A client filed a case against Rivian Automotive, LLC regarding a 2023 Rivian R1T that experienced multiple defects shortly after purchase. The vehicle, purchased in late 2023, showed early signs of trouble within a month, including a misaligned charging door and paint defects.
With just 7,856 miles on the odometer, the client brought the vehicle in for service, citing several persistent issues: the charge port door continued to rub, a rattling noise emanated from the dashboard, and a rusted bolt was discovered in the truck bed.
Rivian performed repairs, including adjusting the charge port door and fenders, and replacing the charging pad module. However, the rattling sound persisted, and the paint defects on the dashboard were noted but not addressed.
In early 2024, the client returned to Rivian for further service. Despite additional attempts to fix the charge door issue, it remained unresolved. Rivian also attempted to investigate cracking paint near the rear window and scratches that appeared after previous repairs. Yet, these issues continued, and the rattling sound from the dashboard remained.
With 12,620 miles on the vehicle, a new issue emerged- a rubbing sound from the front right wheel, which was initially suspected to be a motor issue. Upon investigation, Rivian discovered that some hub bolts on the left side were under-torqued, which they corrected.
Despite this, a squealing noise persisted, attributed to dirt and rust buildup in the front half shaft. Rivian replaced the half shaft on the right side, conducted a thorough test drive, and concluded the vehicle was functioning properly after the repairs.
The most recent service visit occurred in mid 2024, when the client reported an issue with the tailgate not opening and causing an ongoing entrapment notification. Rivian found that the tailgate latch bolts were over-torqued, which caused the problem. After adjusting the bolts, the issue was resolved.
Throughout these service visits, Rivian made several attempts to address the problems under warranty, but some issues, such as the rattling dashboard, were only partially resolved. The case highlights ongoing quality control issues with the 2023 Rivian R1T, particularly related to alignment, mechanical performance, and finish defects.
Under California’s lemon law, vehicles that have undergone repeated repairs for the same or similar issues and remain defective are eligible for a buyback. With over 34 days spent in the repair shop due to recurring mechanical and electrical problems, the vehicle was deemed unfit for further use. The repeated failures to resolve these issues, despite multiple repair attempts, clearly demonstrated the vehicle’s inability to perform properly.
Thanks to expert guidance from Lemon Law Experts, who have been serving California since 2009, our client successfully negotiated a buyback agreement with Rivian, resulting in a full refund for the defective vehicle, as well as reimbursement for legal fees and expenses.
If you’re experiencing ongoing problems with your vehicle, reach out for a free consultation today. Our team can help you explore your legal options and work toward a successful lemon law resolution.
