Rivian executive acknowledges R1S AC noise problem

[Chewy734]

It’s funny to me how much Rivian says things are “normal”, “working as designed” and “not a safety risk”.

If they’re building luxury vehicles…

Personally, I wouldn’t consider Rivian a luxury brand, rather an adventure brand. But, your comments are still valid for pretty much any new vehicle.

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[JWreck]

Personally, I wouldn’t consider Rivian a luxury brand, rather an adventure brand. But, your comments are still valid for pretty much any new vehicle.

Fair point - I’ll just say a “high priced” brand.

 

[SolartoEV]

I'm hoping taking noise measurements is unnecessary. Rivian knows the issue and acknowledges the vehicle is ridiculously loud. I would be happy to start taking readings if they want to employ me as a part-time engineer.

 

[Cactus]

I live in Phoenix where the temperatures are oven-like most of the summer and into mid-October. If I get my R1S during the heat and it sounds as noisy as the OP's video, I will either refuse delivery or return within 7 day window.

Hopefully Rivian AC engineers are meeting with the AC manufacturer/supplier to figure out a fix.
I really want the R1S, but don't want a headache.

 

[PBRAZ]

Sorry if I missed it, has it been confirmed that the noise is definitely coming from the AC compressor? A few "last resort/divorce eminent" ideas for the OP:

1) Is the compressor (or whatever is making the racket) custom made for Rivian? If not, is there a manufacture listed on the part you can contact and get some more information from? They might be tight lipped, but maybe not. Maybe they say, "oh Rivian used part# 7382-A, but should have used 7382-B. It's an easy swap." Maybe another manufacturer has a replacement that is better suited to the job/doesn't make that noise.

2) Is the noisy part just for A/C, or is it responsible for other things like cooling the batteries? If the former, and it is a non-custom part, a qualified mechanic that specializes in A/C might have some ideas if you brought the vehicle in.

3) Would some sort of heat resistant sound deadening material help at all? Don't want to make the problem worse or cause a fire, obviously.

Note the above 3 ideas will most likely void your warranty and blow up your car. Or not?

4) For a lemon law suit, often the threat of it is enough to make a manufacture take action. I had a car company cut me a $9,000 check once just to avoid the bad publicity. A bunch of folks lemon lawing their Rivians would be a PR nightmare for them. In California, and I'm sure in other states, the issue doesn't have to be life threatening to file suit. Three or four minor issues that cannot be repaired after multiple attempts can sometimes get you there. Also, the amount of days a car spends in the shop.

5) If a lemon law suit can't be filed, make some large "this car is a lemon" signs and attach them to the car. I have seen this before on a Mazda minivan, which the owner parked in front of the dealership. Your wife is already embarrassed to drive the vehicle, it can't get any worse. Then sit back and watch the power of social media unfold...

Trying to think outside the box here and welcome other crazy ideas. A fix could take a year or more to materialize and that sound and vibration, plus their canned response, is 100% not acceptable. Good luck.

 

[Zoidz]

Personally, I wouldn’t consider Rivian a luxury brand, rather an adventure brand. But, your comments are still valid for pretty much any new vehicle.

Agree. People incorrectly associate price with luxury. An F350 can cost $100k and more, it certainly is not luxury.

 

[Zoidz]

2) Is the noisy part just for A/C, or is it responsible for other things like cooling the batteries? If the former, and it is a non-custom part, a qualified mechanic that specializes in A/C might have some ideas if you brought the vehicle in.

The electric compressor is used for both AC and battery cooling. There’s a good probability it’s a custom design for Rivian.

 

[redantpile]

Here is a video of Leaf Blower Mode. My R1S is normally quiet. This would be what it sounds like when loudest. Some vehicles seem to be worse than others. I'm going to wait and give Rivian time to correct the issue. I can't believe they would let their trucks drive around in public sounding like this so they have to address it at some point.

Part of the audio only comes from one speaker for some reason. It's not your device. The cover is easy to remove and is how you would replace the cabin filter anyway. I did not film it when it was quiet, which is the typical noise for mine. It's not the ground strap. I moved that first and suggest you bend it away from the shock tower if you remove the cover. First picture is the compressor tag in reverse. Did not bother to get my scope camera out. You can verify this yourself easily. The noise is absolutely coming from the compressor and is not the fan or something vibrating.






A couple of unrelated things in case someone is searching the forums.

Directly behind the compressor is a grommet with vacant ports. You could use this to pass cables through the firewall.

Cabin filter is 9" x 7-7/8". Sorry forgot to measure the thickness.

 

[Megaman0025]

“It felt like she was very careful with her words”

I bet. It’s almost like people might take what was said and blow it outta proportion online.

Lol there’s always the risk!

