If you’re eyeing a 2024 Rivian R1S, especially on the used market, you’ve probably heard the stories: squeaky suspensions, software oddities, and early-build quirks that feel a little too common for a six‑figure SUV. The reality is more nuanced. The 2024 R1S is a wildly capable electric SUV, but like most young brands, Rivian is still ironing out some kinks. Let’s walk through the most common 2024 Rivian R1S problems, what’s “normal,” what’s not, and how to protect yourself if you’re buying used.
Context matters
Should you worry about 2024 Rivian R1S problems?
The 2024 model year sits in an interesting spot. It’s not the very first batch of R1S SUVs, but these vehicles are still part of Rivian’s first-generation platform. That means some early‑run issues, especially in the suspension and driveline, can still show up on 2024 builds, though Rivian has been steadily revising hardware, issuing service bulletins, and pushing over‑the‑air software updates.
Rivian R1S problem snapshot (real‑world patterns)
Quick overview: biggest 2024 R1S complaints
Most common 2024 Rivian R1S problem areas
What owners talk about most, in plain language
1. Suspension noises & ride feel
By far the loudest chorus of complaints centers on squeaks, chirps, and clunks from the air/hydraulic suspension, especially at low speeds or over speed bumps. Some of this is normal behavior for Rivian’s complex suspension. Some of it isn’t.
2. Half‑shafts & drivelines
Owners have reported clicking, binding, or vibration from the front end, often traced to worn or water‑contaminated half‑shafts or related hardware. Rivian has revised components over time, but it’s still a watch item on 2022–2024 vehicles.
3. Software & driver assist
From random warnings to screen resets and highway‑assist quirks, software is a mixed bag. The upside: most fixes arrive as over‑the‑air updates rather than costly shop visits.
4. Build quality & water leaks
Misaligned trim, wind noise, and a smaller, but serious, number of water leak cases (especially around doors and glass) show up in owner reports. These are typically fixable under warranty but can be hard to spot in a quick test drive.
Young brand reality check
Suspension noises and ride issues
Let’s start with the complaint boards’ greatest hits: squeaky, clunky, or chirpy suspensions. Owners of 2022–2024 R1S models frequently describe bird‑chirp sounds over slow‑speed bumps, clunks over speed humps, or general rattliness on rough pavement. Many of these reports are tied to the R1 platform’s air springs and hydraulic cross‑linked dampers, which are more complex, and frankly noisier, than a basic coil‑spring setup.
What’s usually normal
- Soft hissing or whooshing as the air suspension adjusts height.
- Subtle hydraulic “shuffling” noises as the system levels the body.
- A bit of extra road noise through the chassis in Off‑Road modes.
Rivian’s suspension is actively managing a heavy vehicle with long travel. Some whooshing and subtle clatter is part of the character.
What may signal a problem
- Persistent high‑pitched chirps or squeaks over every small bump.
- Sharp metallic clunks from front or rear at low speeds.
- Warning messages about suspension faults, limited ride height, or the truck dropping to a fixed height.
These can point to issues with the hydraulic jounce lines, dampers, or even fluid contamination. Rivian has issued service bulletins and, in some cases, upgraded entire suspension assemblies on affected vehicles.
Test‑drive tip
Half-shafts and driveline concerns
Another recurring theme in owner stories, especially on higher‑mileage R1S vehicles, is half‑shaft wear. Symptoms range from clicking and juddering at low speeds to vibration under acceleration. On some earlier R1 vehicles, missing or ineffective seals allowed water intrusion and corrosion, which led to squeaks or failures and multiple replacement sets for unlucky owners.
- Clicking or popping when turning at low speed.
- Vibration on hard acceleration that feels like an out‑of‑balance wheel but comes and goes.
- Repeated half‑shaft replacements documented in service history.
When to walk away
Software glitches and Highway Assist problems
Every modern EV is part car, part smartphone. The R1S leans hard into that, with screens running nearly everything, from HVAC to drive modes. That means software bugs are part of the ownership experience, especially around major updates.
