If you’re eyeing a 2022 Rivian R1S, you’ve probably heard two conflicting stories: stellar owner enthusiasm on one hand and scary reliability ratings on the other. This guide pulls together reliability scores, recalls, and real‑world owner experience so you can understand what the 2022 R1S reliability rating actually means, especially if you’re thinking about buying one used.
Quick take
Overview: 2022 Rivian R1S reliability rating in one glance
2022 Rivian R1S reliability snapshot
Think of the 2022 R1S as an early‑run, high‑tech flagship from a startup automaker. The hardware fundamentals are strong, battery, motors, body structure, but there have been more than the usual number of software bugs, fit‑and‑finish problems, and recall campaigns as Rivian learns and iterates. That’s what drags down the formal reliability ratings, even while many owners rave about the way the R1S drives and lives every day.
How major rating agencies score the 2022 Rivian R1S
Formal, third‑party reliability ratings for the 2022 Rivian R1S are still based on a relatively small sample size, but the direction is clear: compared with established three‑row SUVs, predicted reliability is well below average.
2022 Rivian R1S reliability ratings vs context
How key sources characterize the 2022 R1S and Rivian brand on reliability and satisfaction.
| Source | Vehicle / Brand | Reliability view | Owner satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Reports | Rivian brand | Bottom of overall brand reliability rankings; predicted reliability around 14/100 for Rivian vehicles | Top of owner satisfaction rankings; 5/5 overall satisfaction |
| Consumer Reports | Rivian R1S | Well‑below‑average predicted reliability among three‑row SUVs | Among the highest in satisfaction; majority would buy again |
| Kelley Blue Book (owner reviews) | 2022 R1S | Small sample but roughly mid‑4-out-of‑5 reliability subscore from early owners | High overall ratings for comfort, styling, and performance |
| Plug‑In America driver survey | Rivian R1S & R1T | Rivian models score strongly in areas like safety, cargo space, and overall satisfaction | R1S/R1T near top of overall EV owner satisfaction |
Scores are based on survey data through late 2024 and early 2025 and may evolve as more vehicles age.
The key nuance: when surveys talk about "reliability" here, they’re often counting any issue that required a service visit, from a loose trim piece or infotainment freeze to a genuine breakdown that strands the vehicle. Rivian’s early‑build R1S models have had more of those nuisance issues than a typical mainstream SUV, which dings the score even though many problems are handled via over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates or quick service visits.
How to read these reliability scores
Recalls and NHTSA actions affecting the 2022 R1S
Every new automaker goes through a recall phase as real‑world use exposes edge cases. The 2022 Rivian R1S is no exception. Several federal safety recalls and service campaigns apply to 2022 R1S vehicles, often shared with the R1T pickup.
- Suspension and steering hardware: early campaigns to inspect or replace fasteners that might not have been torqued to specification on some 2022–2023 R1S and R1T vehicles.
- Labeling and weight‑capacity placard corrections: administrative but still official recalls, ensuring the tire and loading information is accurate for safety compliance.
- Software‑related updates: fixes for driver‑assist and lighting behavior on certain vehicles, often resolved through OTA updates once the vehicle is connected and updated regularly.
- Body hardware and trim: smaller campaigns around items like hood or cargo latches, where an inspection and possible replacement are performed.
Don’t assume recalls are done
From a used‑buyer standpoint, recalls are less concerning when the remedy is straightforward and free, which is usually the case. What you want to avoid is a vehicle that has skipped recall work or lived far from a Rivian Service Center, making it harder to get issues addressed promptly.
Common 2022 Rivian R1S issues owners report
With any new platform, there’s a pattern to complaints. For the first‑generation R1S built for 2022, owner forums and early surveys tend to highlight four broad buckets of problems:
Most frequently mentioned 2022 R1S trouble spots
Patterns seen across owner forums, service reports, and early surveys.
1. Infotainment & software glitches
Owners have reported:
- Frozen or rebooting center screen
- Occasional Bluetooth or key‑fob/phone key hiccups
- Quirky driver‑assist behavior before updates
Rivian has addressed many of these with frequent OTA software releases, so update history matters.
