New '23 Rivian R1T Owner Needs Advice

[Drlangley]

Hey Friends!

I just joined the "Rivian family" and took delivery of a (new to me) 2023 R1T Adventure (Quad). I have no experience with an EV truck, and I'm looking for some wisdom from some experienced owners. My '23 Rivian has almost 50,000 miles, with the end of the comprehensive factory warranty approaching at 60,000 miles. I would appreciate some advice on what to check for potential problem areas, updates, service, inspections, and/or recall-related issues that should be considered before the warranty period expires.

Thank you in advance for your help. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

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[VSG]

I would certainly take it in to a service center for a comprehensive inspection. They will also check their service records at that time and make sure you have all the service bulletin items addressed.

 

[COdogman]

Congrats on the sharp new truck! My '23 only has 22k miles on it (I work from home most days), but the main things I would have checked are the half shafts and the 12v batteries. Those would both be included in a normal Rivian Inspection. There was also a recall on the portable charger so check on that too.

Other than that, familiarize yourself with the warranty and what it covers. Some of the bigger items have longer warranties.

https://rivian.com/support/article/...coverage-on-a-new-rivian-in-the-united-states

 

[Drlangley]

Congrats on the sharp new truck! My '23 only has 22k miles on it (I work from home most days), but the main things I would have checked are the half shafts and the 12v batteries. Those would both be included in a normal Rivian Inspection. There was also a recall on the portable charger so check on that too.

Other than that, familiarize yourself with the warranty and what it covers. Some of the bigger items have longer warranties.

https://rivian.com/support/article/...coverage-on-a-new-rivian-in-the-united-states

Thanks so much!

 

[Drlangley]

I would certainly take it in to a service center for a comprehensive inspection. They will also check their service records at that time and make sure you have all the service bulletin items addressed.

Thanks!

 

[Mathme]

I'm thinking about an extended warranty for when my factory warranty expires. It would only take about 1 repair for said warranty to pay for itself.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Recalls: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Service Bulletins, not recalls, are voluntary service campaigns managed by each OEM. If you have an active service ticket, Rivian will add any applicable service bulletin items to your appointment and work order. Still, it doesn't hurt to ask for it in writing—on the off chance of human error and negligence.

In your request for full inspection, ask if yours is among those included in the 12V replacement service bulletin.

Check your floor to see if it's damp, after the AC's been running for a while. Blocked or restricted AC condenser drain is one of the active service campaigns.

Consider extended warranty, since things are about to get expensive once your warranty expires:

• Rivian will be rolling out extended service contracts, post-warranty. It isn't out yet, but you can read about it here: https://riviantrackr.com/news/rivia...n-vs-vehicle-service-contract-full-breakdown/
• Past discussions on extended warranty, including some recommendations and debate whether it's worthwhile: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/search/4499955/?q=extended+warranty&o=relevance

 

[Drlangley]

Recalls: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Service Bulletins, not recalls, are voluntary service campaigns managed by each OEM. If you have an active service ticket, Rivian will add any applicable service bulletin items to your appointment and work order. Still, it doesn't hurt to ask for it in writing—on the off chance of human error and negligence.

In your request for full inspection, ask if yours is among those included in the 12V replacement service bulletin.

Check your floor to see if it's damp, after the AC's been running for a while. Blocked or restricted AC condenser drain is one of the active service campaigns.

Consider extended warranty, since things are about to get expensive once your warranty expires:

• Rivian will be rolling out extended service contracts, post-warranty. It isn't out yet, but you can read about it here: https://riviantrackr.com/news/rivia...n-vs-vehicle-service-contract-full-breakdown/
• Past discussions on extended warranty, including some recommendations and debate whether it's worthwhile: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/search/4499955/?q=extended+warranty&o=relevance

Great info. Thanks!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Great info. Thanks!

And not warranty related... If you find your horn to be lacking/ineffective, @RealWheelsEV makes a mini airhorn kit for gen 1's with a single factory horn. The installation video they made is clear and easy to follow. Incidentally, it also shows how you can access the cabin air filter. If you use forum search, there's also been a few detailed discussion threads about the factory horn and DIY solutions.

 

[boosted20v]

If you call Rivian service they should send you the trucks service history. As others have mentioned make sure you check out if the 12V has been replaced, (although at 40k miles that warranty runs out) if the PTC has been replaced, (it's not if it's going to break it's when) half shats, subframe, all things to look for. Also schedule a service before the warranty runs out and have them check for leaky struts.

 

[Drlangley]

If you call Rivian service they should send you the trucks service history. As others have mentioned make sure you check out if the 12V has been replaced, (although at 40k miles that warranty runs out) if the PTC has been replaced, (it's not if it's going to break it's when) half shats, subframe, all things to look for. Also schedule a service before the warranty runs out and have them check for leaky struts.

Appreciated!

 

[iansriv]

Congrats! Lots of good advice here. Consider extended warranty. I think there are some Rivian initiated service such as the 12v battery and a/c drain plug. Like other have said, best place to start is with RIvian for an inspection. All the best.

 

[DeanB1452]

I would invest in an extended warranty. Rivian is about to roll out an extended warranty but it didn't come soon enough for me. In January, I was already at 52K miles and started thinking about how expensive repairs can be once my warranty expires. I calculated out what trips I had planned for this year and scheduled my comprehensive inspection for April. By March, it was a no-brainer that I wanted some extra coverage. Rivian didn't offer anything so I went with XCare from xcelerateauto.com. You can go on their site and play with coverage terms to suit your needs.

For my April visit, I already knew they were going to inspect the front dampers as they were dropping overnight and also inspect the tonneau cover for binding issues. They ended up replacing both front dampers and jounce lines, replaced the tonneau cover, found the right-rear damper leaking and replaced that and the jounce lines too. They also replaced some other computer modules, but didn't replace the fourth damper as it was operating "within specs". I asked how much it would cost to replace one if it were out of warranty and they said about $6K. Warranty repairs was well over $20K!

I'm now at 63K miles and making a list of items that I might have to claim in the future, but have the peace of mind that I have the extended warranty for 6 years or until 155K miles.

 

[D0miniKy]

I also have a Rivian R1S Gen1 with 53,000 Miles. I signed in with XCare protection to cover me for additional 100,000 miles or year 2029. I haven't have major issues however, any out warranty repair on the Rivians will be expensive. My cameras have gone out twice now and the driver handle is not reading my key card. submit a service request for repair and hopefully still under warranty. I still think the Rivian Gen 1 have been the Best built and best value.

 

[Richmun]

I applaud you on jumping on board the Rivian experience, especially as a “new to you” owner. My ‘23 (bought new) experience has been great (not perfect but what truck is?). When people ask me how I like my truck, I always say I love it (I do), except for the monthly payment. By buying used you’re lessening my biggest complaint. With rewards comes risk, but there’s some great advice in this thread that will help you mitigate this. Congrats and best of luck!

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