Don’t buy a Rivian and why?

[BCondrey]

I have a tough time taking a post seriously when it is written this poorly. I don't get the communications issues. I have always been called back promptly, and they have reached out proactively to me. My experience with Rivian is the polar opposite of what I think the OP is trying to communicate.

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[Donald Stanfield]

I have a tough time taking a post seriously when it is written this poorly. I don't get the communications issues. I have always been called back promptly, and they have reached out proactively to me. My experience with Rivian is the polar opposite of what I think the OP is trying to communicate.

How long ago was your last service? In the past year, leading up to R2, it seems like there has been some belt-tightening at the top and a transition from their previous service model to one that saves them money. I want to be clear in stating I don't think Rivian's service is any worse than the traditional dealership model now, but for those of us who aren't close to a service center we were relying on better to minimize the pain points of owning one of these.

 

[richguess]

I think many owners agree Service is the most frustrating aspect of owning a Rivian currently. Even Tesla lets you speak directly with the SC Service Writer (or whatever they refer to them as) and it definitely makes getting to the actual issue a lot easier and the two-way back and forth between two humans is faster and can convey much more then one person typing to an AI host.

I don't see Rivian changing their mode of operation any time soon, but who knows? Once the R2 floodgates open and repairs are needed, if the SC experience/frustration starts to boil over and draws lots of attention, things may possibly change?

I read that Rivian has 1) the worst initial reliability (I think that was it) and 2) highest customer satisfaction. Meaning, people like them despite their faults. Maybe some confirmation bias. But if service worsens, dark clouds will be out there.

 

[SwampNut]

Since I’ve called my SC directly in the past and talked to them, I stopped reading the whining there. I assume the rest of the post was also misinformed.

 

[Jeff B.]

I have had a great experience from the very beginning. My 22 R1T is going on 4 years old with 47,500 miles. I live about 45 mins away from a service center and that was a big factor for me in choosing Rivian in the first place. I tempered my expectations because this was a new company, new platform, and new truck and having a service center close was at the top of my purchasing decision. I did not deceive myself into thinking I was going to have a magical experience with my truck.

Sure I have had lots of service center visits, 13 in total. 2 of which were in 2022, 8 were in 2023, 1 in 24, 1 in 25, and 1 so far in 2026. Each time I put in a service request, I was able to talk to seomone within 24 hours to verify what I needed and to ensure I completed the service request with sufficient photos, info, etc.. Scheduling appointments was tricky in the beginning and it definitely took a while to get an appointment, but I was not surprised by that. That process has varied over the years, but I think it is improving. Sure there were a few times where I did have to reach out to the service team, but for the most part I was able to get in contact with someone, but typically they did a decent job keeping me in the loop while my truck was in service. In my experience, service sucks across most brands. I've owned plenty of vehicles over the years, Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Honda, GMC, Hummer, Jeep and Rivian. It is always a crap shoot. Could Rivian be better, absolutely! Do I think they will get better and continue to improve, definitely. Cars have become so complex, I truly believe this is one significant advantage Rivian has with its platform. It is certainly a complex machine, but I think the way Rivian solves these complexities and continues to improve them is very remarkable. They have a long way to go, but I see a bright future ahead.

Maybe I am more patient than most people, but I learned years ago not to stress over things I could not control. Over the course of your life, you're going to get hit with lots of crap and your experience will certainly vary based on the choices you make.

 

[GJPoss]

Funny how different everyone’s experience is and how people expect their experience is the same as everyone else's.

My 3+ year ownership between reliability and service is polar opposite of OPs so my rose colored glasses have me scratching my head and asking what are you talking about.

I agree 100%. It reminds me of some of the reviews I read for hotels. I stay at over a hundred nights each year. I love the reviews, for instance, on a 3 star hotel: "They didn't serve me eggs Benedict in bed each morning." "There was a piece of lint on the carpet." "They didn't give me 5-star treatment." And the hotel was like $100 a night or something.

As for my interactions with Rivian, since owning one for three years now and after having been to service centers in Germantown, Maryland; Normal Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona...I have nothing but great things to say. All of them provided excellent service and communication.

I was doing a 31,000 mile trip around the US going to all 48 state capitals. I had one issue that Phoenix fixed for good. And I had another issue because I damaged some trim running through 3 feet of water.

I don't see myself ever owning anything other than a Rivian going forward!!

 

[SwampNut]

I agree 100%. It reminds me of some of the reviews I read for hotels. I stay at over a hundred nights each year. I love the reviews, for instance, on a 3 star hotel: "They didn't serve me eggs Benedict in bed each morning." "There was a piece of lint on the carpet." "They didn't give me 5-star treatment." And the hotel was like $100 a night or something.

I like to stay at dump motels on motorcycle trips, because I can park right by my window for security, and carry my bike luggage inside easily. All I need is sleep and maybe a shower. (Who am I kidding on a moto trip underwear has unlimited usage and showers are for when I get home.). I see reviews like "didn't make up the bed each morning" or "there were only bath towels not a facial plus body towel." GTFO

 

[Dark-Fx]

My reliability/service experience has been perfect. I have had zero service events that I initiated due to problems, etc. Rivian initiated a mobile service about 15 months ago to proactively replace the battery, and the tech did a complimentary overall inspection. I schedule a 30K service last week, mobile is coming next week for that inspection. They have been great for me and I have not had to drive anywhere.

