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

[@sairajbharathyalamanchili5219]

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.

[@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.

[@TalismanPHX]

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

[@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!

[@philipparana9225]

None of this is acceptable, completely garbage assembly

[@CheddarKungPao]

@CameronGaylor KZbin comments are a smaller place than they seem. :)

[@Nexus6Variant]

You have to have at some point had quality to “let it slip”. I’d love to see a real-life production tour of the factory and see the succession of bodges carried out on each and every vehicle by Rivian’s “highly skilled” assembly team. 😂😂😂

[@teamtoken]

@@Nexus6Variant first production run of units were first class quality. And if you think that the established manufacturers dont have issues on the assembly line you’ll be shocked to see what happens, even at Mercedes, BMW, Toyota etc.

[@graham2890]

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

[@OutofSpecDetailing]

Me to!

[@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.

[@howardfreedman4289]

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.

[@im4udevco]

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.

[@blackhawk2429]

When did you ordered? I ordered on Nov 2022. lol

[@im4udevco]

@@blackhawk2429 March 2021. I'm hoping that will change into late 2023. I actually want the dual motor instead and maybe I'll negotiate a discount of least half the cost of opting to the quad motor. They'll also save money since I have the pre March 1 pricing.

[@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.

[@sho12345sed]

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.

[@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.

[@seanlucas1538]

Totally disagree. As a consumer and someone who has given serious thought to buying a Rivian at some point, if I am going to spend that much money I want to know what I'm getting for my money. I'm not saying that this would stop me from placing an order, but I'd like to have as much information as possible before making a decision. I find these types of videos very helpful.

[@Teamvenomracing]

@@seanlucas1538 I agree that people really appreciate these. I also have spent my entire life in the automotive industry and like I said, the majority of people do not Nick pick anything unless driven too. Great channel and awesome info, but sometimes, not poking the bear is best.

[@Mark.D.H.]

True, but it's a detailing channel, it's his profession. You wouldn't expect a plumber to focus on electrical issues!

[@Teamvenomracing]

@@Mark.D.H. very true!

[@xfirstxlast6502]

Does having too much money for a toy make one blind? LOL

[@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.

[@OutofSpecDetailing]

Fair point. For me the hardware underneath the skin is one of the best in the business. Fit and finish can be improved, hence the point of these videos.

[@thor3901]

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

[@watershed44]

@thor3901 Disgraceful for the money you pay....Gotta be trendy and have the new EV haha.

[@fm-hy2bb]

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

[@tehronelvis3226]

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?

[@mach1nefan]

The S looks awesome lowered that way!

[@JDMSwervo2001]

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

[@watershed44]

@jaythespeaker9310 Temps on the lines, and minorities who absolutely have NO interest in working at all.

[@apriliaman]

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

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

That's why you don't work there. They only put people that will give it a pass.

[@watershed44]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 Temps and minorities don't give two shites about whether or not a car they could never afford is properly assembled.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@watershed44 Um, that is what I said. Is English your second language?

[@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.

[@avikoplowitz8209]

They actually DO offer it. Front end and mirrors only, not full.

[@beyondcleon]

@@avikoplowitz8209 right, but it’s installed before delivery. My suggestion was that it’d operate as a voucher that can be redeemed after delivery at a date the customer wants

[@thadlm2698]

“Prototypes are easy, production is hard”….someone once said.

[@comiclife2]

Today I picked up my r1s. While test-driving, i noticed that blind spot warning in the side mirrors are not working. Do you have the same issue?

[@jobamelky]

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

[@triplecanopy5364]

Pretty poor for a $100K plus vehicle; a couple dollar gap gauge and quality check at the factory would be a plus. Have one due in June. Will look over it at delivery and will not accept if the gaps are this bad. My 16-year-old Porsche has better paint readings. Live in Boulder, Colorado, and they need a sunshade for the roofs; this thing will cook in summer with our altitude.

[@jwxujerry]

The problem with Rivian is that they use a huge battery pack - 135 kw to have similar range or less of the much smaller EVs such Ioniq 5. Due to the high price, they can't get a big sales, then without the economy of scale, they can't bring the costs down. Therefore, they are stuck with low profitability and there is no good option to get out. When the competing SUVs come out next year, including Volvo EX90, KIA EV9, IONIQ 7, it will be even tougher for Rivian. I am impressed with EX90's design, technology and built quality. These legacy car makers have the advantage of scale, quality and dealer network that Rivian cannot match. The problem of Rivian is that it's 2, 3-years too late to the game, as victim of the COVID. But the founders made money in stock market.

[@Aegisx5]

The Kia is ok but $76K plus dealer markup. It does 0-60 in 5 seconds, when the Rivian does it in 3. The Rivian has 40 extra miles of range, air suspension, and serious off-road capabilities. Also while Kia has more dealers for service, I can promise you, the service experience will be better at Rivian. As a Kia fan we are selling the Telluride for the Rivian R1S.

[@jwxujerry]

@@Aegisx5 One factor you should be aware of is repair. My Tesla was in an accident last year. Tesla dealer doesn’t do body work and the body shop can’t do many of the calibrations so they had to make appointments with Tesla to do those. The whole repair process took almost 3 months. Although there was part shortage, the back and forth took the most time.

