Rivian R1S - The Good, Bad, & Shockingly Ugly Truth Of Rivian Build Quality

This is a follow up video to the R1S press car we previously shot a video on and the latest R1T Build Quality Analysis. This R1S is a low vin, most importantly, a customer delivered vehicle. I have had tons of Rivian's through the shop, so let's take a deep dive into his R1S's build quality.

Find all of our Amazon must-haves here:

0:00 Intro
0:39 Exterior Findings
4:13 Black Plastic Trim Errors
7:05 Charge Port and Hood
9:17 More Exterior Body Panels
11:29 Dust Nibs and Paint Thickness
13:51 Interior Impressions
17:06 Conclusions

#Rivian #R1S #Quality

[sairajbharathyalamanchili]

I own a R1S, the same color as in video with 22-inch black tires.

In my experience, rivian responded very well to concerns I had with the vehicle. I complained about wind noise inside the car and felt air compressor is very noisy at times. They inspected the vehicle and decided to change the top panel as they felt it is slightly out of spec and also air compressor.

Felt very good about the service. Small issues will be common, especially in this early stage of production, but how the company is dealing with them is more important.

[TalismanPHX]

Colton does an outstanding presentation, with easy to understand explanations and clear examples. Love the gorgeous green paint on the R1S

[NeerajPoojary]

Re the wheel well trim issue at about 6:00, I had the same exact issue in the same exact spot on my R1S. I noticed it at delivery and filed a service ticket. Rivian sent a service truck over a week later to replace that entire trim piece. Now it sits nice and snug, and flush with the rest of the trim.

Mine is vin 3500-ish. Most of the alignment issues you pointed out appear to be fixed. I did notice a slight sag in the middle of the end cap, but only after viewing your video and going out and looking for it. It seems to be less pronounced compared to the vehicle in this video.

Great video. Thank you.

[schlotdoglaser]

We just started our 8-steps yesterday. We are getting the R1T. I hope Rivian watches this video and take note. Still wouldn't scare me away though. Great video!

[CheddarKungPao]

Rivian is clearly struggling to increase production without letting quality slip. It's something every business deals with if they are lucky enough to have demand!

[graham]

I'd love to see a Lightning and a Mach E build quality analysis.

[olearycrew]

My R1T just started doing the opposite problem with presenting - the driver side rear is presenting when locked...meaning it's not really locked. Fun fun...going in for maintenance in a couple of weeks.

[imudevco]

Mine has been delayed to 2024 and maybe it's a very good thing. I'm hoping these issues will be resolved by then. Thanks for the in-depth review.

[howardfreedman]

Only watched half of this. Great observation and great detail presented. With that, I wouldn't care. This is not a Benz. We're paying for the outstanding EV technology and performance. Most of these issues would not even be noticed by the average consumer or observer.

[shosed]

Awesome videos, however I just got my R1s delivered last month. Except for a scratch in the interior which someone is coming to resolve it soon, I did not have any exterior issues. I guess they improved.

[wtmayhew]

Thank you! Great walk-around. Issues, but not bad for VIN 850. That gap in the metal trim on the rear seat isn’t too pretty.

[Teamvenomracing]

Good video, My honest take on this? 99% of people would never notice any of these "flaws". I feel we should be focusing on more important issues, rather than bombard Rivian with slight misaligned panels. The individual owner will notice what bugs them and do a service request. I appreciate your attention to detail tho. Great work. Merry Christmas and be safe.

[tehronelvis]

I’m watching this review because I’m seeing some people and dealerships selling the RS1 with less than 5-10k miles on them.
After totaling my 2018 MB AMG S63, I’m looking at high-end electric vehicles like Rivian and wanting to see if it’s worth spending the $100k+ with all the flaws and inconsistencies.
Though, he did say at the end of the review he has one on order and the issues wouldn’t deter him from buying the truck. Thoughts anyone?

[alextakesphotos]

I would have to disagree with you said. I would not be okay with these issues when I'm paying 95k for it and I would want them addressed sooner than later.

[thor]

The door binding and the way it was fixed is unacceptable imo for a car that costs as much as this. The paint issues would also drive me insane

[fm-hybb]

How about a detailed review on the Bolt EUV. Given that it’s going to be the best for your money EV come 2023, and everyone will be looking at videos before purchasing

[apriliaman]

How does it pass the final inspection before it leaves the factory?If I worked there it will not pass.

[JDMSwervo]

Can’t expect good build quality from an American car manufacturer

[jobamelky]

do you recommend full frontal PPF given the lower amount of paint in the front?

[beyondcleon]

Would be nice for Rivian to essentially sell a XPEL PPF “install ticket” at the set factory price (to avoid local cost variances) so we could get paint corrections done before PPF install after delivery.