 

[Ozmt]

Last night, just before 7:00, I received a call from the Rivian Southwest territory manager. During our conversation, she acknowledged the widespread issue with AC motor noise in the R1S that occurs in hot weather. I expressed my frustration, explaining that our vehicle has become so loud that we avoid driving it unless absolutely necessary. To me, this clearly indicates a defective design, but she quickly refuted my claim.

Her response seemed rehearsed, as if carefully crafted by their legal team. She assured me that the vehicle is operating as designed, providing cooling and posing no safety risk. I shared my experience of driving two other R1S vehicles in Dallas, both of which did not have this noise issue. She stated they are among the "lucky ones."

Interestingly, it seems that my persistence in reaching out to various executives within the company, including RJ himself, has finally prompted a response. I had already taken the vehicle to the Dallas service center twice for repairs, only to be told repeatedly that nothing was wrong with it.

It's incredibly frustrating to own an $80K vehicle that sounds like it's about to explode. I wish good luck to everyone in hot climates this summer, as this problem has escalated from being intermittent to nearly constant. The noise is unbelievably loud, both inside and outside the vehicle. I have attached videos to highlight the severity of the issue.

That's not great. My recommendation would be to make an appointment and don't accept it back until it's fixed. After 30 days start the lemon law process. It's easy and free. Once you tell rivian executives of your plans, they will either step up or be forced to refund all your money.

 

[Megaman0025]

Problem is what would I do next? We just sold a RR Sport that we waited 8 months for delivery. New cars are in such short supply. I would be happiest if they could just fix things.

A little encouragement for you mate - it seems you HAVE gotten their attention. At this point, that’s a win for everyone. You can keep at it, emailing, posting videos wherever you want. Or, try “auto” as someone said here and be patient. As others pointed out, this takes TIME to make a proper fix, the proper part, the right implementation. I think you’ve done a lot to help Rivian owners out, but you have two choices:
1. Be patient and work through it as well as in your marriage lol
2. Sell it.
The auto option has worked for me.

 

[edystein]

Last night, just before 7:00, I received a call from the Rivian Southwest territory manager. During our conversation, she acknowledged the widespread issue with AC motor noise in the R1S that occurs in hot weather. I expressed my frustration, explaining that our vehicle has become so loud that we avoid driving it unless absolutely necessary. To me, this clearly indicates a defective design, but she quickly refuted my claim.

Her response seemed rehearsed, as if carefully crafted by their legal team. She assured me that the vehicle is operating as designed, providing cooling and posing no safety risk. I shared my experience of driving two other R1S vehicles in Dallas, both of which did not have this noise issue. She stated they are among the "lucky ones."

Interestingly, it seems that my persistence in reaching out to various executives within the company, including RJ himself, has finally prompted a response. I had already taken the vehicle to the Dallas service center twice for repairs, only to be told repeatedly that nothing was wrong with it.

It's incredibly frustrating to own an $80K vehicle that sounds like it's about to explode. I wish good luck to everyone in hot climates this summer, as this problem has escalated from being intermittent to nearly constant. The noise is unbelievably loud, both inside and outside the vehicle. I have attached videos to highlight the severity of the issue.

I am here in Miami Florida with the same issue but their argument here is not the A/C , here Rivian claims it is the Batteries Cooling fan that makes the noise and even Vibrates , also claiming is "normal" , and same as you I try not o use the vehicle , May be they might define the noise as part of the Adventure of driving a Rivian

 

[sub]

I wonder what would happen if some of the big name auto magazine/ websites added these videos to their reviews, along with a copy the statement from Rivian that this is functioning as intended?

I suspect Rivian would change their mind quickly about this not being a defect.

 

[bgoldber88]

Wow, watching these videos I cant believe Rivian signed off on this compressor unit. How was this not caught during their testing? Shameful that Rivian hasn't fixed this yet.

 

[docwhiz]

Last night, just before 7:00, I received a call from the Rivian Southwest territory manager. During our conversation, she acknowledged the widespread issue with AC motor noise in the R1S that occurs in hot weather. I expressed my frustration, explaining that our vehicle has become so loud that we avoid driving it unless absolutely necessary. To me, this clearly indicates a defective design, but she quickly refuted my claim.

Her response seemed rehearsed, as if carefully crafted by their legal team. She assured me that the vehicle is operating as designed, providing cooling and posing no safety risk. I shared my experience of driving two other R1S vehicles in Dallas, both of which did not have this noise issue. She stated they are among the "lucky ones."

Interestingly, it seems that my persistence in reaching out to various executives within the company, including RJ himself, has finally prompted a response. I had already taken the vehicle to the Dallas service center twice for repairs, only to be told repeatedly that nothing was wrong with it.

It's incredibly frustrating to own an $80K vehicle that sounds like it's about to explode. I wish good luck to everyone in hot climates this summer, as this problem has escalated from being intermittent to nearly constant. The noise is unbelievably loud, both inside and outside the vehicle. I have attached videos to highlight the severity of the issue.

Early Teslas had noisy AC, too
Was fixed with insulation, etc.

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