2023 R1T - Sagging front end?

[Dark-Fx]

I don't think it is an air leak, or not just an air leak, because my compressor doesn't keep running.

My truck sat for over a month this summer, front air bags were so empty, it made that "woosh"ing sound like when you're filling up an empty air tank from a full one. Rears still seemed fine.

But yeah, same thing as others here.

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[TTedP]

I unfortunately noticed the same issue on my 2023 R1T this week. I filed a ticket, along with the jounce line replacement service bulletin

I had the jounce lines done on my R1T. That plus they did the TSB on checking front suspension torque on everything. I can only say, Wow! huge difference. Car is solid and quiet in 90% of cases. Well worth it.

 

[FlightDoc]

I recently noticed that the front right corner of my Rivian sags... Has anyone else seen this issue?

I had a home visit for noise issue and Rivian guy said he saw fluid leak under compressor attachement. He said this is common and to expect a sag but I have not noticed any. Likely a gasket fail? I have an appointment in couple of weeks. Will update if anything needs repair.

 

[MattHadder]

Thanks for all the comments and input folks!
1) I followed the thread which mentioned testing, and double checked that kneel mode is still turned OFF. So the behavior or lowering this much while parked is unexpected.
2) I took the nudge of several suggestions here and called Rivian service... and (mild shock) the first available appointment isn't until March 24, so hopefully it can limp until then.

Until then... Lowrider will be my theme song. ?

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I haven't heard of this being discussed with other others using adjustable air suspension (e.g., Model S, X). Is slow bleed common/acceptable? Maybe it's just not as noticeable as the Rivian because of it's large range of vertical adjustability?

I think so. The more variation the larger the potential difference at each corner.

I will say that even on our 2005 Chevy Uplander that had rear bags only, that compressor would kick on pretty much every time we got into the car.

I wouldn't say it is normal, I have left it sit for 3-4 weeks at a time while on travel and this didn't happen before. At least not to the point that it was rubbing the wheel well.

I should clarify that when I said hitting the stops and meant bump stops. There was no rubbing or anything like that but it had bled off.

Now do I think it should be normal? No, I think they should be able to be almost perfect. If you’re unhappy with it don’t let me influence that. Certainly put in a request to have it addressed with Rivian.

if you raise it with Rivian I would document how much you lose, Iover how long of a period, and at which corners. This way when you go into service that can reproduce it. They may tell you it’s operating as designed or is within spec.

 

[Ohm Boy]

My front end has been sagging for a while now. My urologist recommended a blueish pill.

Well someone had to say that!!

Seriously though, thanks for the post and all of the answers. My R1T has been sitting for two weeks and I’ll take it for a spin.

 

[onesoil]

My father’s 2022 Launch R1T (VIN5852) just got back yesterday from the SC for the same issue, though his was bad enough that we would observe it cycling the compressor and adjusting itself multiple times in a 10-15 minute period (if we were near enough to his “sleeping” truck to see/hear it).

They first asked us to perform a “tape test” which consisted of putting the truck in highest height and wheel change mode (this locks out the suspension in whatever height you’re set at), then tightly stretching tape from the fender trim edge to the tire on all 4 corners, then wait 24 hours to see if the tape was slack anywhere.

There was obvious sagging, so they brought it in and replaced almost the entire air system. He just got his truck back yesterday, and so far so good. I’m excited to see if his clunky front suspension has quieted down with the new damper/air-springs—and hoping to find a way to get mine done too to add to my revised rear dampers ?

I’ve noticed my air compressor cycling an awful lot lately, which I was attributing to the cold temps, but mine is also an early build (VIN10264) and I’m going to perform a tape test on mine, because I’m of the notion that especially with the early builds, it’s worth getting any and all warranty work done proactively since they have much improved parts they replace with when issues come up with the suspension and some driveline components (and elsewhere, perhaps, but we’ve mostly experienced it with suspension/deiveline).

