NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Rivian R1s Safety Ratings
The 2023 Rivian R1s scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 10 recalls, and 67 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Rivian R1S presents an incomplete safety profile, with most NHTSA crash-test ratings absent from its record. While the vehicle's avoidance technology package stands as a genuine strength, its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100 places it in the Average band. This assessment is notably influenced by a thin defect record score and the lack of comprehensive federal crash-test data.
The 2023 Rivian R1S received a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Rivian R1s ranks 132 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.7% |
| Recalls on file | 10 |
| Owner complaints | 67 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 132 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Rivian R1s?
For the 2023 model year, the R1S accumulated nine recall campaigns, contributing to a defect-record subscore of 6.25 out of 20. This recall pattern is notably fastener-focused, with separate campaigns addressing seat belt mounting bolts, suspension toe links on serviced vehicles, and airbag trim clips. This concentration of structural and restraint-related campaigns in a relatively new vehicle pulls the defect score down. While the R1S earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, including standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, its overall Safety Index is 72 out of 100. The crash-protection subscore stands at 56 out of 70, reflecting that NHTSA conducted only rollover testing for this generation. No prior-year Index is on file, precluding a year-over-year comparison. The 72 score on its own signals that safety-conscious shoppers should weigh the recall history carefully.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Rivian R1s perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Rivian R1S received a 4 out of 5 star rating for rollover protection, with a 13 percent rollover risk and a passing dynamic tip result. This is the only crash-test dimension for which NHTSA has published ratings for the R1S. Overall, frontal, and side protection remain unrated by the agency.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18813
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Rivian R1s have any recalls?
Nine recall campaigns cover the 2023 R1S. Structural fastener concerns dominate: seat belt critical fasteners, front seat belt D-ring anchor bolts, suspension toe-link fasteners on previously serviced vehicles, and airbag trim attachment clips. A label recall flags an incorrect maximum vehicle capacity weight on the tire placard. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V597000
Risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1866. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-09-16
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS26V009000
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not adequately restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 2, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1795.
Reported 2026-01-15
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS26V003000
Risk: The toe link joint may separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1794. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 24, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-05
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE25V370000
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will inspect and properly secure the seat belt anchorage assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1681.
Reported 2025-06-03
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS24V458000
Risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will mail owners a corrected overlay tire placard label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1491.
Reported 2024-06-20
AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V408000
Risk: Damaged pillar trim panel clips can result in improper side curtain air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will replace the pillar trim panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 16, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 1464.
Reported 2024-06-05
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS24V367000
Risk: Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1445.
Reported 2024-05-23
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM23V783000
Risk: The inability to operate the windshield defrosting and defogging system can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1331.
Reported 2023-11-21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS23V233000
Risk: Reduced visibility of the reverse lights increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Rivian will repair or replace the reverse lights, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2023. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-855-748-4265. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1216.
Reported 2023-03-31
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN23V159000
Risk: Improperly secured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-03-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Rivian R1s?
Owners have filed 67 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 9 crashes and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are air bags, reported by 28 complainants, followed by unspecified issues at 15, electrical system at 14, and seats at 12. All figures are unverified consumer allegations.
67 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Rivian R1s?
Nine recall campaigns have been issued for the 2023 R1S, a notable figure for a single model year. Shoppers considering a used R1S should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase; confirming which remedies have been completed at the vehicle level is the single most important safety step.
- Nine recall campaigns were issued against the 2023 R1S, with a notable concentration in structural fasteners covering seat belt anchors, suspension toe links, and airbag trim clips, making VIN-level remedy verification essential.
- NHTSA completed only the rollover test for this model year, awarding 4 out of 5 stars with a 13 percent rollover risk; frontal and side crash-test ratings are not rated and cannot be used to assess occupant protection in those scenarios.
- The defect-record subscore of 6.25 out of 20 is the primary factor holding the Safety Index to the Average band, while the avoidance-tech subscore of 10 out of 10 reflects standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control.
- Owners have filed 67 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year, with air bags accounting for 28 of those alleged reports and an additional 9 alleged crashes cited, making this a complaint profile worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Rivian R1s places
The 2023 Rivian R1s qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Rivian R1s safety questions
Was the 2023 Rivian R1s crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Rivian R1s, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Rivian R1s crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Rivian R1s earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Rivian R1s have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Rivian R1s. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Rivian R1s?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 67 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Rivian R1s. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other R1s years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18813), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Rivian R1s 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 132 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.