VehicleVerdict

2026 Rivian R1S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2026 Rivian R1S — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

19

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2026 compare to other R1S years?

R1S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted120 complaints2022: 13 complaints2023: 120 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 85 complaints2026: 19 complaints
R1S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R1S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Rivian R1S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks421%
Driver Assistance421%
Brakes211%
Fuel System211%
Speed Control211%
Body & Structure211%
Steering15%
Electrical System15%
Transmission15%

Does the 2026 Rivian R1S have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V009000Seat BeltsJanuary 15, 2026 · 869 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“When backing into a parking spot on two separate occasions the drivers door popped open while the vehicle was in motion and the doors were locked after my knee brushed against the button to open the door while the car was in motion. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 17, 2026

“I am writing to report a serious safety incident involving my 2026 Rivian R1S. While I was slowly parking the vehicle, it suddenly experienced what appears to be unintended acceleration, causing the car to lunge forward uncontrollably and crash directly into my home. This resulted in significant…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 28, 2025 · crash

“I was involved in an incident where the vehicle (R1S 2026) accelerated unexpectedly, struck the car in front of me and the brakes were unresponsive at the time. The car only stopped after crashing. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 24, 2026 · crash

“When backing into a parking spot on two separate occasions the drivers door popped open while the vehicle was in motion and the doors were locked after my knee brushed against the button to open the door while the car was in motion. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 17, 2026

“PROPULSION FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED — KNOWN DEFECT — NHTSA MFR COMMS XXX & XXX VEHICLE: 2026 Rivian R1S Dual Standard, VIN [XXX], LFP battery. Delivered XXX. 702 miles at incident. INCIDENT XXX: Complete unwarned propulsion failure on [XXX] at highway speed. Dashboard showed 8% SOC immediately…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 6, 2026

2026 Rivian R1S — common questions

Is the 2026 Rivian R1S reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2026 R1S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (4 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 2026 Rivian R1S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2026 Rivian R1S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Rivian R1S years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the R1S years to avoid are 2023, 2025, 2024, 2022. The cleanest record among R1S years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.