2022 Rivian R1T Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2022 Rivian R1T
- Has 11 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the seats.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2023 Rivian R1T earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: adaptive air suspension (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2022 Rivian R1T?
The 2022 Rivian R1T represents an ambitious entry into the EV truck market, offering impressive performance and utility. However, as an early production model, it carries a moderate risk profile due to initial software bugs, build quality inconsistencies, and a critical safety recall. While the core EV powertrain is robust, owners must be prepared for potential electrical gremlins and suspension concerns.
The 2022 Rivian R1T is a groundbreaking vehicle, but it's a first-generation product with inherent risks. While its core EV powertrain is robust, owners of early models face a moderate likelihood of encountering electrical gremlins and expensive air suspension failures. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and verific…
Best Model Years
2023+ (as software matures and initial hardware issues are addressed)
Years to Avoid
None explicitly, but early 2022 VINs require more diligence due to initial recalls and prevalent early production issues.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust electric drivetrain with quad motors
- High build quality of primary structural components
- Over-the-air (OTA) update capability for continuous improvement
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2022 Rivian R1T, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The complex adaptive air suspension system has been a source of early complaints, including compressor failures, height sensor malfunctions, and leveling issues. While some are software-related and addressed by OTA updates, hardware fail…
A widespread issue involves the 12V auxiliary battery, which can drain unexpectedly, leaving the vehicle completely inoperable. This is often linked to software power management issues, parasitic draws, or faulty battery control modules.…
Being a highly computerized vehicle, the 2022 R1T has experienced numerous software bugs affecting infotainment, driver-assist features (phantom braking), charging reliability, and vehicle controls. While many are addressed via OTA updat…
2022 Rivian R1T Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2022 Rivian R1T most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Initial Glitch Resolution Zone
At this mileage, most initial software bugs should have been ironed out via OTA updates, and early production manufacturing flaws (like the steering knuckle recall) should have been addressed. However, monitor for 12V battery issues.
Suspension & Sensor Vigilance
Around 60,000 miles, the complex adaptive air suspension components may begin to show wear or failures (compressor, sensors, airbags). Tire wear is also significant due to vehicle weight and torque, requiring regular rotation and replace…
Long-Term Electrical Monitoring
While the main EV powertrain is durable, this mileage range is where one might start to see more advanced electrical component issues like main battery contactor wear (rare) or charging port degradation. Continued vigilance on the air su…
High-Voltage System Assessment
Beyond 120,000 miles, primary focus shifts to monitoring high-voltage battery health and capacity degradation. Major suspension components may require overhaul. Ensure a detailed service history is available for major preventative mainte…
2022 Rivian R1T Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2022 Rivian R1T on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$1,000-3,000 occasionally
How Long Does the 2022 Rivian R1T Last?
For a 2022 Rivian R1T, focus on models with lower mileage (under 40,000 miles) where most early production issues would have surfaced and hopefully been addressed under warranty. Ensure all recalls have been completed, and look for evidence of 12V battery replacements or software updates.
What 2022 Rivian R1T Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional acceleration and driving dynamics for a truck
- Outstanding off-road capability and innovative 'Gear Tunnel' storage
- High-quality interior materials and unique minimalist design
- Impressive utility and towing capacity for an EV
Common Frustrations
- Frequent software glitches and infotainment freezing issues
- Limited service network and long wait times for repairs in some regions
- Inconsistent charging experiences at non-Rivian charging stations
- Significant range loss when towing, requiring careful trip planning
Who Should Buy the 2022 Rivian R1T?
Best For
- Tech-savvy early adopters who appreciate innovation
- Adventurers needing robust off-road and overland capabilities
- Homeowners with reliable Level 2 or 3 charging access
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking minimal maintenance costs
- Owners who rely on extensive long-haul towing without meticulous planning
How the 2022 Rivian R1T Compares to Rivals
The R1T is a pioneer, excelling in performance and innovation, but its novelty means a less established service network and a higher propensity for early production issues compared to more mature EVs or conventional vehicles.
More Reliable Than
- Tesla Cybertruck (unproven production, unknown build quality)
- Traditional ICE luxury trucks (maintenance complexity)
- Lordstown Endurance (bankrupt, production issues)
Comparable To
- Hummer EV (similar complexity, premium pricing, early adoption quirks)
- Other premium large EVs (reliant on sophisticated software and unique components)
NHTSA Recalls
11 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SEATS
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not deactivate the air bag when a child or child seat occupies the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles. The front seat belt anchors may have been inadequately attached to the B-pillar.
What breaks on the 2022 Rivian R1T?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Rivian R1T by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Rivian R1T. Click any year for its full report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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