2025 Rivian R1T

Steering,Suspension

Steering defects can create unpredictable vehicle behavior and qualify as safety-related under California lemon law. Reported issues on the 2025 Rivian R1t include pulling, vibration, loss of power steering, and electronic steering warnings. 2 NHTSA complaints have been filed in this category. Owner reports include: “The manufacturer service tech advised that the clevis mount holding the front passenger suspension in place was missing a weld to the frame (the attached work order says it was re-welded, but when asked they said the weld was missing). This resulted in creaking noises through the cab when turning.” (NHTSA Complaint #11715222)

Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other

The 2025 Rivian R1t has generated 1 NHTSA complaint for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “While scheduling service for NHTSA recall No. 25V-387/FSAM-1693 (Front Turn Signal Lamps malfunction that leads to no fulfillment of FMVSS 108 requirements) I was refused correction of the recall by the Rivian Miami Service Center rep (Service Advisor Joel). I was informed that Rivian has informed the Service Advisors that this recall will only be performed on already malfunctioning lamps or in cold weather areas (car is in Miami). However, none of this is defined in the recall notice sent, nor in the Rivian and NHTSA recall database. Requested written confirmation by Rivian of this directive to both the Service Advisor and Service Representative but neither had one. The advisor mentioned he had seen one in the past but does not recall where. Meanwhile, Rivian is refusing addressing the recall on my vehicle.” (NHTSA Complaint #11716453)

Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2025 Rivian R1t have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 1 NHTSA complaint have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “The car while driving at normal highway speeds announced that there was a high risk of electrocution associated with driving in wet conditions. This was via a red screen in the driver display. Car is 2025 R1T with 15,000 miles on it. Anyway near the vehicle was at risk of being exposed to 400v electricity.” (NHTSA Complaint #11703602)

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2025 Rivian R1t include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 1 NHTSA complaint have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “We leased this R1T from Polestar Boston, though we live in Vt, because it was assured to us that in the event of a warranty or recall issue, Polestar Boston would pick up the car and tow to the service center for the repair. Now with this turn signal recall, the gentelman on the phone told me no… that they will not come repair the recall. That if we want it fixed, we have to drive the 4 hours to Boston and they will change the blinkers for us. What legal rights do we have here? thank you” (NHTSA Complaint #11691216)

Air Bags

Airbag defects are safety-critical and may trigger California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22. The 2025 Rivian R1t has 1 NHTSA complaint on record related to airbag warning lights, unexpected deployment, and sensor failures. Owner reports include: “passenger airbag gets deactivated while there is an adult setting in the passenger seat.” (NHTSA Complaint #11644781)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2025 Rivian R1t

The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Rivian R1t by the NHTSA or Rivian. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2025 Rivian R1t:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Rivian to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Rivian must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2025 Rivian R1t qualifies as a lemon under California law, Rivian may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Rivian pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Rivian willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2025 Rivian R1t Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Rivian a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Rivian dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Rivian pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Rivian a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2025 Rivian R1t Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2025 Rivian R1t as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Rivian pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Rivian is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2025 Rivian R1t?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.