A Beautiful Disaster — Rivian Is Not Ready for Prime Time

[2kwik4u]

One of the mistakes I'll readily admit with my R1T is I broke my own rule of buying within the first year of production. It's the same rule for all manufactures.

I broke the same rule. Am now realizing why it was a rule to begin with.

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[shap]

I broke the same rule. Am now realizing why it was a rule to begin with.

Same here. The question is, what is the remedy now?

I almost sold my truck a few times.

 

[2kwik4u]

Same here. The question is, what is the remedy now?

I almost sold my truck a few times.

I got a quote on Payoff Monday afternoon I'm so frustrated with it. That secured my "future plans", as the lease buyout is significantly more than the truck is worth on trade/sell; so I'm going to "tough it out" for at least the next 28mo I have the lease.

I've built a list of things that I think service needs to fix/repair/address. Either new parts on their side, adjustments on the truck from them, or revised education to reset my expectations. I really want to love the truck, I'm just super frustrated with the situation, as I traded my beloved aging Q7 for an EV to AVOID driveline issues and service center visits. Trucks had a service visit once a month (on average) since I've owned it. The whole situation just isn't panning out the way I wanted. Maybe I'm too picky?

Here's my current list.

• Chassis
  • Truck pulls to the left, and has since purchase.
    • Alignment has been addressed twice and won't "stick" past about 100 miles
  • Front end "clunks" over sharp edged bumps
    • Have been told this is "normal", however it's becoming more frequent
    • Something is clearly loose and needs to be addressed
  • Rear driveline "clunk" on dual motor engage/disengage
    • Suspect this is "normal", but is noticeable now was not on delivery
    • Might be related to an update changing the engagement timing
    • Not sure on this, but need a response from Rivian on it.
  • Due for tire rotation
    • This is on me, just needs to get done while they have it.
• Exterior
  • Front Fascia has broken tabs that have been addressed once
    • New front fascia was promised. Needs to be remedied
  • Passenger gear tunnel door has "peeling"
    • I think this is protective film, but it's peeling off and looks awful
• Interior
  • PAAK and fob don't work on a regular basis.
    • Restarting phone Bluetooth on phone seems to remedy issue
    • Removing and replacing battery in fob seems to remedy issue
    • Suspect issue with Bluetooth module in truck
  • HVAC vents are sporadic at best and require frequent recalibration
    • Often point in wrong direction or show "off" while open, or are closed when show "on"
      • Suspect an issue with stepper motors having slipped within mechanism (or electrically lost steps)
    • tech looked at this during last mobile visit and admitted an issue exists
    • Just needs new parts installed/calibrated

Honestly, if Rivian can sort out these issues I would be far less agitated at the truck. In particular the two chassis clunks, the vents, and PAAK are the "touch points" that are currently getting under my skin the most.

I'm working with the local Rivian techs now to setup a service visit, and see if I can't get this stuff sorted.

 

[shap]

I got a quote on Payoff Monday afternoon I'm so frustrated with it. That secured my "future plans", as the lease buyout is significantly more than the truck is worth on trade/sell; so I'm going to "tough it out" for at least the next 28mo I have the lease.

I've built a list of things that I think service needs to fix/repair/address. Either new parts on their side, adjustments on the truck from them, or revised education to reset my expectations. I really want to love the truck, I'm just super frustrated with the situation, as I traded my beloved aging Q7 for an EV to AVOID driveline issues and service center visits. Trucks had a service visit once a month (on average) since I've owned it. The whole situation just isn't panning out the way I wanted. Maybe I'm too picky?

Here's my current list.

