Is the 2023 Rivian R1S reliable?

The 2023 Rivian R1S has 119 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2023 Rivian R1S?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (28 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (18 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (18 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2023 Rivian R1S?

Yes, there are 9 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE, SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS, SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Contact any Rivian dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2023 Rivian R1S?

The 2023 Rivian R1S has an EPA rating of 64 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1201. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

Is the 2023 Rivian R1S often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Rivian R1S: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2023 Rivian R1S?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2023 Rivian R1S is approximately $1,763/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2023 Rivian R1S qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2023 Rivian R1S may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2023 Rivian R1S

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2023 Rivian R1S has 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 85. The most common issue is air bags problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: when the passenger seat is occupied, we intermittently get a message that the airbag is off (and the heating/ac controls for the passenger side go away). this occurred when the seat was occupied by two of my sons (one 6'1", 145 lbs and the other 5'9" and 155 lbs). we took the car in to get checked. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year.

18 crash reports 6 injuries

119

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

28 complaints

24%

• When the passenger seat is occupied, we intermittently get a message that the airbag is off (and the heating/ac controls for the passenger side go away). This occurred when the seat was occupied by two of my sons (one 6'1", 145 lbs and the other 5'9" and 155 lbs). We took the car in to get checked
• They have set the sensors for the passenger airbag outside of the acceptable department standards. There are many instances where a person under 120 pounds does not activate the sensor and therefore the passenger airbag is not activated. I have notified the company on several occasions and not been
• I noticed when driving with a passenger (female, approximately 135 pounds) that the screen keeps switching between "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" and showing the vehicle detects the passenger (hence the airbag is on). I'm concerned about the safety of my passenger when driving as I do not know whether the

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“When the passenger seat is occupied, we intermittently get a message that the airbag is off (and the heating/ac controls for the passenger side go away). This occurred when the seat was occupied by two of my sons (one 6'1", 145 lbs and the other 5'9" and 155 lbs). We took the car in to get checked”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (9)

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN09/03/2023

Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2023 R1S vehicles. The fasteners that secure the right and left side curtain air bags may be improperly secured.

Risk: Improperly secured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will secure or replace the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. All owners have been notified and all vehicles will be repaired by March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1185.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2023 Rivian R1S

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$1,190

Per month

$99

Per mile

9.9¢

kWh/mi

0.53

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Rivian R1S

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,763

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$679

vs US avg

+5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1763

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Rivian New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

8 yr / 175K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 175K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

8 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

8 yr / 100K mi

Powertrain + battery 8yr/175K is among the longest EV coverage

EV Incentives for 2023 Rivian R1S

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

Historic eligibility: 2023 Rivian R1S vehicles purchased on or before September 30, 2025 may still qualify for the federal credit on the 2025 tax return. Check with a tax professional for your specific vehicle's eligibility.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 119 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: When the passenger seat is occupied, we intermittently get a message that the airbag is off (and the heating/ac controls for the passenger side go away). This occurred when the seat was occupied by two of my sons (one 6'1", 145 lbs and the other 5'9" and 155 lbs). We took the car in to get checked
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: When the passenger seat is occupied, we intermittently get a message that the airbag is off (and the heating/ac controls for the passenger side go away). This occurred when the seat was occupied by two of my sons (one 6'1", 145 lbs and the other 5'9" and 155 lbs). We took the car in to get checked
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The car automatically, abruptly, and without warning shift into park as I slowed down at a stop sign and stalled in the middle of the road. It did not shift into Park for 30-35 mins and even after doing hard and soft resets while on the phone with service. Somehow it worked again after my hitting th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: RIVIAN CHANGED THE HORN AND NO ONE CAN HEAR ME. [XXX] Watch this video to understand. Rivian tells me there is nothing to fix because this is the new cost cutting design. Recall these ASAP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Rivian dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)