BeforeYouBuyAuto

Free used car buyer guide / 1st Gen / 2022-2025

Rivian R1T common problems and best years

By BYBA Research - how we score cars

Updated 2026-06-12

BYBA Buy Score

7.7/10

Buy with checks

1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: upper control arm to steering knuckle fastener under-torque. Score methodology.

The R1T is a brilliant used EV truck when you buy it as a software-defined adventure vehicle with known early-build service needs, not as a Toyota pickup with a battery. The money traps are the 2022 upper-control-arm-to-knuckle fastener recall, repeated front halfshaft clicking on quad-motor trucks, powered tonneau failure, weak 12V battery behavior, air-suspension leaks, and service-center delays that turn small faults into long downtime. The safest used buy is a 2024 or early-2025 Dual Motor Large Pack with fixed tonneau status, completed suspension/seat-belt campaigns, quiet front axles, and a clean Rivian service history. Current owners should treat clunks, 12V warnings, and suspension height drift as early service tickets, not quirks to wait out.

Faults covered

8

Highest risk

Upper control arm to

Best years

2023-2025

Best buys

  • 2024 Dual Motor Large Pack with no powered-tonneau dependency and completed campaigns.
  • 2025 Gen 2 Dual Motor if front halfshaft campaign RCA-38-25-003 does not apply or is complete.
  • Quad Motor only with documented halfshaft replacements and no low-speed clicking.

Inspect hard

  • Every 2022 truck for FSAM-997 / 22V-744 steering-knuckle fastener completion.
  • Powered tonneau trucks: run full open/close cycle twice and confirm Rivian replacement status.
  • Any truck showing 'Replace 12V battery' or suspension warnings in the app or driver display.

Avoid

  • Early 2022 trucks with open safety recalls and no Rivian service history.
  • Trucks with current front clunking, uneven camber, or Limited Performance Mode after acceleration.
  • Third-party dealer trucks where the seller cannot show the Rivian account service record.

Next checks

Before you contact the seller

Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.

Primary next step

Check history, title, and recall status

The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.

carVerticalPaid history report - EU/UK fitVinAuditPaid history report - US fitNHTSA recallsFree recall lookup

Viewing kit

Bring the right tools

Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Rivian R1T viewing.

Bluetooth OBD2 scannerRead fault-code history before trusting a clear dashboard.Paint thickness gaugeSpots resprays and hidden accident repair in seconds.Brake fluid testerHigh moisture means neglected maintenance everywhere else too.LED inspection lightEngine bay, sills, and underbody never lie under real light.

Printable workflow

Take the inspection pack

The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.

Open PDF option

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Engines and trims

Which Rivian R1T should you buy?

On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.

Large Pack 135 kWh gross / about 128 kWh usable

2022-2025

BEST ALL-ROUND PACK

This is the core R1T pack and the one with the largest owner data pool. It gives enough range to make the truck useful while towing or in winter, and it avoids the early buyer premium of Max Pack. The inspection question is not chemistry drama; it is whether the truck has lived on DC fast charging, sat at high state of charge, or developed 12V/sleep problems that kept waking the vehicle.

Max Pack 149 kWh gross

2024-2025

BUY FOR RANGE, NOT VALUE

Max Pack is useful if you tow, overland, or live far from charging. It adds range but also cost, weight, and fewer long-term data points. Check DC fast-charge taper and displayed range against the service record because a Max Pack that has lost its advantage is just an expensive Large Pack truck.

Standard Pack / Standard+ LFP

2024-2025

GOOD URBAN CHOICE

The smaller LFP packs suit buyers who use the R1T as a daily truck rather than a long-distance hauler. They tolerate frequent 100% charging better than nickel packs, but range drops quickly with speed, cold weather, and accessories. Do not buy one expecting Max Pack road-trip behavior.

Quad-Motor drivetrain with Large Pack

2022-2024

FUN BUT MORE TO INSPECT

The original four-motor layout is the R1T's party trick and the source of its best off-road control. It also puts more torque events through front halfshafts and suspension joints. For used buyers, a quiet Dual Motor is often smarter than a hard-launched early Quad with a stack of axle visits.

