Rivian Quality - Two Genuine Questions

[rob_d]

I've had mine since June and have a little over 4200 miles on it. I have 1 blemish in the paint, 3-4 areas that need some body panel alignments, a couple of queaks, and a camp speaker that won't charge. Essentially minor issues and I feel that's why we have a warranty to get these things addressed. These are complicated machines and there will be some issues.

I know compared to others, my list so far is minor...but that's been my experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I look at that list and have never had a vehicle that started out with that many issues. I agree that they're minor and on an individual basis I could deal with it, but the compounding effect is what I struggle with.

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[rob_d]

First off yes Rivian service has a lot of room to improve, depends on your location.

Personally I have had issues with my truck but Ive also driven my truck harder than most, not an excuse. Rivian has made everything right, eventually and there have been long periods that were trouble free. All that said I don’t feel great about keeping it out of warranty so if you are a buy and keep it until it dies type of person you have to consider that. I am sure out of warranty service is not going to be cheap.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

[rob_d]

Vast majority of people don’t have problems, or if they are, they’re minor.

When everything is going well, people generally don’t share an update: “Everything is well! Carry on!”

Problems get the posts and attention.

So, you’re seeing skewed biased observations that don’t represent the true population by any means.

Thanks for your response. I guess what I'm getting at is that I seem to see lots of people that post that they have "only minor" issues. And my question is why is the expectation lower?

 

[DuoRivians]

Thanks for your response. I guess what I'm getting at is that I seem to see lots of people that post that they have "only minor" issues. And my question is why is the expectation lower?

I’d say nearly all cars have their share of minor issues, even from legacy oems. Rivian (and Tesla) seem to get more attention about them because they own the whole stack. Whereas you can take a BMW or Toyota to a third party dealership for issues.

I still remember how people talked about the reliability of Japanese v US built cars.

 

[rob_d]

Well, I'm one of those who has 3500 miles, super pleased and so far only two very minor issues - very internittent rattling dashboard speaker grille and a minor issue with the weather strip at the bottom of the passenger door. Based on my experience I would do it again.

Although you have already said you don't believe it, I'll chime in with the "people come to forums much more frequently when they have a problem or want to complain". How many posts have you seen here saying "This is my only post, I love my Rivian, no problems at all"? That's because people aren't motivated to do the research to discover the forum when they are happy but not a "Rivian enthusiast" looking for fellow enthusiasts. Also, look at the # of members here vs the # of Rivians sold. That implies that there are many satisfied owners out there with no complaints, or there are many who are unhappy but have not come online to research/discuss their issues.

By your bullet list above, you seem to have already decided that Rivian has lots of problems and you don't believe any possible rational explanations from anyone, so maybe it is best for you to pass on a RIvian. You will almost certainly feel like "I knew better..." if you buy a Rivian and have ANY issues. Your current feelings will likely amplify your issues, real, perceived or otherwise.

You're not wrong about the last part, and I don't mean that in a snarky way. I do know it would be amplified and I likely would have that feeling that I knew better. At least my wife will tell me that As I read along it just seems that people in these forums have a lower set of expectations (again, don't mean that in an inflammatory way) and I am trying to understand why that might be and if I can get behind those reasons, or if it will truly drive me insane if I make the purchase. This is almost rhetorical because I know the answer.

 

[RivianR1TinSFL]

1) It's a new company
2) It's a car/machine
3) Cars/machines do break
4) People love to bit#$$$%@h and complain for any reason
5) People just enjoy to bi%$#%#$%#$%h and complain about any and everything
6) We have quite a few on here (every online car forum)

Genuine Answers to your Genuine Questions

So my genuine questions are as follows:
- Why this level of quality that Rivian is currently producing an expectation of the norm?
Answer: It's an "early adopter tax" (You got this right)

Don't you worry about owning the vehicle over the long run?
Answer: "Only people who have problems post in the forums. For every complaint there's 10 trucks/SUVs that are great." [I don't buy this.] Again, you got this right


Oh, these cars do come with factory warranty. I think

 

[Zoidz]

Thanks for your response. I guess what I'm getting at is that I seem to see lots of people that post that they have "only minor" issues. And my question is why is the expectation lower?