2. Fit, finish, and wind noise
As a startup manufacturer, Rivian’s early build quality can be inconsistent:
- Misaligned doors or hatch
- Wind noise from mirrors or roof rails
- Rattles from interior trim on rough roads
Good service centers can usually chase these down, but it may take a couple of visits.
3. Suspension and ride issues
The air suspension gives the R1S its off‑road capability, but:
- Some owners dislike the default ride firmness
- A minority report air suspension component failures or leaks
- Occasional clunks or squeaks over bumps
Out‑of‑warranty suspension work can be expensive, so an inspection here is critical.
4. Early‑run hardware bugs
A handful of 2022 vehicles saw one‑off hardware defects:
- Door handles or windows needing adjustment
- Seals or weatherstripping replaced to cure leaks
- Charging door or port issues
Individually, these aren’t catastrophic, but they contribute to the "low reliability" scores.
How Recharged captures these issues
Low reliability, high satisfaction: why owners still love it
Here’s the paradox: Consumer Reports and others say Rivian’s reliability is near the bottom of the industry, yet owner‑satisfaction surveys put Rivian at or near the very top, with more than 80% of owners saying they’d buy again. So what’s going on?
Why reliability scores look bad
- New brand effect: Startups don’t have decades of production refinement. Small issues that Toyota solved long ago are still being ironed out.
- Complex tech stack: Quad‑motor powertrains, air suspension, and a clean‑sheet infotainment system create more opportunities for glitches.
- High expectations: Early adopters tend to notice and report every quirk, which pulls survey scores down.
Why owners still rave about it
- Driving experience: The R1S is genuinely quick, refined, and capable off‑road, something few three‑row SUVs can match.
- Design and utility: Big cargo space, thoughtful details, and rugged styling make it feel special.
- Service support: Many owners report Rivian service going above and beyond with mobile techs and loaners when issues do arise.
What this means for you
Battery, drivetrain, and software: where reliability actually lands
When people hear “unreliable,” they picture catastrophic failures. For the 2022 Rivian R1S, most data so far suggests the core EV systems, battery pack, motors, and high‑voltage components, are holding up well compared with the nuisance issues already covered.
- Battery pack: No widespread pattern of pack failures has emerged in 2022 R1S models. As with most modern EVs, range loss in the first few years tends to be modest when the vehicle is charged and stored reasonably.
- Drive units: Quad‑motor setups are complex but haven’t been a systemic weak point so far; serious failures are the exception, not the rule, and are typically handled under warranty.
- Thermal management: Keeping a 7,000‑plus‑pound performance SUV in its happy temperature window is demanding, but Rivian’s thermal system appears robust in real‑world use.
- Software and OTA updates: Rivian’s aggressive software cadence cuts both ways, new features and fixes arrive quickly, but occasionally introduce new bugs before the next patch.
Check battery health, not just mileage
What the 2022 R1S reliability rating means if you’re buying used
If you’re cross‑shopping a 2022 R1S against a used Lexus RX or Kia Telluride, the reliability picture is simple: you should expect more issues with the Rivian. But that doesn’t automatically make it a bad buy. It just means you need to approach it like what it is, a cutting‑edge, first‑generation EV from a young brand.
Is a 2022 Rivian R1S a good fit for you?
Match your expectations to the vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses.
Great match if…
- You value performance, design, and off‑road capability over bulletproof appliance‑like reliability.
- You live reasonably close to a Rivian Service Center or are comfortable with mobile service visits.
- You’re okay scheduling the occasional software or hardware fix during ownership.
Think twice if…
- You want something that “just disappears” into the background like a Highlander or Pilot.
- You’re far from Rivian service and can’t easily spare time for repairs.
- Unexpected shop time would be a major hardship for your family or work.
How to tilt the odds
- Prioritize vehicles with a documented service history and completed recalls.
- Choose a seller who can provide battery health data and recent software version information.