• Chassis
  • Truck pulls to the left, and has since purchase.
    • Alignment has been addressed twice and won't "stick" past about 100 miles
  • Front end "clunks" over sharp edged bumps
    • Have been told this is "normal", however it's becoming more frequent
    • Something is clearly loose and needs to be addressed
  • Rear driveline "clunk" on dual motor engage/disengage
    • Suspect this is "normal", but is noticeable now was not on delivery
    • Might be related to an update changing the engagement timing
    • Not sure on this, but need a response from Rivian on it.
  • Due for tire rotation
    • This is on me, just needs to get done while they have it.
• Exterior
  • Front Fascia has broken tabs that have been addressed once
    • New front fascia was promised. Needs to be remedied
  • Passenger gear tunnel door has "peeling"
    • I think this is protective film, but it's peeling off and looks awful
• Interior
  • PAAK and fob don't work on a regular basis.
    • Restarting phone Bluetooth on phone seems to remedy issue
    • Removing and replacing battery in fob seems to remedy issue
    • Suspect issue with Bluetooth module in truck
  • HVAC vents are sporadic at best and require frequent recalibration
    • Often point in wrong direction or show "off" while open, or are closed when show "on"
      • Suspect an issue with stepper motors having slipped within mechanism (or electrically lost steps)
    • tech looked at this during last mobile visit and admitted an issue exists
    • Just needs new parts installed/calibrated

Honestly, if Rivian can sort out these issues I would be far less agitated at the truck. In particular the two chassis clunks, the vents, and PAAK are the "touch points" that are currently getting under my skin the most.

I'm working with the local Rivian techs now to setup a service visit, and see if I can't get this stuff sorted.

Well, this is very extensive list. However, some of these items are "working as designed":

• Chassis
  • Front end "clunks" over sharp edged bumps
    • Have been told this is "normal", however it's becoming more frequent
    • Something is clearly loose and needs to be addressed
• Interior
  • PAAK and fob don't work on a regular basis.
    • Restarting phone Bluetooth on phone seems to remedy issue
    • Removing and replacing battery in fob seems to remedy issue
    • Suspect issue with Bluetooth module in truck
  • HVAC vents are sporadic at best and require frequent recalibration
    • Often point in wrong direction or show "off" while open, or are closed when show "on"
      • Suspect an issue with stepper motors having slipped within mechanism (or electrically lost steps)

 

[SASSquatch]

I expect them to go to their therapist. There's a difference between asking for information and whining. Why should the people in a Rivian special interest forum need to listen to someone's exaggerated opinion about how bad and big mean Rivian is? What good does that do anyone, for OP to come here to take a steaming shit and leave? It doesn't solve anyone's problem, it doesn't provide any information for anyone else. All it does is dump on RIvian.

IF you want to vent without any sort of constructive need, then you need to be paying someone to listen to it. None of us here signed up for that.

You clearly don't understand internet forums or human nature if you don't think people who spent $100K aren't going to come into a forum to whine about it when the price tag doesn't match the experience they expect.

Go to the Honda Fit forums where the price tag is $23K and see how much whining happens for a car worth a fraction of a Rivian.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

You clearly don't understand internet forums or human nature if you don't think people who spent $100K aren't going to come into a forum to whine about it when the price tag doesn't match the experience they expect.

Go to the Honda Fit forums where the price tag is $23K and see how much whining happens for a car worth a fraction of a Rivian.

Doesn't mean they SHOULD. Whining instead of solving problems is what failures and losers do.

 

[SASSquatch]

Doesn't mean they SHOULD. Whining instead of solving problems is what failures and losers do.

I'd feel a certain way if I spent $100K on a vehicle that has issues and service is overwhelmed and slow to fix them. Human nature.

I've said this as long as I have been on this forum. You are buying a beta vehicle when you are buying a Rivian. They are a new company and they are going to have serious growing pains which they are experiencing now.

None of the slick marketing tells you that Rivian reliability is at the bottom because their QC is subpar and their limited service network is completely overwhelmed.

Rivian needs tough love or they won't be around long enough for it to matter.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Rivian needs tough love or they won't be around long enough for it to matter.

This forum doesn't matter; no one here is "making a difference" with their comments. Complaining here will never motivate Rivian to expand its service centers, because they are doing that as fast as possible. I've read several articles lately about how difficult it is to find trained techs, plus we all know how permitting works.