Typical software and driver‑assist complaints
Most are annoying, not catastrophic, here’s how they show up
Random warnings & resets
Owners report occasional driver display glitches, infotainment reboots, or stray warnings that clear with a restart. These are usually fixed in the next over‑the‑air update.
Highway Assist quirks
Rivian’s Highway Assist can steer, brake, and accelerate on limited‑access roads, but earlier software builds have had issues correctly tracking lead vehicles or lane lines, leading to recall campaigns and OTA fixes.
App & connectivity hiccups
From flaky phone‑as‑key behavior to delayed climate‑precondition responses, connectivity isn’t perfect. These are more quality‑of‑life annoyances than deal‑breakers but worth testing on a used vehicle.
Good news on recalls
Build quality, water leaks, and trim
The R1S has the presence of a concept car that actually made it to production. Panel gaps and interior materials have generally improved year‑over‑year, but 2024 vehicles can still show evidence of a young factory: slightly proud door handles, inconsistent hatch alignment, minor wind noise, and occasional interior rattles.
Common cosmetic & NVH gripes
- Door handles that don’t sit perfectly flush.
- Wind noise around the A‑pillars or roof rails at highway speeds.
- Rattles from the dash or cargo area on broken pavement.
- Paint chips easily on off‑road use if not protected.
Water leak red flags
- Damp carpet, especially under the driver’s footwell or third row.
- Musty smells or visible condensation inside light housings.
- Service history for water leaks, windshield or hatch reseals.
Water intrusion is a serious issue that can damage wiring and interior materials. Make sure any past leaks were fully resolved, not just dried out.
Used‑car inspection must‑do
Battery and range: how worried should you be?
For all the noise about suspension quirks and trim issues, battery failures are not a widespread headline for the 2024 R1S. Most owner concerns revolve around real‑world range versus the window‑sticker number, especially at 70+ mph or in cold climates. That’s true of almost every EV, not just Rivian.
- Expect 20–30% less range at steady 75 mph compared with EPA ratings, especially on Quad‑motor and larger‑wheel configurations.
- Cold weather can temporarily knock another 10–30% off, depending on how often you precondition and use the cabin heater.
- Hard off‑road use, lots of elevation changes, or towing a heavy trailer will slash range dramatically, sometimes by half.
Warranty safety net
Recalls affecting the Rivian R1S
As a young automaker, Rivian has had its share of recall campaigns and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Not all are model‑year‑specific, but many affect 2022–2024 R1T and R1S vehicles together. They’ve targeted things like steering components, seat belt assemblies, and software for advanced driver assistance.
Examples of Rivian R1 platform recall themes
Exact campaigns change over time, always run a fresh VIN check, but these are the kinds of issues that have come up on R1S models.
| Area | What it affected | Typical fix | What to verify on a used R1S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | Fasteners or components that could loosen or fail under certain conditions | Inspect and torque or replace components at a Service Center | Ask for documentation showing the recall was completed on that exact VIN. |
| Seat belts & restraints | Driver or passenger belts that may not function correctly in a crash | Inspect and, if needed, replace assemblies; OTA to improve detection of misuse | Confirm there are no open restraint‑related recalls on a VIN check. |
| Driver assistance software | Hands‑free or Highway Assist behavior that might misidentify lead vehicles | Over‑the‑air software update plus possible calibration | Verify the vehicle is on the latest stable software and no ADAS recalls remain open. |
Your best move with any used 2024 R1S is simple: verify all open recalls are closed before delivery.
VIN check before you buy
What Rivian gets right: daily driving & ownership
If you’re reading about 2024 Rivian R1S problems, you’ve probably already heard plenty of bad news. It’s worth remembering why these SUVs have such fanatical owners. Even early‑build trucks that had suspension or trim issues often win people over with day‑to‑day livability.