Dual-Motor Enduro drivetrain

2023-2025

LOWEST-RISK USED SPEC

Rivian's in-house Enduro dual-motor setup is simpler and more efficient than the launch quad-motor layout. It is not as theatrical, but it is the spec to buy if you want the truck as transport rather than a tech demo. Confirm software is current and that any 2025 halfshaft campaign has been closed.

Year notes

Year-by-year buyer advice

Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.

2022

Launch-year customer trucks, mostly Quad Motor Large Pack. Powered tonneau and early service-center constraints define the year. FSAM-651 occupant-classification recall and FSAM-997 steering-knuckle fastener recall both hit this population.

Buyer: Buy a 2022 only if the Rivian account shows closed recalls, tonneau status, and no unresolved front-end service tickets. A private seller with full app records beats a dealer with a glossy detail and no service file.

Owner: Keep the truck current on campaigns and document every early-build repair. Your resale value depends on proving the truck has already had the launch-year sorting done.

2023

Production matured, software improved sleep behavior, and Dual Motor/Enduro availability began changing the risk profile. Service delays still affected many owners.

Buyer: This is a good value year when the truck is quiet and the 12V history is clean. Inspect tonneau and front axles with the same discipline as a 2022.

Owner: If your truck has never had 12V replacement or front-end work, do not ignore early warnings. The better software does not make weak hardware disappear.

2024

Dual Motor and Max Pack became common used-market choices. Powered tonneau replacement plans matured, and the truck became less launch-fragile.

Buyer: Best balance for most buyers. Favor Dual Motor Large Pack unless you actually need Quad performance or Max Pack range.

Owner: Keep software current and watch vampire drain trends. A sudden change in sleep loss often precedes 12V or module wake issues.

2025

Gen 2 electronics and updated drivetrains arrive, but some 2025 R1T/R1S trucks received the RCA-38-25-003 front halfshaft customer-satisfaction campaign.

Buyer: Do not assume newest equals cleanest. Check whether the VIN is in RCA-38-25-003 and drive it hard enough to expose Limited Performance Mode.

Owner: If Rivian calls the truck in for halfshafts, do it promptly. A supplier-built CV issue is easier to fix before it becomes a roadside failure.

Common problems

Faults to check before buying

What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.

Fault 1

Upper control arm to steering knuckle fastener under-torque

WALK AWAY / $$$

Affects

Primarily 2022 R1T/R1S built August 2021 to September 2022.

Symptoms

Front suspension clunk, steering feel change, excessive camber, uneven tire wear, or visible wheel lean.

Typical repair cost

$0 recall; $1,500-4,000+ if ignored and hardware/tire damage follows.

Codes / scan clues

Usually none; physical suspension fault.

Root cause: Rivian could not confirm correct torque on the nut joining the front upper control arm and steering knuckle.

Quick check

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA and Rivian recall lookup for 22V-744 / FSAM-997.
  • Inspect front tire camber and inside-edge wear before the test drive.
  • Drive over small sharp bumps and listen for a single front-corner knock.
  • Ask for the recall closeout record, not only the seller's word.

Buyer note

An open FSAM-997 truck is not a deposit car. Have Rivian inspect it first.

Owner note

If the recall is closed but the truck later develops camber change, reopen a ticket and reference the campaign.

Fault 2

Front halfshaft clicking and supplier halfshaft campaign

LOW / $$$

Affects

2022-2025 R1T, most visible on Quad Motor and some 2025 campaign trucks.

Symptoms

Clicking on takeoff, clunk/thump from front axle, Limited Performance Mode, repeat axle replacements.

Typical repair cost

$0 warranty/campaign; $1,000-2,500+ per side out of warranty.

Codes / scan clues

Limited Performance Mode; drive-unit alerts vary.

Root cause: High torque and suspension angle stress front CV joints; some 2025 halfshafts were not manufactured correctly.

Quick check

  • Drive slow circles left and right with windows down.
  • Accelerate gently, then moderately, from a full stop.
  • Check service history for halfshaft replacements on the same side more than once.
  • For 2025 trucks, verify RCA-38-25-003 applicability.

Buyer note

One replaced halfshaft is acceptable. Repeat clunking after replacement means the truck is not sorted.

