by Start of Problems with the Rivian R1T
A Rivian R1T owner encountered serious problems after the screens of his electric vehicle suddenly went dark, and attempts to reboot the system yielded no results. This rendered the car practically immobile, necessitating its towing to a service center.
Repair Attempts and New Troubles
At the service center, they replaced the 12-volt battery, a faulty AXM module, and performed a cooling system flush. However, upon the car’s return, the owner discovered additional issues: Apple CarPlay stopped functioning, the traffic visualization system was not working, and the “smart” turn signals were malfunctioning. Furthermore, the car’s interior was soiled, with greasy fingerprints left on surfaces.
This isn’t fun anymore… I’m seriously considering giving up on this car.
Context for Other Manufacturers
Similar stories are not unique to Rivian—service problems occur even with long-established automakers. However, companies like Ford, GM, and Toyota have extensive dealer networks and established processes, while Rivian is still building its infrastructure from scratch.
Owner Experience and Brand Trust
Many Rivian owners remain satisfied with their vehicles and speak positively about them. However, some customers face frequent service visits—some report 10-15 visits over two years. This shows how crucial reliable support is, especially for vehicles heavily reliant on complex software.
While Rivian offers innovative solutions and high-tech features, stories like this serve as a reminder that service stability and quality remain critically important for maintaining customer trust. Even the most progressive products can lose their appeal if after-sales support does not meet expectations. Electric vehicle owners, especially those of new manufacturers, often find themselves in the role of early adopters who encounter flaws that take time to resolve.