- Consider an extended coverage solution if available to cap risk.
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a 2022 Rivian R1S
Because the 2022 R1S sits on the wrong side of "average" for reliability, your best move as a used buyer is a disciplined inspection. Here’s a focused checklist you, or your inspector, should work through before you sign anything.
2022 Rivian R1S reliability inspection checklist
1. Confirm recall and service campaign status
Run the VIN through the NHTSA database and ask for service invoices. Every recall or technical service bulletin (TSB) that applies should show as completed, especially suspension, steering, and software‑related items.
2. Review software version and update history
From the center screen, note the current software version and ask the seller when the last OTA update was installed. Gaps in update history can explain lingering bugs that others have already had fixed.
3. Inspect panel gaps, seals, and interior trim
Slowly walk the vehicle checking door and hatch alignment, weatherstripping, and glass. Inside, drive over rough pavement and listen for rattles. Early Rivians can be brought up to par, but you don’t want to inherit unresolved build‑quality issues.
4. Evaluate suspension height changes and ride
Cycle through the air‑suspension height settings in Park, listening for unusual compressor noise and watching for corners that raise or lower unevenly. On a test drive, note clunks, squeaks, or excessive harshness that might point to suspension wear.
5. Test all driver‑assist and parking features
Activate adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping, parking sensors, and cameras on a familiar road. You’re looking for consistent behavior and clear alerts, not random warnings or features that refuse to engage.
6. Verify charging behavior and connectors
Charge the R1S on both Level 2 and DC fast charging if possible. Confirm it connects reliably, charges at a reasonable speed for its state of charge, and doesn’t throw charging‑system warnings.
7. Get objective battery health data
Range estimates can be misleading. At Recharged, we use our <strong>Recharged Score battery diagnostic</strong> to estimate remaining usable capacity, fast‑charging history, and pack consistency so you know whether that 2022 pack is aging normally.
Warranty coverage, out-of-pocket risk, and repair experience
The 2022 Rivian R1S came with a limited new‑vehicle warranty and separate high‑voltage coverage. Depending on in‑service date, a 2022 model in 2026 may still have meaningful factory coverage left, especially on the battery and drive units, while some bumper‑to‑bumper protection could be nearing expiration.
- Bumper‑to‑bumper coverage: Typically runs 4 years/50,000 miles from the original in‑service date. Many 2022s delivered in 2023, so check the actual start date rather than just the model year.
- High‑voltage battery and drive‑unit coverage: Often 8 years/175,000 miles (or similar) on EVs in this class. That means most 2022 R1S SUVs will have years of battery and motor coverage remaining.
- Corrosion and emissions coverage: Less likely to be a factor in the first ownership cycle, but still worth reviewing in the warranty booklet or online portal.
Why you can’t skip a warranty review
On the plus side, many Rivian owners praise the service experience itself: mobile technicians who come to your home or office for a surprising amount of work, and Rivian‑branded loaners when a vehicle needs to visit a Service Center. That doesn’t erase the hassle of reliability issues, but it can make ownership more livable than the raw numbers suggest.
FAQ: 2022 Rivian R1S reliability questions answered
Frequently asked questions about 2022 Rivian R1S reliability
Bottom line: Should you buy a 2022 Rivian R1S?
The 2022 Rivian R1S reliability rating tells a clear story: as a brand‑new, first‑generation electric SUV from a startup, it experiences more issues than the class average. Recalls, software quirks, and trip‑to‑service‑center repairs are more common here than in a Honda or Toyota. At the same time, owner‑satisfaction scores show that the R1S delivers something special in performance, design, and day‑to‑day enjoyment that keeps drivers loyal even after hiccups.
If your top priority is never seeing a service bay, a different three‑row SUV will better suit you. But if you’re drawn to the R1S’s capability and character and you’re willing to put in the work to find a well‑maintained example, you can absolutely make the numbers work in your favor, especially with transparent condition data and battery‑health insights backing up your decision.
How Recharged can help
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