There are 3 owner-reported visibility & wipers complaints for the 2025 Rivian R1Sin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Component/System: Visibility – Windshield. Was replaced in January 2026, not available for inspection. Pictures attached, doesn't include largest/spider crack on bottom of windshield that was 16" Summary of the Problem: I have experienced six separate windshield failures (cracks and chips) within the first eight months of owning my 2025 Rivian R1S. The most recent windshield was replaced by Rivian, and within five days the new glass developed an 7‑inch crack from an impact. The frequency and severity of these failures are far beyond normal road‑debris damage and strongly suggest a systemic defect in the windshield glass, installation method, or vehicle structure. Detailed Description of the Incidents: • Six cracks or chips occurred on the original windshield between the delivery date of May 20, 2025 and six months of ownership. • The first and 2nd chip was repaired by Safelite, the 3rd chip unable to be fixed at same time due to location at edge of glass. • Several cracks originated without any visible impact point. • The replacement windshield, installed by Rivian Service on January 21, 2026, developed a long crack within five days of installation. • Original windshield replaced and I submitted claim through insurance. I have appointment to replace second windshield on 2/16/26. Service representative at Seattle service center stated “to be transparent with you, windshields are customer pay as they crack due to outside influence”. This is after detailing the previous five separate incidents with original windshield and that the new windshield developed a large crack within five days of install on 1/21/2026. • All cracks/chips appeared during normal driving conditions. • The pattern of failures indicates excessive fragility, potential stress cracking, or improper windshield seating/alignment. • Numerous other Rivian R1S and R1T owners have reported similar issues, suggesting a broader quality or design problem.
After three (3) repairs, our 2025 Rivian R1S continues to leak all of its windshield wiper fluid when activated. This could be a safety issue if a driver's view is obstructed due to being soiled while driving. The washer function is necessary in these circumstances especially if drivers can no longer see what is in front of them. Someone could meet with an accident if his or her visibility is obstructed with no ability to clean their windows while driving. We have noticed several comments from other Rivian drivers who have experienced the same issue, leading us to believe that this could be a design flaw.
Backup camera inoperable when putting car into reverse. Requires a system reset. Daily issue. Issue started within one week of ownership. Service replaced ECU. Upon return of vehicle, issue repeated itself. Was told that inoperable backup camera is a convenience feature and not safety critical.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026