The technician wrote up a very detailed report of the diagnostic process that resulted in so many replaced parts, which I appreciate, since it seems that they were very thorough. Hopefully the issue will stay fixed, and the improved parts will be less prone to developing leaks.

 

[iansriv]

Thanks for all the comments and input folks!
1) I followed the thread which mentioned testing, and double checked that kneel mode is still turned OFF. So the behavior or lowering this much while parked is unexpected.
2) I took the nudge of several suggestions here and called Rivian service... and (mild shock) the first available appointment isn't until March 24, so hopefully it can limp until then.

Until then... Lowrider will be my theme song. ?

March 24? May I suggest friendly escalation with Rivian to ensure the urgency of the situation is communicated.

 

[Jonjon09]

Thanks for all the comments and input folks!
1) I followed the thread which mentioned testing, and double checked that kneel mode is still turned OFF. So the behavior or lowering this much while parked is unexpected.
2) I took the nudge of several suggestions here and called Rivian service... and (mild shock) the first available appointment isn't until March 24, so hopefully it can limp until then.

Until then... Lowrider will be my theme song. ?

Did you ever get it fixed? Mine is starting to sag and rub the wheel well on the front after sitting for a couple of days. SC is 2 hours away so just curious if it's worth the drive or if it has to get worse before they fix it.

 

[MattHadder]

Yes - I did get it fixed in warranty. It took a super long time (3+ months) to get into the service center, and the truck was there for about a week. They replaced both front shocks and it has been good since then.

 

[Jonjon09]

Yes - I did get it fixed in warranty. It took a super long time (3+ months) to get into the service center, and the truck was there for about a week. They replaced both front shocks and it has been good since then.

Glad it hear it got fixed under warranty! Did they give you a loaner for that week during repair? I better get in the queue if it'll take 3 months to get in!

 

[MattHadder]

I don't recall what the loaner situation was, I usually take ride share credits. I'm in the Bay Area and our service centers here are always crazy busy but the teams are cool and accommodating.

Based on other posts this seems like a common issue on the first 1-2 year Gen 1 Rivians, you should get in queue if your truck sags after 1-2 days parked.

Glad it hear it got fixed under warranty! Did they give you a loaner for that week during repair? I better get in the queue if it'll take 3 months to get in!

 

[Jonjon09]

I don't recall what the loaner situation was, I usually take ride share credits. I'm in the Bay Area and our service centers here are always crazy busy but the teams are cool and accommodating.

Based on other posts this seems like a common issue on the first 1-2 year Gen 1 Rivians, you should get in queue if your truck sags after 1-2 days parked.

Gotcha. Yep from doing more research it definitely seems common and I have an appointment at the SC 2 hours away for Thursday so I got lucky on the queue! Based on the estimate looks like they are replacing the 2 front dampers and the compressor.
I think I'm going to have them check some other things as well, I have a super early VIN (sub 1000) so I'm sure I have all the gen 1 issues lol. Thanks for your help!

 

[MountainBikeDude]

My father’s 2022 Launch R1T (VIN5852) just got back yesterday from the SC for the same issue, though his was bad enough that we would observe it cycling the compressor and adjusting itself multiple times in a 10-15 minute period (if we were near enough to his “sleeping” truck to see/hear it).

They first asked us to perform a “tape test” which consisted of putting the truck in highest height and wheel change mode (this locks out the suspension in whatever height you’re set at), then tightly stretching tape from the fender trim edge to the tire on all 4 corners, then wait 24 hours to see if the tape was slack anywhere.

There was obvious sagging, so they brought it in and replaced almost the entire air system. He just got his truck back yesterday, and so far so good. I’m excited to see if his clunky front suspension has quieted down with the new damper/air-springs—and hoping to find a way to get mine done too to add to my revised rear dampers ?