[@chaochen5495]

Would rain go inside the car through those "huge" gap?

[@matthewdumas5342]

Saw one in NH over the summer. My First reaction : godawful.

[@c0dych1ef]

Disappointing, but hopefully when I'm ready to get one the quality will improve 👏

[@Teamvenomracing]

Don't be. If these small issues bother you, I'd buy a different truck. Fist few years for any startup company will have this. Either wait or deal with the Rivian to have small flaws. I am glad i didn't wait. :)

[@brakesforsnakes757]

When you're ready they will probably be out of business.

[@imthelovestamp]

Nice detail 👍

[@ingram1225]

For a $100,000 vehicle, I expect a lot more than this and I wouldn't settle.

[@gamotech684]

This is beautiful car.

[@niknokseyer]

Oof. Hope build quality gets better over time.

[@Tomorrow32]

Nothing like the build quality of Toyota 4Runner. 🎉

[@PumpUptheJam81]

Not yet. Also, the yota is not an electric vehicle which makes it an antique 😉

[@lunamaria1048]

A startup company selling a vehicle at TOP dollar without having to prove themselves, was always going to lead to some issues, big or small.

[@brentjorgenson1462]

Beautiful SUV!

[@enockheewonyoon1001]

Upper roof that dusty nipped plastic piece - they probably tried to mold that piece using heat gun to align with the adjacent part

[@GD15555]

GMC and ford have decades of experience

[@arturolagos29]

Can't wait till you guys get yours hands on a Fisker Ocean. Really curious about those.

[@TheBowerbird]

Given that it's Magna I'm guessing it will be pretty great.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

Again, NO excuse for such poor quality versus how much these things cost. Fancy door handles make little sense to me. I would have left that piece of crap with the dealer/with Rivian and not accepted delivery. Bloody disgraceful.

[@dirkdiggler2379]

only a fool would buy this junk

[@JDMSwervo2001]

It’s an American vehicle

[@T1Oracle]

Creating a new auto company and a completely new vehicle platform is very difficult. When you put it in that context, Rivian is doing far better than most. You should look at what McLaren owners put up with after dropping $200-500k.

[@tedyo12]

This is the result of the "Imperial system of measurement " 😂

[@MrSpeedyholm]

I am no fan of the design, but thats debateable. But the build quality is not and it´s really poor. I hope they get their stuff together, because many of the entusiasts in here, might see through fingers with these things but I guess the average customer does not.

[@deeeeeeps]

No room between the tire and walls...awful for offroading/tire chains. Plastic will get destroyed if you offroad. Also plastic will fade and look like trash in 7 years. They have some work to do but I really like the overall appearance of it.

[@CloudMG]

do hummer ev pls :D

[@duerf5826]

Looking at Tesla getting away with shoddy build quality they probably thought that they would also get away with it too lol

[@justinstewart3248]

But, to Tesla credit, after 5 years of massive numbers being cranked out, things HAVE gotten better. Not perfect. But we are comparing these cars to legacy auto makers who have 30 years experience in production. They’ll get there!

[@PumpUptheJam81]

@@justinstewart3248 precisely. I have a feeling many opinions generated online have zero clue what we had to deal with in the 80s with domestic vehicles. It was comically bad levels of quality. It also took decades to address the issues.

[@justinstewart3248]

@@PumpUptheJam81 yup. Insane levels of poor quality on every level. Drive trains and engines blowing up. Suspensions that are downright dangerous. Saturn (plastic body panels). Literally every single mistake and quality issue you can imagine and it took 30-40 years to get here.

[@bubbazanetti4522]

Who would say🤔

[@electrikoptik]

I predict this will start falling apart above 100K miles.

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

I canceled my R1S order because they kept pushing back delivery and bought a Bronco instead.

[@beyondcleon]

Maybe now I’ll move up from 31 Jun ‘24 to 30 June ‘24😂

[@5MGE]

@@beyondcleon literally shaking my head

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

@BCL1 at the rate Rivian's stock is dropping you might never see your truck

[@beyondcleon]

@@Christoph-sd3zi Im fine with no delivery vs delivery followed by collapse...lol but I think they will be fine

[@9663mu]

Rivian should be shamed for rolling out this junk with this many quality problems. Sorry for that much money it’s unacceptable. The black plastic on a 150k? Cheapness personified

[@davidlittle4971]

I hate those door handles,what gives the car makers to do those

[@InternetDude]

Hey they're not as STUPID as the Model 3 / Y door handles, those take the cake as some of the stupidest on the planet. At least with the Rivian handles you can keep your gloves on in winter and just pull.

[@JohnSnowNW]

@@InternetDude As someone that has owned a Model 3, and currently owns a Model Y, in Minnesota...not had any issues with opening the door with gloves on...

[@CraftLulz]

Are you talking like that on purpose?

[@officialLINKSIS]

Tesla entered the chat and now everyone is over analyzing panel gaps.

[@strix2035]

It’s a shame because it is beautiful even if the build quality was excellent I’m not sure if I would invest in the company. It’s not doing so well.

