2022 Rivian R1S — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $58,000–$78,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Kestrel Take
The three-row electric adventure SUV — the R1S shares the R1T's impressive quad-motor performance, off-road ability, and long range in a family-friendly seven-seat body. Same caveats as the R1T: it's a first-gen vehicle from a young company, so software maturity and service/parts availability matter. A well-kept R1S with updates done and a healthy battery is a genuinely capable, desirable EV; verify software/recalls, battery health, and your proximity to Rivian service.
Known Issues for the 2022 Rivian R1S
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Early R1S had software bugs, fixes, and recalls; verify updates/recalls were done and all systems work.
Repair cost range: $0-$2,000
Rivian's service network is still growing; factor in your location and potential wait times.
Repair cost range: Varies
Check battery health and range; verify remaining battery warranty.
Repair cost range: $0 under warranty / very expensive out
Very heavy; tires wear and cost more.
Repair cost range: $1,000-$1,800
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Outstanding recalls/software
- ✗Battery/range concerns
- ✗Far from Rivian service
- ✗Salvage title
Good Signs
- ✓Updates/recalls done
- ✓Healthy battery, remaining warranty
- ✓Reasonable proximity to service
Found a specific Rivian R1S?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2022 Rivian R1S in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.