Because the experience some have had with other vehicles has been far worse, so the Rivian has met or passed higher expectations. It depends on your perspective and where you have been.

I factory ordered a Chevy Suburban one time. The first time I got home and parked it on my steep sloped driveway at that time, there was half a quart of oil running down the driveway. Seriously. I took it back to the dealer a day later with maybe 100 miles on it. They called me and asked me if I had someone working on it and they took off the oil pan. Uh, what? I've had the car a few days?!?!?!

They told me the oil pan gasket was folded over in half and was not sealing the oil pan, and acted like I had someone else work on it. Brand new, 100 miles, a few days. Riiiight....

 

[Ventura]

Our R1T (late December delivery, 12K miles) has been in service once for a minor panel gap. Our camp speaker didn't charge/lock until it had been removed/placed serval times and fixed itself. The biggest problem we've had is that we've put miles on it faster than any car we've ever owned and only one of us can take it when we aren't driving together. Who gets to take it to work? Who gets to take it to the gym? It's a nightmare and the other car is feeling neglected because it would be forgotten about completely if we didn't sometimes have to go to different places at the same time.

 

[Rivdog]

I think the build quality has vastly improved over the past 18 months. People have noted that the first several thousand builds were almost hand-made whereas now the factory is much more up to speed with robots, machines, etc. Early 2022s seemed like a pretty mixed bag, but the 2023’s seem to generally be very, very good.

I also think there’s something to be said about the move to EV’s - the legacy manufacturers have had hiccups too. Ford’s Mach E had horrible issues with the 12v battery for like a year, and the high voltage battery junction boxes still haven’t been fully figured out. Ford’s “fix” is software based and basically gives you enough range to go park it somewhere and call a tow truck…and it’s been almost 3 years now. I had 2 Mach E’s and loved them, but Ford hasn’t been responsive to consumers at all. Rivian, although not perfect, is generally VERY responsive and tries to make things right. Ford…not really. The dealer is the customer, not the actual vehicle purchaser. The VW electric line has been plagued by issues, the Kia and Hyundai offerings are great but have issues, and don’t even get started on Lucid…

My point is that the EV is a new technology for everyone, basically, and you’re gonna have a risk of quality issues with any of them right now. That being said, go with a company who is responsive to the consumer of the vehicle and will do what it takes to make things right. That’s been my experience with Rivian, and I’m very happy to own my 2023 with minimal issues - a faulty air compressor that mobile service fixed in my driveway, under warranty, of course.

Edit: forgot that even the Toyota BZ4X had a major recall almost immediately that stopped all sales for a while. The Chevy Bolt battery issues were even worse.

 

[mptx17]

Thanks for your response. I guess what I'm getting at is that I seem to see lots of people that post that they have "only minor" issues. And my question is why is the expectation lower?

Like somebody above said, you've already primed yourself to be dissatisfied, so why bother? Just move on. The downside for you will be missing out on a fantastic vehicle, IMO. And echoing you (somewhat, bc you then wrongly dismissed it) and other responses, indeed people do post mostly when crap ain't right. Myself (barely ever posted but for one bitch-fest) included. I love my R1S.

 

[R1Tom]

I think the build quality has vastly improved over the past 18 months. People have noted that the first several thousand builds were almost hand-made whereas now the factory is much more up to speed with robots, machines, etc. Early 2022s seemed like a pretty mixed bag, but the 2023’s seem to generally be very, very good.

