Rivian executive acknowledges R1S AC noise problem

[Forrester]

This is a long standing issue that started with the June 2023 OTA. I thought it was bad (it is) but it got even worse with 2024.07.03.

Now the AC compressor quickly ramps to max (buzzing and vibration), runs for 23 seconds and instantly drops to zero. Wait 2 minutes and it ramps again to max for 23 seconds and drops to zero. Over and over and over. It doesn’t matter what the ambient temperature is inside or out or what the battery temperature is. It’s just on a wicked repeat cycle. The only way to get it to stop (other than turning off the HVAC) is to turn on recycle.

It goes in to the SC this Friday for the third time to “troubleshoot”. Hint: it’s software induced.

Agreed... This is really bad. This will be my 3rd attempt to have this issue resolved. The last time our truck was at the SC they told me they would replace the AC system. We got our truck back last week and it seems worse now than before. Now the system makes loud noises and it doesnt' matter with the fan speed or ambient temperature.
Beyond frustrated... and we haven't even begin to approach summer here in Florida.

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[Surferdude]

Just picked my R1S up and the AC noise is absolutely insane. Vehicle is totally unusable. It's not even that hot now. Low 80s. I would have assumed this got resolved by now but they are still giving these defective vehicles to new customers and making us go through the repair process. Beyond disappointed especially after waiting 5+ years

 

[Mljmam]

Hello All,
It seems too simple to be true, but I solved the vibration noise coming from the A/C. Look online for how to open the AC compartment as if changing the filter. When the AC is running, I found that the freon line that runs across the top of the compressor, then turns back toward the firewall was vibrating against the underside of the plastic panel below the windshield. A small piece of neoprene stuck between that hose and the panel solved the problem. Be careful, as the metal portion of that freon line will be hot when the AC is running. It's sad that Rivian couldn't be bothered to research this issue enough to even find such a simple remedy. As with any such repair, if you're not a seasoned mechanic, leave it alone, and just show this post to the Rivian repair center when you ask them to fix it. Those of you who have been in contact with Rivian about this could help a lot of fellow owners if you send this tidbit back to them.
Safe travels!

 

[HaveBlue]

A few people have noted that fix and I'm also surprised Rivian hasn't implemented that as a service bulletin. Summer is coming so I'm sure a few people will be bending that line back a bit to clear.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Hello All,
When the AC is running, I found that the freon line that runs across the top of the compressor, then turns back toward the firewall was vibrating against the underside of the plastic panel below the windshield. A small piece of neoprene stuck between that hose and the panel solved the problem.

Nice solution! A picture would be worth a thousand words here, LOL. Any pics? ?

 

[natedogg]

With the move to Gen 2, do we know if moving to the heat pump has fixed the compressor noise when running in hot climates?

 

[MidnightRivian]

With the move to Gen 2, do we know if moving to the heat pump has fixed the compressor noise when running in hot climates?

Noise is the same. The buzzing / vibration in the pedal have been reduced by 85% in my opinion.

I am ok with the noise as long as I don't feel it in the pedals. The noise does go away once you get moving and use the AC for couple minutes.

Not having the buzzing / vibration in the pedal was my main complaint. I am glad Rivian took the feedback and relocated the unit away from the firewall.

 

[Kelvn]

Nice solution! A picture would be worth a thousand words here, LOL. Any pics? ?

Would also like to know this.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Here is the compressor. Hopefully we get a picture of the actual solution.

 

[BigE]

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.

Overall, the A/C compressor is loud. But should not be that loud. Our 1st 2022 R1T was very loud day 1. I had submitted a ticket. Rivian replaced the entire A/C system..compressor, evaporator, etc. Result was a much quieter unit and more effective.

 

[Mljmam]

Nice solution! A picture would be worth a thousand words here, LOL. Any pics? ?

Sorry. Didn't feel like taking it open again earlier. But, here you are. Note the piece of sticky backed neoprene on top of the hose in the close up.

 

[Mljmam]

Note the sticky backed neoprene on top of the black freon line in the close up.

 

[Mljmam]

Third try to attach pics

 

[smunro622]

~100 degree temps in Houston today and I had "the noise" for most of my drive running errands this afternoon. It stops or becomes less loud if you turn off the AC or put it on a lower level, but of course that isn't an option in heat like this. My solution was to just turn the music up, but of course that's not optimal. It's a SUPER annoying noise!!!

Tried that that you get a phone call and that is another issue again..I haven't figured out how to make it quieter.

 

[Mljmam]

The heat causes those plastic panels to sag and cause/allow the freon line to rattle against them.

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