Owner note

Record video/audio of repeatable clicks before opening the service ticket; it shortens diagnosis.

Fault 3

Powered tonneau cover jams or is disabled

LOW / $$

Affects

R1T trucks equipped with the original powered tonneau, especially 2022-2023.

Symptoms

Cover stops mid-travel, grinding, object-detected message, disabled cover, missing retrofit.

Typical repair cost

$0 if covered by Rivian fix; otherwise potentially $1,000-3,000+.

Codes / scan clues

Body/accessory alerts; often no generic OBD code.

Root cause: The original slat-and-track system binds under load and contamination; Rivian temporarily disabled some covers while redesigning the assembly.

Quick check

  • Run the cover fully open and fully closed twice.
  • Listen for track grinding or one side lagging.
  • Check if the truck has the manual cover, original powered cover, or replacement powered cover.
  • Inspect bed tracks for bent slats, debris, and water staining.

Buyer note

A broken tonneau is not a reason to reject a perfect truck, but it is a real price item.

Owner note

Keep the rails clean and do not force the motor through a jam; forced operation damages slats.

Fault 4

12V battery drain and dead-truck events

LOW / $$

Affects

Gen 1 R1T, especially 2022-2024 trucks with older sleep behavior or aging low-voltage batteries.

Symptoms

Replace 12V battery warning, app warning, dead vehicle, tow required, excessive vampire drain.

Typical repair cost

$0 warranty to about $750-1,000 for two batteries and reset procedure.

Codes / scan clues

LV battery warnings; module low-voltage codes.

Root cause: Small low-voltage batteries cycle heavily when modules wake the truck; replacement can require Rivian diagnostic reset procedures.

Quick check

  • Look for 12V warnings in the vehicle and Rivian app.
  • Ask if both 12V batteries have been replaced and when.
  • Check overnight range loss with Gear Guard off if seller allows.
  • Confirm the truck wakes, unlocks, and shifts normally after sitting.

Buyer note

A current 12V warning is not a casual negotiation item; it can become a tow.

Owner note

Book service when the warning appears and keep the truck accessible for towing until replaced.

Fault 5

Air suspension leaks, height drift, and compressor overwork

LOW / $$$

Affects

All R1T years; more visible on trucks used off-road or parked outside in cold climates.

Symptoms

One corner low after parking, suspension service warning, compressor running often, uneven ride height.

Typical repair cost

$500-1,500 for leak diagnosis/minor parts; $2,000-4,000+ if compressor and strut parts stack.

Codes / scan clues

Suspension service messages; chassis module codes.

Root cause: Air lines, valves, fittings, and struts are stressed by vehicle weight, ride-height changes, and off-road contamination.

Quick check

  • Photograph all four ride heights after arrival and after the test drive.
  • Leave the truck parked for at least one hour if possible.
  • Cycle All-Purpose, Low, and High ride heights.
  • Listen for repeated compressor cycling after the truck is stationary.

Buyer note

A truck that cannot hold height at a viewing needs service-center diagnosis before purchase.

Owner note

Do not keep driving for weeks with constant compressor activity; the compressor becomes the second repair.

Fault 6

Front passenger occupant classification calibration

LOW / $$

Affects

Certain 2022 R1T built September 2021 to April 2022.

Symptoms

Passenger airbag status may not correctly suppress for child/child seat.

Typical repair cost

$0 recall.

Codes / scan clues

SRS/OCS calibration entries in Rivian service system.

Root cause: Seat occupant classification calibration did not meet production specification.

Quick check

  • Check NHTSA recall 22V-319 / FSAM-651 by VIN.
  • Verify the front passenger airbag indicator behaves normally with an adult seated.
  • Ask for recall completion date in the Rivian service file.
  • Do not place child seats in the front passenger seat.

Buyer note

This is easy to close if open, but it tells you whether the seller takes recalls seriously.

Owner note

Keep the recall letter/closeout in the resale folder.

Fault 7

Wind noise, seal leaks, and trim rattles

LOW / $$

Affects

Mostly early 2022-2023 R1T, but inspect every truck.

Symptoms

Wind roar at highway speed, door/glass whistle, loose trim, rattles from dash or passenger footwell.