Tough love is for your teen using heroin, not for a vehicle manufacturer. I have never gotten an issue solved by being an asshole or a whiner that couldn't have been solved by being a decent human being. I've had 30 day wait times for an oil change with an Audi in the past. Go to the Hummer forum and you hear many of the same service stories and both of those vehicles were with established dealer networks.

Like it or not, EVs are a newer technology and all the shade tree mechanics or veteran techs don't know about them. Most dealerships are lucky to have ONE EV tech. It's a problem across the board not exclusive to Rivian.

I don't buy the "human nature" explanation either. There is no excuse for poor behavior, as being able to rise above our animal nature separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. You can train a dog to suppress their basal instincts to a point, there's no excuse for a member here. Whining doesn't solve problems.

 

[Ngkgb]

I got a quote on Payoff Monday afternoon I'm so frustrated with it. That secured my "future plans", as the lease buyout is significantly more than the truck is worth on trade/sell; so I'm going to "tough it out" for at least the next 28mo I have the lease.

I've built a list of things that I think service needs to fix/repair/address. Either new parts on their side, adjustments on the truck from them, or revised education to reset my expectations. I really want to love the truck, I'm just super frustrated with the situation, as I traded my beloved aging Q7 for an EV to AVOID driveline issues and service center visits. Trucks had a service visit once a month (on average) since I've owned it. The whole situation just isn't panning out the way I wanted. Maybe I'm too picky?

Here's my current list.

• Chassis
  • Truck pulls to the left, and has since purchase.
    • Alignment has been addressed twice and won't "stick" past about 100 miles
  • Front end "clunks" over sharp edged bumps
    • Have been told this is "normal", however it's becoming more frequent
    • Something is clearly loose and needs to be addressed
  • Rear driveline "clunk" on dual motor engage/disengage
    • Suspect this is "normal", but is noticeable now was not on delivery
    • Might be related to an update changing the engagement timing
    • Not sure on this, but need a response from Rivian on it.
  • Due for tire rotation
    • This is on me, just needs to get done while they have it.
• Exterior
  • Front Fascia has broken tabs that have been addressed once
    • New front fascia was promised. Needs to be remedied
  • Passenger gear tunnel door has "peeling"
    • I think this is protective film, but it's peeling off and looks awful
• Interior
  • PAAK and fob don't work on a regular basis.
    • Restarting phone Bluetooth on phone seems to remedy issue
    • Removing and replacing battery in fob seems to remedy issue
    • Suspect issue with Bluetooth module in truck
  • HVAC vents are sporadic at best and require frequent recalibration
    • Often point in wrong direction or show "off" while open, or are closed when show "on"
      • Suspect an issue with stepper motors having slipped within mechanism (or electrically lost steps)
    • tech looked at this during last mobile visit and admitted an issue exists
    • Just needs new parts installed/calibrated

Honestly, if Rivian can sort out these issues I would be far less agitated at the truck. In particular the two chassis clunks, the vents, and PAAK are the "touch points" that are currently getting under my skin the most.

I'm working with the local Rivian techs now to setup a service visit, and see if I can't get this stuff sorted.

it took the service center literally 7 or 8 attempts to fix my alignment. In the end the truck needed an updated subframe.

Sorry to hear youre going through all this. I’m sure people here will say “Rivian will make it right.m,” but at what cost to your time and sanity is the question.

 

[2kwik4u]

it took the service center literally 7 or 8 attempts to fix my alignment. In the end the truck needed an updated subframe.

Sorry to hear youre going through all this. I’m sure people here will say “Rivian will make it right.m,” but at what cost to your time and sanity is the question.

That's a really interesting comment, as the wording from the last attempt was "I had to loosen and shift the subframe to get it to come into spec" Wonder if there was a bad batch of them from the factory? What VIN# are you if you don't mind sharing.

I'm also adding A/C "rattle" to the list as of last night. First time I've used the A/C in the truck, and it generates a heavy metallic rattle/clinging from under the frunk when it's on. So, that's fun.

