle, or that your a guinea pig for a new car company?

Folks on here are peers and should be treated with empathy, provided constructive suggestions, and should be reminded that emotion doesn't help here / patience is a virtue.

 

[TXR1SMD]

I'll post here what I said in the other thread - there is no world where that noise coming from a passenger vehicle would be acceptable. You should never need to, "turn up the stereo" or whatever to have an enjoyable drive.

I think we all need to support those experiencing a similar issue in taking reasonable steps to get it solved. Having issues like this persist hurts all owners and the company. Think about it - if the same issue were happening to you, would you want to be told that you shouldn't have sold your prior vehicle, or that your a guinea pig for a new car company?

Folks on here are peers and should be treated with empathy, provided constructive suggestions, and should be reminded that emotion doesn't help here / patience is a virtue.

All of that is true, but I think some of the sticking points for those pushing back on the OP are that 1) they keep saying this is a "widespread" issue and there are, in actuality, maybe 2-3 additional people complaining of similar noises. 2) the vehicle is functional and has a working AC so creating multiple threads about the same issue really shows a lack of patience and it is unrealistic to think that the company has been given time to identify, evaluate, diagnose, and remedy the problem in the timeframe that the OP deems acceptable and 3) the OP themselves keeps mentioning their regret in selling their other vehicle, so any posts agreeing with that are only echoing the original post/posts (since there are many).

 

[screamingkarts]

Our R1S makes a smart noise regardless of the fan speed. Most difficult part is the steering wheel/accelerator/floor vibrations. It makes it very difficult to ignore Car has been to the service center twice for this. First time they said they were not able to recreate and the second time they said 'that is the design'. But good to know ow that someone in Rivian acknowledged the issue. It is just matter of time for them to address the issue (hopefully ). One of my friend's brand new 2023 model also had this issue and he said they were able to reduce the vibrations to almost nothing. I have created a ticket and waiting for them to call now. Will wait for a week, if not I need to call and follow up.

 

[Autolycus]

My R1S (picked up on Friday and has a VIN in the 11xxx range) has a similar noise ramp up when the AC compressor first kicks on, but it seems to quiet down shortly after. Haven't been on any longer drives yet though, or left it in the sun for an extended period so it might just be that it stops because the AC has caught up.

 

[DallasBBQ]

All of that is true, but I think some of the sticking points for those pushing back on the OP are that 1) they keep saying this is a "widespread" issue and there are, in actuality, maybe 2-3 additional people complaining of similar noises. 2) the vehicle is functional and has a working AC so creating multiple threads about the same issue really shows a lack of patience and it is unrealistic to think that the company has been given time to identify, evaluate, diagnose, and remedy the problem in the timeframe that the OP deems acceptable and 3) the OP themselves keeps mentioning their regret in selling their other vehicle, so any posts agreeing with that are only echoing the original post/posts (since there are many).

First, before I respond, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has participated in this discussion. The support and absence of forum drama have been greatly appreciated. Unlike Carplay ?

1. Widespread: This issue extends far beyond affecting only 2-3 people. Look at the various topics related to this problem on this forum and others, you will find numerous frustrated R1S owners expressing their concerns about the noise issue. While we can debate the accuracy of the term "widespread," it certainly encompasses more than just a few individuals. According to the Rivian Southwest sales manager, owners who aren't experiencing this problem are considered "one of the lucky ones."
2. I have apologized multiple times for creating multiple threads. Initially, I didn't want important new information to get lost within an existing conversation. However, I now realize that it was improper forum etiquette. I'm uncertain if I would describe my current situation as a lack of patience. Rivian has consistently claimed that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle, which has been my point of contention. It was only after I started emailing the corporate office and posting online that someone finally reached out to me and somewhat acknowledged the issue.
3. There isn't much to add regarding this point. I simply stated the fact that I sold the other vehicle before the high heat and discovery of the noise issue.

Once again, I genuinely appreciate the active engagement on this topic. While I am happy for those who are not encountering this problem, for those of us stuck with the "weed eater mode," it is undeniably infuriating.

