2023 RIVIAN R1S Complaints

Longstanding issue with R1S and R1T’s not recognizing a front passenger is present. Many reports in online forums regarding the same problem and ours does not even see a 6’4” 450lb passenger regularly. Other complainants are reporting feedback that it’s ‘within spec’, ‘it’s safer for smaller passengers’, and that ‘you need to sit in the seat properly’(?!). Please do something about this serious safety issue. Thanks.

(1) Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: "Critical Battery Issue" + "Electrical Hazard Possible; Drive to service center immediately. Avoid driving through water" + "Coming to emergency stop soon; Steer to safety and park" (2) Q: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A: (1) The car abruptly stopped near a corner in middle of street blocking the street, police had to intervene with traffic *potential for collision/pedestrian strike (2) The car had no electrical, completely blacked out and HAZARD lights didn't work when Police asked to turn them on, nothing would turn on **potential for collision (3) Car was blacked out with all windows down, doors unlocked and unable to get into compartments of vehicle to remove personal items of value due to all electrical being backed out *potential safety / theft concern Police ended up towing due to Rivian being unable to locate a tow in a timely manner the incident occurred at 4:30pm and Police politely waited for Rivian until her 6:30 and then called their local tow yard for secure space for unresponsive unit blocking street (3) Q: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A: Not sure - It took Rivian until 11:30am the next day to coordinate a pick up from local tow yard where Police mandated tow due to Rivian being unable to clear a hazard blocking the street (4) Q: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: The local Police were on scene and were highly accommodating directing traffic to mitigate any potential safety issues for pedestrians, drivers and on-lookers. Rivian hasn't shared anything at all and its 24hours+ after the incident (5) Q: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A: Yes, as listed above in #1

Horn is too weak and inaudible when there’s other noise around or if someone is listening to music in their car. Other vehicles don’t seem to hear the horn in case of emergencies.

The passenger airbag does not consistently turn on or stay on with passengers in the seat.

The system does not turn on the airbags for driver or passenger under 140 pounds. This is a safety hazard.

The passenger seat doesn’t recognize a passenger in the seat. Happpens all the time for my wife, who ways 120lbs… there are hundreds of folks who also have this problem with the Rivian passenger seat/driver seats. Huge safety issue.

Intermittently does not register a passenger in the passenger seat (even with a seatbelt on and seat upright in a normal position) such that the airbags are turned off and climate controls are not activated. Passenger weighs more than 120 lbs.

A passenger of lighter weight will not trigger the passenger seat’s weight sensor, rendering the passenger side airbag disabled. The passenger must sit up perfectly straight and center their weight on the center of the seat for them to be properly detected. A service center visit claimed the seats are working as designed, but there is clearly an issue.

Vehicle routinely (>90% of the time) fails to detect occupancy of front passenger seat resulting in disabled airbags and other related safety systems. Our particular vehicle experiences the issue with passengers ranging from 150-425lbs resulting in a significant safety concern. Searching online indicates this is a common issue and repair requests are routinely denied with claims that it is operating correctly. Others have been told it is due to posture or seating position…I’ve never had a vehicle whose safety features were disabled due to poor posture?!

Passenger seat does not detect my 5'4" 110lb wife, thus preventing the airbags from activating. This is the first car we've encountered with this problem. Is Rivian accounting for the fact that the weight occupancy sensor account for the weight of the legs placed on the floor? Please let us know if there will be a recall or a software update to address this.