Strengths that keep R1S owners loyal
Why many owners would buy another, quirks and all
Adventure‑ready capability
Adjustable air suspension, real off‑road modes, and serious ground clearance mean the R1S can go places most three‑row family SUVs wouldn’t dare.
Effortless performance
Even dual‑motor models feel quick; Quad‑motor versions are genuinely brutal from a stop. Passing and merging feel drama‑free, even fully loaded.
Comfort & packaging
Family‑friendly cabin, plenty of cargo space, and a flat floor make the R1S easy to live with. The interior has character you won’t find in a typical crossover.
Used 2024 Rivian R1S buying checklist
If you’re shopping for a used 2024 R1S, you’re in the sweet spot: much lower price than new, but still squarely inside Rivian’s factory warranty window. The trick is separating the solid trucks from the problem‑children. Use this checklist as your filter.
Pre‑purchase checks for a 2024 Rivian R1S
1. Scan the service history for patterns
A visit or two for small issues is normal. Multiple trips for the same suspension, half‑shaft, or water‑leak concern is not. Look for replaced half‑shafts, dampers, or repeated leak repairs.
2. Listen closely to the suspension
On your test drive, find speed bumps and rough pavement. Try different ride heights and modes. Note any loud chirps, clunks, or thumps and ask a Rivian‑savvy inspector to evaluate them.
3. Check for water intrusion
Lift floor mats in all three rows. Feel the carpet for dampness and look for staining or rust on seat mounts and exposed hardware. Inspect under the cargo floor and around the hatch weatherstripping.
4. Verify software & recall status
Confirm the vehicle is running the latest software and that all open recalls have been completed. Ask for documentation, screen photos, service invoices, or a dealer printout.
5. Inspect tires and alignment
Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner edges, can point to alignment or suspension issues. On a heavy EV like the R1S, poor alignment chews through tires and range.
6. Test every powered feature
From powered seats and tailgate to Highway Assist and drive modes, tap every button and toggle. Software‑heavy vehicles can hide odd, intermittent bugs, and you want to find them before you own them.
Bring an EV‑savvy inspector
How Recharged helps you shop a used R1S smarter
If you love what the R1S can do but don’t love gambling on someone else’s experiment, that’s exactly the gap Recharged was built to fill. Every EV we list, including Rivian R1S models, comes with a Recharged Score Report: a deep‑dive into battery health, pricing fairness, and condition so you’re not buying blind.
What you get with a Recharged Rivian R1S
Less guesswork, more confidence
Verified battery health
We run advanced diagnostics to understand how the pack has aged, not just what the dash range estimate says. That matters even more on a heavy, high‑performance SUV like the R1S.
Fair, transparent pricing
Our pricing engine compares similar EVs nationwide so you can see if a particular R1S is fairly priced, taking into account options, mileage, and condition.
Nationwide EV‑specialist support
From trade‑in to financing and delivery, our EV‑specialist team walks you through the process, explains real‑world running costs, and helps you understand what to expect from ownership.
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse VehiclesYou can shop entirely online, or, if you’re near Richmond, VA, visit our Recharged Experience Center to get hands‑on time with EVs and talk through whether a Rivian R1S really fits your life, or if something else would be a better match.
FAQ: 2024 Rivian R1S problems
Frequently asked questions about 2024 Rivian R1S problems
Bottom line: is a 2024 Rivian R1S a bad bet?
The 2024 Rivian R1S is not a perfect SUV, and it isn’t pretending to be. It’s a bold, first‑generation, all‑electric adventure wagon with the rough edges you’d expect from a young automaker and the charm you rarely get from anything else. If you go in with your eyes open to common 2024 Rivian R1S problems, lean on a thorough inspection, and insist on solid documentation, you can land a truck that delivers huge capability and character without inheriting someone else’s headaches.
If you’d rather not play quality‑control roulette, start your search with vehicles that have already been vetted. A used R1S backed by a Recharged Score Report, verified battery health, and EV‑savvy support lets you enjoy Rivian’s wild side while keeping ownership surprisingly calm.
