Frustration (and a warning to others)...

[chizchiz]

EDIT/UPDATE: I was able to speak with the regional manager who also put his head together with the local SC. They decided to waive the cost as a one-time gesture of goodwill. I don't know which of my several mitigating factors pushed them to cover it, but I'm glad its handled and I can't blame them for the initial pushback/rejection.


I've had our R1S for about 3 months now. We've had three service center visits as well as two at home visits (tailgate wouldn't close, panel gaps, frunk misaligned, rear air vent fell out, air compressor didn't work, NFC card reader in door didn't work, and a few other small things). I went into the purchase knowing we were "early adopters" and willing to jump through the hoops to get everything fixed. I've been impressed with the service advisors and the process to fix stuff on a relatively timely manner....until today...

...I took the R1S in because the front moonroof was cracked with some circular cracks. I was certain this must be a warranty issue as only the inside glass was cracked, and the exterior glass was still completely fine. The advisor took a look and saw what "might" be an impact mark on the inside of the glass and deemed it not able to be warrantied? I was shocked to say the least. I don't know what possibly could have hit the roof with the force required to break it. His comment to that was that the glass is pretty fragile as its thin to save weight, so they've seen a decent amount of this. The out of pocket cost is $2,814.47 including four hours of labor, and of course there are no third party options.

I'm now in a situation where I've endured so much with this car and now the company is trying to put what I firmly feel is a manufactures defect on me with no other real options. This has left such a bad taste in my mouth that if I can't get them to cover this sunroof issue, I just don't want to keep the car as I have to assume the issues will just continue and Rivian will do what they can to decline to cover them.

Would love any advice if anyone has dealt with (and resolved) anything similar.

Thanks!

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[Dark-Fx]

Have definitely had a few impacts to the roof inside the vehicles myself. Never anything sharp, but I certainly could see it happening.

 

[cbrcanuck]

There have been plenty of comments on easily broken glass (both roof and windshield) on these vehicles. I had to have my roof glass replaced shortly after delivery, but that's because they broke it while they were replacing a trim piece on the roof right next to the glass. Fortunately they did it on warranty as it was pretty obvious it was them. But I have to tell anyone near my truck to baby the glass, panels, roof spoiler, etc. Not much fun for an adventure vehicle, but otherwise I've been fortunate and haven't had any major issues yet.

I suspect they'll pass nearly anything off that wasn't directly caused by their staff, otherwise there's no way they'll keep costs under control.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I'm going to knock on some wood here but I've had my truck officially a year now, and the roof glass hasn't been an issue. Then again I don't think Kim Java knows where I live so I'm probably safe.

 

[chizchiz]

I'd certainly own up to it if I knew of any impact that would have caused it. The fact that its just a finger pointing game is what's frustrating to me. I guess I was naive in assuming that given all the prior issues and patience I've had that I wouldn't have to fight so hard for a glass panel in what sounds like has the potential to become a class action issue for them down the road at this point anyway.

Sad that this will likely be the straw that breaks the camel's back for me.

 

[Dark-Fx]

in what sounds like has the potential to become a class action issue

Absolutely doesn't pass muster for that. Good luck with your vehicle.

 

[jjswan33]

Maybe you can find a Youtube celebrity to sit on it. History shows that is more likely to be covered in that case.

 

[moosetags]

I hate hearing all this. I have been one of the lucky ones who just got the truck and drove it. I have yet to have any further contact with Rivian. I covered our glass roof the day we got the truck. It will remain this way as long as we have it. The glass roof, the powered tonneau cover, and the camp speaker were all stupid ideas.

Brian

 

[SoCal Rob]

I wonder why Rivian went with glass for the roof and not whatever form of plastic GM uses on Corvette transparent roof panels. It would be lighter and, I think, less likely to crack. As an added bonus, I assume they could use the same molds to make solid paintable roof panels for folks who prefer to block the sun. With the addition of matching headliner material on the underside it should be a good option for those of us in warmer climates who want to keep the sun out.

 

[cohall]

I'd certainly own up to it if I knew of any impact that would have caused it. The fact that its just a finger pointing game is what's frustrating to me. I guess I was naive in assuming that given all the prior issues and patience I've had that I wouldn't have to fight so hard for a glass panel in what sounds like has the potential to become a class action issue for them down the road at this point anyway.

Sad that this will likely be the straw that breaks the camel's back for me.

We've seen a few instances of the glass breaking from the outside when someone puts some pressure on it. And I think we saw one where the outside cracked from no apparent reason.

This is the first we (I) have heard of one cracking from the inside, so there's no way this becomes any kind of class action.

I'd keep negotiating with the Denver SC, and raise it up a level if needed to someone at corporate. But, if they're confident that they see an impact that caused it, you're likely to not end up on the winning side of the battle, unfortunately.

Given the posts we've seen on the glass breaking more easily than other cars, I have put on, and also recommend to others, full safety glass coverage with their insurance. It's the easiest way to not have to worry about this, and have a zero deductible if anything happens. Especially needed here in CO if you're running back and forth to the mountains all winter.

 

[Redline]

Did you think about talking to your insurance company regarding the broken glass?

 

[chizchiz]

Thanks for all the thoughts/comments:

1) I'm by no means a lawyer nor threatening any class action suit. My understanding was that I was not at all alone in having this issue from what I read, but maybe the differences are more stubtle.

2) I do have full glass coverage, but I hesitate to use it unless necessary as insurance companies are looking for any excuse to drop coverage or jack up rates.

 

[cohall]

2) I do have full glass coverage, but I hesitate to use it unless necessary as insurance companies are looking for any excuse to drop coverage or jack up rates.

That's excellent news! I'm always hesitant to file claims as well, but I'm guessing this will carry a hefty cost for replacement, and filing the claim will be a much better choice, even if they raise your rates a bit next renewal. I can't imagine they'd drop you for such a claim, but I guess anything is possible with insurance companies these days. Sorry again that you're going through this.

 

[Count Orlok]

2) I do have full glass coverage, but I hesitate to use it unless necessary as insurance companies are looking for any excuse to drop coverage or jack up rates.

SMFH. That is what insurance companies want you to think. use the effing coverage you're paying for.

 

[Redline]

Yeah I think you dropped the ball on that one. Might want to see if they will still cover it.

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