A consumer purchased a new 2025 Rivian R1S. Within weeks of taking delivery, the vehicle began exhibiting safety-related issues involving the front passenger airbag system, along with additional fit and connectivity concerns. These problems led to repeated service visits, with the vehicle spending extended periods out of service while technicians attempted to diagnose and resolve the issues.
The first repair visit occurred when the vehicle had just over 1,100 miles and the vehicle remained in the shop for three days. The driver reported that the front passenger airbag showed as “off” while an adult occupant was seated in the seat, raising concerns about the occupant detection system. Technicians test drove the vehicle and ran diagnostic checks but could not duplicate the issue. During the same visit, the driver also reported poor cellular connectivity and a misaligned driver-side door. Technicians were unable to replicate the connectivity issue but did adjust the misaligned door before returning the vehicle.
Less than two weeks later, the vehicle returned for a second repair visit, this time remaining in the shop for nine days. The driver reported that the passenger airbag continued to malfunction, intermittently switching off and on while an adult passenger was seated. The issue occurred during normal driving and raised ongoing safety concerns. After further inspection, technicians replaced the entire front passenger seat assembly in an attempt to correct the occupant detection problem.
The issue persisted. The vehicle returned again and remained at the repair facility for approximately two weeks. The driver reported that the passenger airbag continued to switch on and off intermittently, even after the seat replacement. Technicians again inspected the occupant classification system but were unable to duplicate the condition during testing. No additional repairs were performed, and the vehicle was returned without a confirmed fix.
Over the course of these visits, the vehicle spent a significant amount of time out of service within a short ownership period, including multiple multi-day repair attempts focused on a critical safety system. Despite replacing major components and conducting repeated diagnostics, the airbag issue remained unresolved.
After multiple repair attempts and extended time in the shop for a safety-related defect, the manufacturer ultimately repurchased the vehicle from the consumer under applicable lemon law protections.
Dealing with a defective vehicle can be highly frustrating. If you have been running into issues with your vehicle, you may be eligible under the lemon law in your state. For more information, contact the Lemon Law Experts today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a contact form here on our website.
