Laura Sánchez
Shocking EV Reality: Why This Enthusiast Family Gave Up Their Nearly-New Rivian R1S
One family’s rollercoaster Rivian R1S story highlights the risks and rewards of EV startups in 2025. Here’s what went wrong—and right.
- 7,000 miles: Total, before owner lost confidence
- 3 major failures: Motor, HVAC, water leak, all in under a year
- 30+ days: Out of commission, potential Lemon Law trigger
- 2x towed: Flatbed rescues in the first 2,000 miles
The electric vehicle revolution promises powerful, luxurious rides—and often, the thrill of being an early adopter. For some, however, the dream can turn into a nerve-wracking gamble. That’s exactly what happened to Michael Rauch, a Rivian superfan, whose barely-broken-in Rivian R1S is now parked in the garage, sidelined by a string of reliability nightmares.
What started as a hopeful transition from a totaled Tesla Model X to a feature-packed Rivian R1S ended up being an emotional rollercoaster for this EV-loving family. Michael already enjoyed his Gen1 R1T pickup, making Rivian a natural pick for their next ride. But this time, the journey didn’t go as planned.
Q&A: What Went Wrong With the Family’s R1S?
Q: How fast did problems appear?
With just 800 miles on the odometer, a critical front motor failure left their new SUV needing a flatbed tow and a stay at the Rivian service center. The repair staff impressed, quickly fixing the issue—and, as a precaution, even replaced the rear motor.
Q: Did things improve after repairs?
Short-lived. After a 1,000-mile road trip, the R1S’ air conditioning system collapsed at just 2,000 miles, forcing round two of service and another tow. Service was stellar, but the family’s trust took another hit.
Q: What was the final straw?
The last blow struck at 6,900 miles, when a mysterious water leak started soaking the SUV’s interior—despite clear skies. Confidence shattered, the Rauch family admitted defeat.
Q: Did other owners face similar fates?
Yes. While Rivian’s service is routinely praised, other early adopters—such as a Gen1 R1T owner—have endured repeated system failures and emergency tows, helpful staff notwithstanding.
How-To Decide: Is A Startup EV Really Worth It in 2025?
- Weigh the risks: New brands like Rivian and Tesla offer cutting-edge tech, but can experience quality hiccups as they scale.
- Review service access: Startups often have fewer service centers, potentially causing delays when issues strike.
- Investigate protections: Most states have Lemon Laws for persistent defects—know your local consumer rights.
- Don’t underestimate emotion: A great interior and power can’t offset “usability anxiety” if mechanical woes persist.
FAQ: What’s Next for This EV Power Family?
After months of frustration—and more than 30 days out of commission—the R1S may qualify for a Lemon Law buyback in Pennsylvania. The family, still loyal to electrified driving, is on the hunt for a more dependable ride.
Their advice to would-be buyers? Research reliability and customer support—whether considering a legacy automaker like Ford or emerging players. And above all, remember: “We just want a car, not car drama.”
Bottom Line: EV Excitement—or EV Headache? Make an Informed Choice in 2025!
- Track real-world owner reviews and reported issues.
- Check service network size and parts availability.
- Understand your Lemon Law rights before buying.
- Prioritize reliability over the urge to be “first” if downtime isn’t an option.
Ready to embrace electric? Do your homework, ask tough questions, and score a ride that excites—without unexpected drama!