I also think there’s something to be said about the move to EV’s - the legacy manufacturers have had hiccups too. Ford’s Mach E had horrible issues with the 12v battery for like a year, and the high voltage battery junction boxes still haven’t been fully figured out. Ford’s “fix” is software based and basically gives you enough range to go park it somewhere and call a tow truck…and it’s been almost 3 years now. I had 2 Mach E’s and loved them, but Ford hasn’t been responsive to consumers at all. Rivian, although not perfect, is generally VERY responsive and tries to make things right. Ford…not really. The dealer is the customer, not the actual vehicle purchaser. The VW electric line has been plagued by issues, the Kia and Hyundai offerings are great but have issues, and don’t even get started on Lucid…

My point is that the EV is a new technology for everyone, basically, and you’re gonna have a risk of quality issues with any of them right now. That being said, go with a company who is responsive to the consumer of the vehicle and will do what it takes to make things right. That’s been my experience with Rivian, and I’m very happy to own my 2023 with minimal issues - a faulty air compressor that mobile service fixed in my driveway, under warranty, of course.

Not sure on build quality improving. Mine is a 3xxx with now over 25k on it, and other than a few minor things, it has been perfect...even my tonneau cover works. It does seem hand built in so far that things seem actually better than things I am seeing posted of more recent builds.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I love my R1T. Coming from the world of work trucks, it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. Biggest issue is one of the tailgate cables is too long. And a bit of pollen trapped under the factory PPF on one of the gear tunnel doors. Have a service appointment in November. Obviously not a big issue to them, or to me. Only thing that would make me get rid of this truck is if someone released an EV work truck with shorter cab and longer bed configuration. (won't hold my breath on that, LOL). ?

Obviously it depends on your expectations, and a bit of luck. I think most issues people are reporting can be resolved in a visit to the SC.

 

[Singletracker]

Thanks for this thread! I’m taking delivery of my R1T on Tuesday. It’s been a long, over a year and half, roller coaster ride. Following these forums can be daunting, for sure. These last couple of weeks have been especially stressful, wondering if I’m making the right move with Rivian, almost pulling the plug numerous times. I know that all the negative posts don’t fairly represent the total ownership experience, but still. Just today, I finally signed the purchase agreement and transferred the funds. 8-step process is now complete! I have to admit, I do feel a sense of relief. Reading these positive, up beat, and hopefully more representative posts couldn’t come at a better time for me! Thanks, again, to all. Looking forward to Tuesday. Keep the positive vibes coming!

 

[AxelR]

I have a slightly different opinion than most here but I’m afraid I’m coming to the same conclusion than the majority.
Our R1S had issues at delivery, mainly cosmetic but enough to worry about safety; after all, they could have forgotten more important parts than trim pieces. I wanted to return it within the first week but my daughter and wife love it so much.
I can’t seem to fall in love it (too many cars in the past to see what’s so special about this one) but over time, I get more and more attached. Actually, over time, I learn to get over all the things I dislike.
I don’t usually keep cars more than 1-2 years so I won’t have long term reliability issues.
I hear that you could get lucky on quality so get yours and give it back within the “trial” week if you don’t like it.

 

[gregtay]

I have owned a stupid number of cars... many higher end performance cars and SUVS. I love our Rivian... but it is not doubt a "beta" product. The quality of manufacturing feels "cheap". The doors feel cheap when you close them and they rattle. In fact... most things rattle. It's the most "rattle-ly" car I have owned.. it sounds like it is a snap together model when going over bumps. The body panels are thin and dent very easily. The R1S is a FAR cry from the quality and durability of my Audi SQ8, Escalade, or even Durango SRT. My old Touraeg v10TDI (also an adventure SUV) was a technical overcomplicated mess... but built significantly better than the R1S and the ride quality was much better.

With that said... we love our R1S. We knew exactly what we were getting ourselves into. I laugh at the terrible quality and the rattles. Yes, my money could have purchased a much higher quality car from other manufacturers, but we were willing to take the risk to try something new and different. The SQ8 was an amazing machine... but a little dull.... maybe too perfect. There is nothing perfect about the R1S. My wife loves it (it is her car) and it does what we need it to do and it is fun. To it is great... but be warned... there is zero comparison in quality of Rivian vs. BMW/Merc/Audi/Porsche, etc. Rivian is a startup. It feels like it. They will get there... and the early adopters and believers will help them get there. But don't walk into purchasing a Rivian thinking it is going to be an experience on par with a typical $100k SUV... because it's not.

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