NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Rivian R1s
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Rivian R1S is a full-size, all-electric SUV aimed squarely at adventure-minded families who want serious off-road capability without sacrificing passenger space or tech. Positioned against the likes of the Tesla Model X and Ford Expedition, this three-row hauler from Rivian's Normal, Illinois plant has quickly become a flagship statement for the emerging American EV truck brand.
The 2023 Rivian R1s earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 9 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
Reviewers generally praise the R1S for its commanding road presence, well-appointed interior materials, and composed, quiet ride that belies its size. Its off-road capability and driving dynamics draw consistent admiration. Some reviewers note that software refinement and build consistency have improved over successive model years, though early examples drew scrutiny for fit-and-finish variation. Overall value relative to its premium price point generates divided opinion.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18813
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
67 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.