I’ve noticed my air compressor cycling an awful lot lately, which I was attributing to the cold temps, but mine is also an early build (VIN10264) and I’m going to perform a tape test on mine, because I’m of the notion that especially with the early builds, it’s worth getting any and all warranty work done proactively since they have much improved parts they replace with when issues come up with the suspension and some driveline components (and elsewhere, perhaps, but we’ve mostly experienced it with suspension/deiveline).

The technician wrote up a very detailed report of the diagnostic process that resulted in so many replaced parts, which I appreciate, since it seems that they were very thorough. Hopefully the issue will stay fixed, and the improved parts will be less prone to developing leaks.

While this kind of stuff is mildly terrifying for out of warranty work, I have to hand it to Rivian on these kinds of repairs, they honor the warranty and go to the ends of the earth to solve things. I personally think it's pretty darn cool.

 

[onesoil]

While this kind of stuff is mildly terrifying for out of warranty work, I have to hand it to Rivian on these kinds of repairs, they honor the warranty and go to the ends of the earth to solve things. I personally think it's pretty darn cool.

I might agree if it wasn’t such a frequent occurrence on our two ‘22 quads (VINs 5852 and 10264). The former just got back from its 5th or 6th trip to the SC, with a combined several months away. The latter is on its 4th trip to the SC in a few months over a year (it was a demo I got with 10k miles). If we lived near a SC and always got loaners, I guess I wouldn’t feel as inconvenienced by our ownership as I do. The time suck and expense (for us and Rivian—one can only imagine how much this and their service logistical inefficiencies has cost them on our units ) have gotten pretty ridiculous.

If we weren’t 3+ hours away from the nearest SC, and/or if they guaranteed transport and loaners every time, I’d also be less unhappy with how often these trucks have needed significant work for vehicles with any miles, let alone under 30k….

• I’ve had rear dampers replaced and they are both leaking again. My dad has had all four dampers done.
• We’ve both had half shafts replaced, at least once.
• Full air suspension system on one, part on mine (can’t remember which components exactly.
• My dad’s truck was just bricked due to HVAC drain plug failing which backed up water causing a HVCH fault, fried 12V batteries and a bricked truck. His carpets, HVAC system, and 12V batteries needed to be replaced.
• My truck is in now with wet mats and no radar/proximity sensors (likely AXM module failure, which I actually suspect may be related to the HVAC condensation backing into the cab).
• Too many “small” items to count for both of ours (front drivers seat, center console, trim pieces, door handles, triangular front side glass, multiple tonneau covers, alignments, jounce lines, prematurely worn tires, etc. etc.)
• Full brake jobs on both trucks under/around 20k miles.

This is just off the top of my head, I’m sure I’m forgetting some things. Our third truck (which we lease for an employee, VIN 30585) has had front dampers, jounce lines, alignment, and a few other odds and ends, but so far has been much less trouble in the first year, though it has wet carpets now and will need HVAC work ASAP. Our 4th (also for an employee, VIN 33523) has been the most reliable. It just needed jounce lines and an alignment.

I can’t really imagine how these trucks could be any less reliable, honestly. It does seem like they are getting better, but it’s still shocking how many reports there are of significant warranty issues due to poorly designed/manufactured/executed parts/systems.

If we didn’t love many aspects of them, we surely would have tried for lemon law/buyback or traded in for something else (my dad might after this last bricking incident).

As an early preorder holder who had previously experienced awful Tesla service with no SC in his state, my dad was promised transportation and loaners for any warranty issue that couldn’t be fixed remotely. They stopped giving us transport long ago (though a service manager who is no longer with the company tried his best to literally meet us in the middle on many occasions, sending loaners/drivers to meet us in West Lebanon to exchange trucks). We also have had several tows for drivable issues in the past, but that seems to be truly a thing of the past now.

But I applaud your optimism—I suppose it is on some level impressive how much work these SCs have cut out for them to make good on these vehicles. Maybe you’ve had a more reliable experience overall?

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