Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2023 Rivian R1SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 76 owner complaints for the 2023 Rivian R1S. Most complaints involve air bags (29) and electrical system (16). The EPA rates it 63–78 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
63–78mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
10campaigns
Latest Sep 2026
Owner complaints
76
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

10 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: software

Free remedy

Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2027 R1S, 2022-2026 R1T, and 2027 R2 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by a notification when in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Sep 16, 2026NHTSA 26V597000

Seat belts: critical fasteners

Free remedy

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.

Seat beltsReported Jan 15, 2026NHTSA 26V009000

Suspension: critical fasteners

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Jan 5, 2026NHTSA 26V003000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

76 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Air bags29
  2. Electrical system16
  3. Seats12
  4. Suspension8
  5. Seat belts7
  6. Forward collision avoidance7
  7. Service brakes6
  8. Steering5
  9. Lane departure5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each R1S model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20224
202376
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

29 reports
“Yesterday was the 3rd time in 2 months that the vehicle displayed a "Airbag System needs service - Drive with caution until serviced" warning. I have taken it to Rivian 2 times where each time they replaced various components of the airbag system and it was reported to be fixed. Yesterday the warning returned. I am extremely concerned that Rivian does not have the ability to properly diagnose and or fix whatever the underlying issue is regarding my airbag system. I am now scheduled to take my vehicle in for the 3rd time for them to "try to figure it out".”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2026Air bagsODI 11723046

Electrical system

16 reports4 crashes
“The specific failed component is UNKNOWN. My 2023 Rivian R1S has experienced recurring intermittent Limited Performance/loss-of-propulsion-type events since within months of delivery. The events involve unexpected reduction of available propulsion, reduced maximum speed, warnings, restarts, system/display restarts, and at times inability to move or change gears. Rivian documented Limited Performance while driving in January 2024. In March 2024, Rivian documented loss of propulsion and an approximately 10 mph maximum speed; a reset and sleep cycle did not correct the condition. Rivian later stated it could not reproduce the concern. In March 2026, Rivian documented Limited Performance while driving, the vehicle coming to a stop, and multiple restarts before it would move. On September 4, 2026, the vehicle again entered Limited Performance and would not exceed approximately 20 mph. After a restart, it operated normally. Rivian received the vehicle for service on September 7. On September 9, Rivian stated that initial testing did not duplicate the Limited Performance telltale, that it had no confirmed repair, and that it proposed an extended approximately 100-mile…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11763244

Seats

12 reports
“The driver seat has preset settings for seat adjustments but they do not have Obstruction Detection. We have a rear facing car seat that was placed behind the drivers seat that had to be replaced (by us) as the seat auto adjusted and did not detect the back of the car seat and snapped the car seat out of its base. We contact Rivian over phone and they did not have a remedy (over a year ago, cannot recall exact date). It happened several times where we had to force stop the adjustment to prevent damage to new car seat. Eventually we decided to place the new rear facing car seat behind the passenger car seat instead. The back of the drivers seat has permanent damage from it pushing against the car seat. I did not think about filing a complaint here until I read about the recent Hyundai incident.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 30, 2026SeatsODI 11727927
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
Electric motor
Transmissions
Automatic (A1)
Drive
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity
EV range
352 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
R1S 21 inch Dual Large
Auto (A1) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
827478$950—
R1S 21 inch Performance Dual Large
Auto (A1) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
827478$950—
R1S 22 inch Dual Large
Auto (A1) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
807175$1,000—
R1S 22 inch Performance Dual Large
Auto (A1) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
807175$1,000—
R1S (21 inch wheels)
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
756671$1,050—
R1S (22 inch wheels)
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
736368$1,100—
R1S 20 inch All-Terrain Dual Large
Auto (A1) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
726468$1,100—
R1S 20 inch All-Terrain Performance Dual Large
Auto (A1) · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
726468$1,100—
R1S (20 inch wheels)
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
696064$1,200—
R1S 20 inch All-Terrain
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
656063$1,200—
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Rivian R1S as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 18813
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi6–12 monthsEVs wear tires faster (weight, torque)
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–4 yearsRegen braking spares the pads, not the fluid
Battery coolantPer manualPer manualIntervals vary widely by maker
12V battery—3–5 years
  • Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–4 years
  • Battery coolantPer manual
    Per manual
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 R1S questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Rivian R1S have?

10 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2023 Rivian R1S problems?

Owners filed 76 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (29), electrical system (16), seats (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Rivian R1S get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Rivian R1S at 63–78 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026