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The Rivian R1T Years To Avoid

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Rivian R1T in the desert

Rivian R1T by Rivian - CC-BY-SA-4.0

When it comes to electric pick-ups, the Rivian R1T has created quite a buzz. But like any vehicle, it’s important to understand the reliability and potential issues before investing.

By focusing on the initial releases, specifically the 2022 and 2023 models, we hope to give potential buyers an insight into what to expect. Remember, 2022 is the first year the R1T was available, which often comes with growing pains.

Rivian R1T Years To Avoid

Although the Rivian R1T has only been available for a short while, we already have data indicating which model years might be best avoided. If you’re considering purchasing a used R1T, it might be best to steer clear of the 2022 model.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE RIVIAN R1T

After reading this, you’ll have a clearer picture of the most reliable Rivian R1T year to consider for your next purchase.


The current list of years to avoid include:

  • 2022  Rivian R1T

This suggestion stems from a variety of factors. Firstly, the 2022 Rivian R1T is the inaugural model year for the vehicle. Historically, the first year of a vehicle’s production often faces more issues as the manufacturer works out the initial kinks and bugs. While this isn’t always the case, the 2022 Rivian R1T has already seen numerous complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) for a range of issues from airbags to powertrain and electrical system problems.

Moreover, the 2022 model has four recalls related to airbags, seats and seat belts, steering, and suspension, affecting almost all the vehicles delivered to customers. The most serious recall indicates the potential separation of the steering knuckle and control arm, a problem that could lead to loss of vehicle control.

What Was The Worst Year For The Rivian R1T?

The year 2022 holds the dubious distinction of being the worst for the Rivian R1T. It’s important to remember that 2022 was the inaugural year for the Rivian R1T, and it isn’t unusual for a new vehicle to encounter problems as the manufacturer fine-tunes its production process.

According to lemberglaw.com, the issues that plagued the 2022 model year extended beyond mere teething troubles. The model was the subject of numerous complaints ranging from the vehicle’s electrical system to its powertrain. Owners also reported problems with the airbags, back-over prevention, lane departure, and vehicle speed control, among others.

Also, the 2022 model was involved in several recalls, affecting nearly every vehicle delivered to customers. The most serious of these recalls were related to the potential separation of the steering knuckle and control arm. Such a defect could lead to a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.


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Best Rivian R1T Years

While the 2022 Rivian R1T faced some challenges, the company is focused on integrating feedback from consumers and users into newer model years. The 2023 Rivian R1T is projected to be the best Rivian R1T yet.

  • 2023 Rivian R1T: Following the teething issues of 2022, the 2023 Rivian R1T model demonstrated marked improvements. With the potential for far fewer complaints and a smoother buying process, the 2023 R1T model is shaping up to be a better bet for reliability and user-friendliness.

Since Rivian started producing the R1T, only two model years have been released: 2022 and 2023. While the 2022 model faced several issues and recalls, the 2023 model is shaping up to be a significant improvement.

Most notably, the 2023 Rivian R1T has not been subject to the same level of recalls and complaints as the 2022 model. This suggests that Rivian has addressed many of the earlier model’s issues, enhancing the vehicle’s reliability and performance.

How Many Miles Does a Rivian R1T Last?

The Rivian R1T is a new player in the electric truck market, and a relatively new company in general, so long-term reliability data is currently limited. However, as with most electric vehicles, the R1T is likely to offer a high mileage lifespan due to the fewer moving parts and less wear-and-tear compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.

According to Rivian, the R1T’s battery pack is designed to last beyond the life of the vehicle itself. However, factors such as driving habits, charging routines, and maintenance can impact the overall lifespan. On average, well-maintained electric vehicles can last for well over 150,000 miles. Given Rivian’s focus on quality and durability, the 2023 Rivian R1T is expected to perform on par with, if not surpass, this standard.

Common Issues With the Rivian R1T

Like any vehicle, the Rivian R1T isn’t immune to issues. The common issues include:

  • Windshield Wiper Malfunctions: Some owners of the 2022 R1T reported issues with the windshield wipers, which could affect visibility in inclement weather. This problem was one of the causes of a recall that year.
  • Onboard Software Issues: The 2022 R1T also experienced problems with its onboard software, particularly affecting the functioning of its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This led to a recall for software updates.

Issues reported for the Rivian R1T largely revolve around its inaugural 2022 model. According to Consumer Reports, numerous complaints have been filed for systems including airbags, back-over prevention, electrical system, engine, exterior lighting, forward-collision avoidance, lane departure, powertrain, seats, service brakes, steering, vehicle speed control, visibility/wiper functionality. The 2022 model has also been subject to multiple recalls concerning its steering, airbags, seat belts, and suspension.


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How Reliable Is The Rivian R1T?

As Rivian continues to establish itself in the automotive industry, reliability data for the R1T remains limited. However, the 2023 model seems to have addressed many of the problems experienced by the 2022 model, suggesting improved reliability. Future assessments will provide more accurate reliability scores as more data becomes available and as the manufacturer continues to refine its vehicle lineup.

Final Thoughts

The Rivian R1T, being a new model from a new manufacturer, has faced its share of growing pains. However, improvements in the 2023 model suggest a positive trajectory for the brand. While it’s too soon to provide definitive statements about the R1T’s long-term reliability, early signs point to a vehicle that could offer excellent capabilities for those willing to explore the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology.


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