 

[Ngkgb]

That's a really interesting comment, as the wording from the last attempt was "I had to loosen and shift the subframe to get it to come into spec" Wonder if there was a bad batch of them from the factory? What VIN# are you if you don't mind sharing.

I'm also adding A/C "rattle" to the list as of last night. First time I've used the A/C in the truck, and it generates a heavy metallic rattle/clinging from under the frunk when it's on. So, that's fun.

Im an early vin: 15xxx

 

[shap]

On a positive note, I saw few events in Dallas where drivers can come and do basic maintenance on the spot, including changing a 12V battery. Also, they have a senior Rivian specialist to answer any questions. Definitely a step in the right direction.

 

[2kwik4u]

Im an early vin: 15xxx

Interesting. I'm in the 307XX range. Thanks for the info.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

I've read through 13 pages.

Launching an automobile manufacturer from scratch in the modern era is a near-impossible feat. In fact, Tesla remains the only successful U.S. car startup in the past 50 years—a sobering reality check for anyone evaluating Rivian’s progress just 40 months into deliveries.

I entered my Rivian purchase with eyes wide open, and with that same perspective, I’d buy again tomorrow. That doesn’t mean I dismiss legitimate frustrations—if you’ve had a truly bad experience, you have every right to seek resolution (or walk away). But the ferocity with which some declare their dissatisfaction puzzles me.

Here’s my reality:

• My R1T (#17XX) now has 57,000 nearly flawless miles—and it’s better today than when I took delivery, thanks to relentless improvements. I'm keeping it, long term.
• My wife’s R1S (Red Canyon/Ocean Coast) purchased well after the R1T has never needed a service center visit—yes, field service came for a minor dash rattle and some niggles.
• The truck is a technical marvel, the company’s vision is inspiring, and the CEO’s passion is undeniable.

Is Rivian perfect? No. Lexus-level fit/finish and dealer-like service infrastructure? Not yet. But show me another startup—in any industry—that has delivered so much, so quickly, against such impossible odds.

If you’ve ever attempted something statistically doomed to fail, you’d understand the irrational criticism leveled at those who dare greatly. I, for one, am too busy enjoying the revolution to shout it down.

What do I know? Probably not much—but from where I stand, it’s been a pretty stellar experience. I totally understand that not everyone’s had the same luck with Rivian, and I really do feel for those folks. But in my case? It’s been smooth roads and smiles so far, and I’m grateful for that.

Mark

 

[Spazz27]

Update to My Rivian Experience!

So, my R1S was finally returned... not perfect, but at least most of the issues were resolved to a satisfactory level. What stood out most was that my review, which I posted across several platforms, was clearly noticed. Someone higher up than the usual service reps reached out... “corporate,” they said and apparently they saw the review *somewhere*... I got the usual apologies and corporate-style lip service, all delivered politely, of course.

My advisor finally called me as well, but only once, and with a weak excuse for the lack of communication. At least he was polite. And he did deliver the vehicle back to me free of charge (they now charge $120 for delivery), so that was a small courtesy I appreciated.

What’s clear, though, is that the review did get someone’s attention, which was my hope. And they seem to be taking feedback more seriously, which is good—after all, it’s us owners who will ultimately decide if Rivian succeeds.

That said, the responses to my post, which brought in a wave of the usual noise: brand loyalists, Rivian superfans, haters of other brands, etc. A lot of biased nonsense, helped!.. as I thought it ight, because ironically, all that back-and-forth is engagement, and engagement is engagement, and however the algorithm works, the more interaction the better—so thanks for that!

At this point, I just hope nothing else breaks. The people at the Miami service center have remained polite throughout, and as they’ve told me more than once, it’s hard to fix a vehicle that was built with so many factory defects... in a way I'm super impressed because I don't think I could do what they do!

I may still look into a lemon law claim—if I can find the time—but otherwise, the second I break even, I’m out. Whether that means a Gen 2 Rivian or something else entirely, we’ll see. The new Scout has caught my attention, but I still love (and therefore prefer), Rivian’s vibe more than any other EV brand, but so far, it hasn’t been worth the trouble. Let’s see what happens next

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