[@OtterCakes]

Nice, helpful video, the content is great... but I don't appreciate the clickbait title and video still. My whole feed is full of incendiary/shock video names and images... Too heavy handed and dramatic, you don't need to follow suit.

[@miss2doggies]

wow! personally I would not accept a car in that condition. I feel that is representative of the car as a whole and then also the company. I would second guess about the rest of the car parts I can't see can you do a ford lightning ?

[@jml9550]

The gaps and misalignment would bother the heck out of me if I am paying $80-90K car. I hope Rivian and Lucid and Tesla can improve their build quality. I will be in the market in a few years.

[@Wankidy]

Who said manufacturing was easy?

[@Michael-rx6ji]

Wow! I would be pissed with this many flaws for a 100k vehicle! Malese not want to buy mine

[@BillionaireA7]

FISKER OCEAN MUCH BETTER START AT $35000 plus. Better looking.

[@tonyn3227]

No car is perfect, it doesn't matter how expensive it is. It just cannot be made perfect period, it wi always have these minor issues

[@andyminch9156]

Have you seen the build quality on some german cars?

[@tonyn3227]

@@andyminch9156 yes I have German car. 328i for 10 years now

[@andyminch9156]

@@tonyn3227 So I guess you know the difference between american and german build quality :D

[@tonyn3227]

@@andyminch9156 I do as I have both.

[@joeennis2571]

I think Rivian are making a loss on every truck and are pushing to stay in the game and instead of sorting the faults at source they are just putting sticky plasters on them . the truck is fantastic the world needs as many players in the ev game to make them affordable . I think Rivian could loose a lot of the wood and maybe have something something like adonized aluminum or stainless steel something that is easier to control the outcome of

[@Nexus6Variant]

Laughable fit and finish…..American build quality at its very best 🎉🎉🎉 You also never mention all the pressing marks, ripples and dents in pretty much all the body panels. I really like the design of the Rivian and applaud the company for making something new and interesting but the consistency and quality of the product is completely unacceptable for a consumer grade vehicle. I’m also amazed at the level of forgiveness buyers have for the multitude and magnitude of QC faults theses vehicle’s present, it’s almost as if their desire to have the new negates the desire to have a well constructed quality product. 😂😂😂

[@FthePump]

gotta expect a couple flaws, but lots here.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Yeah my $38K 2020 ecoboost Mustang preumuim I got for $30K only has panel aliment issues and the most notable one is the fact the driver's door looks open at all times by the fact it's angeled up in the back... And to my eye the paint is flawless... So yeah at a starting price of like $27k I get having issues even on the $100k trims but Rivain starts at like $75k... Makes you wonder why the didn't start with cheaper trucks/Jeeps at between $30-$60k? Like then all would be forgiving at that price point.

[@RT-zg9qi]

Bad quality and awful charging network.

[@matthewdumas5342]

Range cut in half when it is cold out. There’s a sucker born every minute.

[@tazeat]

Put some mud on it

[@92174164]

It seems this rivin company is not doing well. That would really concern me. .

[@franksmartin1]

Stuff 99% of people just don’t care about

[@OutofSpecDetailing]

You are on the wrong channel my friend…

[@JDMSwervo2001]

This is the reason I’m not a fan of Tesla. You pay so much for mediocre build quality. Quality should always be #1 priority. That’s why I’ll always buy Toyota/Honda

[@DarthWaffle.]

Goodbye Rivian, goodbye Lucid($150,000 model, get real) and within 10 years Tesla. When major makers switch over no one will want these cars with poorer build quality and lack of service stations. These car companies needed to produce a low cost electric for the masses instead of fad trucks starting at $80,000.

[@5MGE]

EVs are a fad, you’ll see. either we start using other types of fuel to continue using ICE with hybrid motors or we’ll own nothing and “be happy” it all depends on how the population reacts to certain things happening that will be life changing in the near future.

[@DarthWaffle.]

@@5MGE where did I type EVs are a fad? EV’s are the future it’s just those companies will be gone.

[@Rockster1989]

While the new EV start ups are catching up on finish quality, the legacy auto is catching up on tech and software... the latter is far more important for the future EVs. Tesla is way ahead, then Rivian and Lucid.

[@hugojimenez761]

Toyota tundra wort gap really bad car I want to exchange the truck too spensive

[@Q8Police777]

If this is gonna be another panel gap video on a new manufacturer's build im gonna lose it

[@5602jerry]

rivian seems to not have good quality control crazy on this over priced POS

[@davidlittle4971]

And he's that lazy to open the door by himself , OMG,what do we do 😒😒😒

[@fpartidafpartida]

Actually then door actuator is the 1 thing that clearly does need to get fixed for sure. Especially the fact that it's the driver door. The gaps are like meh.

[@watershed44]

@davidlittle4971 More complex crap to break after the warranty is over.

[@jonlee580]

This is horrible for it being so expensive

[@mfgreviews5028]

Looks cheap. EV is still a joke

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

Oh gosh these vehicles.. pushing EVs.. yea not sure about these.

[@number19real]

U must be a tesla boy