I'm on a first name basis with the folks at my Rivian service center. It's still far more pleasant than if I go into my GMC dealership as an unknown face.

I think a lot of the negative interactions are more on the human level than policy. As a human, I like interacting more with nice people that have problems than an asshole. I'd like to think that isn't something exclusive to myself, but maybe it is, given everything going on in today's world.

 

[SwampNut]

I think a lot of the negative interactions are more on the human level than policy. As a human, I like interacting more with nice people that have problems than an asshole. I'd like to think that isn't something exclusive to myself, but maybe it is, given everything going on in today's world.

When I went to have a recall done, they informed me that they *may* not be able to meet the promised 45-60 minutes, and "could be a few hours." I calmly said that I may need to reschedule then, as I have a meeting. I added, "I know it's not your fault. Could you check with the techs and get a more solid estimate so I can plan?"

Suddenly, I was the next one being pulled in, and it took 30 minutes. I wasn't even done with my lunch.

 

[TWharton]

First off the car is not a lot of car for the value but most brands can have this issue. The number one reason is communication or lack of any sort of communication at any level. Service centers have no way to call them same with the sales department. There is only one way to communicate with them and that is the main number. This is from sales to services issues. They know nothing, the excuse that this is better for everyone and what everyone wants. I can’t wait to get rid of this car. It has lots of bugs that need constant fixing. A lot of people ask me how I like the Rivian and I tell them to stay away. Communication is the most cheapest service any company or someone can provide and it costs you nothing!!!!
If you want frustration and a headache buy one, if you don’t want that don’t buy one.

 

[hsctiger]

Since I have an R2 reservation but have never owned one, can someone explain to me the Service Center communication process? Sounds like it goes through an app where the failure point is an AI agent that needs some work. Fair assumption?

I've commented on the horrificness of my local Tesla SC before and won't bore you all again. That said, I can text directly with the SC via the app. Not an AI bot, but a person. I respect this approach since the moment I might try to call they could be busy. So, give them the question and the time to answer when they're available. That works great. They respond usually in minutes.

And all of this is still WAY better than any dealership experience. I've told people that working directly with a manufacturer-owned Service Center is basically like talking with your IT person at the office. You (or your car) state the problem, they look at it and fix it. No undercoating sale, no "in 94 miles you'll need a $5000 flugelbinder so you might as well do it now" no mystery $1500 line items for "free inspection" (yes, this happened to my wife's Mercedes).

The one reason I probably would not own a Tesla or Rivian is if I lived many hours from the closest SC. That sounds like a nightmare.

 

[SwampNut]

Sounds like it goes through an app where the failure point is an AI agent that needs some work. Fair assumption?

No, not fair nor accurate.

 

[BCondrey]

How long ago was your last service? In the past year, leading up to R2, it seems like there has been some belt-tightening at the top and a transition from their previous service model to one that saves them money. I want to be clear in stating I don't think Rivian's service is any worse than the traditional dealership model now, but for those of us who aren't close to a service center we were relying on better to minimize the pain points of owning one of these.

Last service was when they proactively called and did a mobile service to replace the 12V battery in my driveway. Before that I had a wind-noise thing fixed late last year. Nothing but good experiences with service. They opened another SC in a neighbor state which took some load off of the Richmond VA SC. I've had a loaner, enterprise rental car or Uber credits for each visit which is more than any other dealership ever did for me. The service function is one reason why I will continue to buy Rivians if I ever wear out the R1T I have now.

 

[cklighty]

First off the car is not a lot of car for the value but most brands can have this issue. The number one reason is communication or lack of any sort of communication at any level. Service centers have no way to call them same with the sales department. There is only one way to communicate with them and that is the main number. This is from sales to services issues. They know nothing, the excuse that this is better for everyone and what everyone wants. I can’t wait to get rid of this car. It has lots of bugs that need constant fixing. A lot of people ask me how I like the Rivian and I tell them to stay away. Communication is the most cheapest service any company or someone can provide and it costs you nothing!!!!
If you want frustration and a headache buy one, if you don’t want that don’t buy one.

Hi Lonye,
Thanks for posting this. We had noticed such a HUGE difference in the service offered between August and December of 2025, but did not know if it was our specific service center, or a company-wide issue. After reading your post, now we know their declining service standard is company-wide. It makes sense - Rivian has severely scaled back the service offered since the federal EV tax credit abruptly went away end of Sept 2025. We noticed they are very reluctant to schedule mobile service now. Even if you schedule it, they will cancel a day before and request the truck be brought to them. Also, we had to go through some legal gymnastics to get them to honor their own warranty. That said, I love my R1 Launch - glitches and all. Unfortunately, the elite service that came with high price tag is no longer included.

 

[Hereforthesnacks]

And all of this is still WAY better than any dealership experience. I've told people that working directly with a manufacturer-owned Service Center is basically like talking with your IT person at the office. You (or your car) state the problem, they look at it and fix it. No undercoating sale, no "in 94 miles you'll need a $5000 flugelbinder so you might as well do it now" no mystery $1500 line items for "free inspection" (yes, this happened to my wife's Mercedes).

While the competence at large car company dealers can vary, I’ve never had an issue buying a car in the last decade. I text them and get a good price. I go in and sign with no surprises. It’s every different than 20 years ago.

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