Rivian R1S Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Rivian R1S model year (2022–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Rivian R1S Years to Avoid
8 recalls · 64 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 94
7 recalls · 51 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 78
11 recalls · 13 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 64
Best Rivian R1S Years to Buy
3 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE
Problem score: 11
5 recalls · 10 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Problem score: 29
Found the right year? Verify that specific R1S with a free VIN report.
Rivian R1S — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 11 | Good |
| 2025 | 7 | 51 | 3 | — | 78 | Avoid |
| 2024 | 5 | 10 | 2 | — | 29 | Good |
| 2023 | 8 | 64 | 3 | — | 94 | Avoid |
| 2022 | 11 | 13 | 9 | — | 64 | Avoid |
All 5 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Rivian R1S Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent R1S models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 11 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year R1S should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2023 Rivian R1S if possible. It has 8 recalls, 64 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 94 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year R1S to buy?+
The 2026 Rivian R1S is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 11. It has only 3 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which R1S has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Rivian R1S Research
Check a Specific Rivian R1S VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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