Rivian R1T Lemon Law

The most talked-about mechanical complaint on the R1T is front-suspension clunking or clicking — often traced to half-shafts, jounce lines, or dampers — with noise when turning at low speed, going over bumps, or moving between acceleration and regen. Owners report repeat service visits that don't fully resolve it.

The R1T has also been recalled multiple times: headlamps aimed too low (a federal lighting-standard issue) on 2023–2024 vehicles, improperly tightened second-row seat-belt retractor bolts, and a rear-suspension toe-link that could separate after a flawed service procedure. Software has been an ongoing pain point too — climate, charging, and driver-assist bugs, and a Highway Assist software recall.

A recall isn't automatically a lemon. But when the suspension noise keeps returning, a recall repair doesn't hold, or your R1T spends significant time in the shop, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with Rivian paying your attorney fees.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your R1T has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Rivian R1T qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Rivian pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.