Typical repair cost

$0 warranty adjustment; $200-800 for seals/trim outside warranty.

Codes / scan clues

None.

Root cause: Early production alignment and seal fit variation; accessory/trim removal can add rattles.

Quick check

  • Drive 60-75 mph with audio off.
  • Inspect glass alignment and rubber seals at all four doors.
  • Check for damp carpet in front footwells after rain.
  • Press trim panels near known rattles before the road test.

Buyer note

Noise alone is negotiable; damp carpet changes the risk.

Owner note

Log wind-noise complaints while under warranty because adjustment is cheaper than replacing aged seals later.

Fault 8

ADAS, camera, and software warning churn

LOW / $$

Affects

2022-2025 R1T; software version dependent.

Symptoms

Driver+ unavailable, camera warnings, misclassification alerts, module warnings after OTA.

Typical repair cost

$0 OTA or warranty diagnosis; module/camera work can exceed $500-1,500.

Codes / scan clues

ADAS/camera module codes; Rivian service-mode specific.

Root cause: Frequent OTA updates and sensor calibration sensitivity on a new platform.

Quick check

  • Confirm current software version before test drive.
  • Test all cameras, blind-spot views, adaptive cruise, and lane assist.
  • Check whether warnings clear after sleep or recur immediately.
  • Ask for service tickets related to camera replacement or calibration.

Buyer note

Do not accept 'software will fix it' without a current clean drive.

Owner note

After major OTA updates, photograph warnings and note software version in the ticket.

Inspection pack

Printable checklist for the viewing

The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.

Documents

  • Rivian service history from the seller's account, including campaign completion.
  • NHTSA VIN recall printout for FSAM-651, FSAM-997, seat-belt and 2025 campaigns.
  • Tonneau status: original, replacement powered cover, manual cover, or deleted.
  • 12V battery replacement date and any tow/service records.

Walk around

  • Check front camber, tire inside edges, air-suspension height, and bed cover rails.
  • Inspect seals, front footwells, frunk drain, underbody panels, and charge-port door.
  • Look for mismatched tires; the R1T is sensitive to tire size and load rating.

In the car

  • Confirm no 12V, suspension, SRS, camera, or Driver+ warnings.
  • Test all cameras, locks, windows, camp speaker, outlets, and powered tonneau.
  • Check software version and compare against recent service notes.

Test drive

  • Cold start, slow circles, gentle takeoff, moderate takeoff, and rough-road pass.
  • Cycle ride height and listen for compressor or valve noise.
  • Use driver-assist briefly where safe; warnings during the test matter.

Scan tool

  • Use Rivian service records/screenshots where possible; generic OBD is limited.
  • Capture active warnings with photos before seller resets or sleeps the truck.
  • Compare displayed range, battery size, wheel size, and charging history.

Bottom line

Buy: Buy the quietest, best-documented Dual Motor Large Pack you can find, preferably 2024 or a 2025 with closed campaigns. A Quad Motor is worth it only if the service file proves the front-end and tonneau stories are already handled.

Avoid: Avoid launch trucks with open recalls, active 12V warnings, front clunks, or a seller who cannot access Rivian service history. The truck is too service-network-dependent to buy blind.

Quick answers

Rivian R1T buyer questions

The short versions of what this page answers in full.

What are the most common Rivian R1T 2022-2025 problems?

The highest-impact documented faults are: Upper control arm to steering knuckle fastener under-torque; Front halfshaft clicking and supplier halfshaft campaign; Powered tonneau cover jams or is disabled. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.

Which Rivian R1T years are the best to buy?

2023-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy the quietest, best-documented Dual Motor Large Pack you can find, preferably 2024 or a 2025 with closed campaigns. A Quad Motor is worth it only if the service file proves the front-end and tonneau stories are already handled.

Which Rivian R1T should I avoid?

Avoid launch trucks with open recalls, active 12V warnings, front clunks, or a seller who cannot access Rivian service history. The truck is too service-network-dependent to buy blind.

Is the Rivian R1T 2022-2025 a reliable used buy?

BYBA scores it 7.7/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: upper control arm to steering knuckle fastener under-torque.

Get updates when this guide changes

Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Rivian R1T guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.

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