2024 Rivian R1S problems: do you have a California lemon?

Some 2024 R1S owners report software glitches, charging faults, fit-and-finish issues, and noises. Not every problem is a lemon, but patterns matter.

If a Rivian service center can’t fix a substantial defect after reasonable attempts, California’s lemon law may allow a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.

  • Software/OTA glitches: warning chimes, screen freezes, driver-assist faults.
  • Charging issues: DC fast-charging errors, charge port door failures, app/connectivity drops.
  • Build concerns: panel gaps, wind noise, water leaks.
  • Ride/handling: suspension or steering clunks, alignment pull.
  • Power/starting: 12V failures, no-start, sudden loss of power.
  • HVAC and interior rattles or vibrations.
  1. Confirm your R1S was bought or leased in California and is under Rivian’s warranty.
  2. List each repair attempt and days out of service; note the first repair date and mileage.

Who qualifies under California’s lemon law

What counts as a “lemon” in California

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act covers new and many used vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty that are purchased or leased in California.

The law presumes a lemon within 18 months or 18,000 miles if certain repair-attempt or downtime thresholds are met, but you can still qualify outside that window with proof of reasonable repair attempts.

  • 2 or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause serious injury or death.
  • 4 or more repair attempts for other substantial defects.
  • 30 or more cumulative days out of service for warranty repairs.
  • Applies to vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR; some small businesses qualify if they have 5 or fewer vehicles.
  • Generally must be purchased or leased in California and covered by Rivian’s warranty.
  1. The issue substantially impairs use, value, or safety.
  2. You gave Rivian a reasonable number of chances to fix it.
  3. The defect is not caused by abuse, unauthorized mods, or neglect.

How California law and process apply to a 2024 R1S

Your rights and likely outcomes

If you qualify, you can seek a replacement or a buyback. A buyback generally refunds your price paid (including taxes and official fees), minus a small usage offset, plus certain expenses.

California allows recovery of towing, rental, and other reasonable out-of-pocket costs. Civil penalties up to two times actual damages may apply for willful violations, and manufacturers can be required to pay your attorney’s fees if you win.

  • Remedies: buyback, replacement, or cash-and-keep settlement.
  • Expenses: towing, rental/loaner, rideshare, and similar costs tied to repairs.
  • Usage offset reduces buyback for miles driven before the first repair attempt.
  • Arbitration is optional in California; you can go to court without it.
  • Statute of limitations is generally 4 years from when the warranty breach became apparent.
  • Document remote/OTA fixes; they can count as repair attempts when tied to your complaint.
  1. Find mileage at the first repair attempt.
  2. Divide that number by 120,000 to get the usage percentage.
  3. Multiply the percentage by the purchase price and subtract from your refund.

What to do now: step-by-step

Build your record before you ask for a buyback

Good documentation wins lemon cases. Use the Rivian app, email, and repair orders to create a clear paper trail.

Stay courteous but firm. Put requests in writing and keep copies.

  • List symptoms in plain language and note dates, mileage, and weather.
  • Save screenshots of alerts and OTA version numbers after each update.
  • Ask the advisor to include your exact complaint on the repair order.
  • Track every day your R1S is unavailable, including parts delays.
  • Keep receipts for rentals, rideshare, charging, and towing.
  1. Schedule service and present the same complaint each time until fixed.
  2. Request and save detailed repair orders with “cause” and “correction.”
  3. After 2–4 failed attempts or 30+ days out of service, send a written buyback/replacement request to Rivian (email and certified mail).
  4. Consider the manufacturer’s arbitration program, or consult a California lemon law attorney.
  5. Do not stop permitting reasonable repairs while your claim is pending.

Common mistakes to avoid

Protect your claim and your safety

Small missteps can delay or reduce your recovery. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your case strong.

  • Not returning for repeat repairs of the same defect.
  • Accepting “no trouble found” without a test drive or clear notes.
  • Failing to document OTA updates and app tickets.
  • Trading in or selling the vehicle mid-claim.
  • Missing deadlines or letting the warranty lapse without presenting the defect.
  • Signing releases or NDAs without understanding the impact.
  1. Insist on detailed repair orders and keep them organized.
  2. Escalate in writing if the issue recurs after an update or repair.

What to gather before requesting help

Documents and proof that speed things up

Having a complete file helps Rivian, an arbitrator, or a lawyer assess your claim quickly.

Organize everything chronologically and keep digital copies.

  • Purchase/lease agreement, registration, and finance payoff info.
  • All repair orders, invoices, and service chat/email transcripts.
  • Timeline of issues with dates, mileage, and photos/videos.
  • OTA/software version history and screenshots of alerts.
  • Receipts for towing, rentals, rideshare, charging, and lodging.
  • Proof of California purchase/lease and warranty booklet.
  1. Create a one-page timeline from delivery to the latest repair.
  2. Combine key documents into a single PDF per repair visit.
  3. Redact unrelated personal data, but keep VIN and mileage visible.
  4. Prepare two copies—one for Rivian or arbitration, one for your records.