 

[Ronimal]

Its more than 2-3.

I've had my R1T since May 2022. Reported "Weed Eater Mode" to Service a month later, and was told my issue was normal. It has gotten better with software updates, where I suspect Rivian is throttling the compressor via software in order to help minimize the brutal sound it emits. It does wind up to full-on weed eater mode in very hot days.

I do hate the noise it makes with a passion. It just sounds broken or defective. How does Rivian let something like this cheapen the whole experience? ... but I don't hate it enough for me to want to sell the vehicle.

 

[DallasBBQ]

This is "weed eater mode" from today.

 

[TXR1SMD]

What does it sound like from inside the vehicle, with the door closed?

Create a list of those on the forums who have the same issue, because from what I have seen its a lot of "I had a loaner that had a similar sound" or the same people posting in multiple threads about their issue. There's no debate about the definition of widespread. There is debate about your hyperbole on "Rivian Executive" acknowledging an issue then back tracking it to a regional CSM.

This is "weed eater mode" from today.

 

[DTown3011]

Posting for the first time because I have the same problem. It is the a/c. It happens in hot/humid conditions, so pretty much everyday in Florida. When you turn off the a/c the noise stops. The car was still running in the video so you can hear it from outside. It is louder than it comes across in the video. It is not a minor issue, you can hear it through loud music. When you pull up, everyone turns there head because they hear it. I have to turn off the a/c when I come to a stop because it is embarrassing. A very bad look for rivian. Needs a fix asap. I have a ticket in, but the closest service center is 3 hours way. I do want to go and then they say it is fine, that would waste 2 days with the drop off and pickup.

I hate to add fuel to the fire here, but today is the first "hot" day of the summer here in Colorado, it's 90*. My Rivian was parked in the driveway under the hot sun and when I got in, the cabin was 133*F so needless to say the first thing I did was full blast the A/C. Not only did it struggle to cool, but I also got this noise from the A/C compressor and my accelerator pedal was shaking, etc. I tried my best to avoid these threads, but seems this problem might be more widespread than people think. It's certainly not an acceptable noise in the slightest.

I should mention 2023 R1T, 18xxx VIN.

 

[jon91581]

I also have noticed the fan/compressor noise on my recently delivered R1S. VIN 10,0XX. I just submitted a service ticket for issue. It's been ridiculously hot the past few days here in Houston. Replicating the noise/vibration issue isn't difficult, but I haven't been too put off by the issue. One thing to note, is that the noise my car makes isn't quite as loud/noticeable as what I've seen posted. The noise/vibrations are an annoyance for me so long as the compressor still works, but it's obviously something I'd prefer to have fixed. My plan is to notify Rivian Service, give them a chance to acknowledge or resolve the issue and proceed from there. Hopefully, there's a TSB/Recall for the matter, and it can be fixed.

Otherwise, we've been pretty pleased with our R1S. I'd consider myself a pretty fanatical ICE-enthusiast, and the R1S has impressed in the very short time we've owned it. Granted, our other vehicles are an air cooled 911 and 100 series landcruiser, so we were coming from the relative "Stone Age" of vehicles.

 

[Friscorays]

Create a list of those on the forums who have the same issue....

If I have time, I will work on it tonight. I'm pretty sure I've seen over a dozen folks here posting that they have the same issue.

 

[Jason]

Have yall tried setting AC to recirc instead of fresh? I am in Austin and when trying to use fresh mode on my Model Y or R1T it gets absurdly loud. The fan has to crank to 11 because it's trying to cool 105 degree air instead of cooling recycled cool air. This also chews threw battery as well. Using recirc makes an enormous difference.

 

[DTown3011]

Have yall tried setting AC to recirc instead of fresh? I am in Austin and when trying to use fresh mode on my Model Y or R1T it gets absurdly loud. The fan has to crank to 11 because it's trying to cool 105 degree air instead of cooling recycled cool air. This also chews threw battery as well. Using recirc makes an enormous difference.

Recirc had no difference on my noise overall - feels like this happens when the A/C compressor is working harder than normal whether it's recirc or fresh.

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