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A couple of hours ago, I was reading new posts on the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook when a post caught my attention. It wasn’t the usual delivery-day excitement or proud first-road-trip photos. Instead, it came from someone who’s still two weeks away from getting their brand-new truck, and is already wondering if they should cancel.
Mike put it bluntly: “My 2026 Rivian R1T Tri is scheduled for delivery in 2 weeks. I am considering canceling my order due to all of the issues that I see on the Facebook groups. Is there anyone on here who has not had any issues?”
It’s a question that cuts through the hype of owning a new EV, especially one as talked about as the Rivian R1T Trimotor. Many future owners join these groups to learn what to expect, but after a few weeks of reading about breakdowns, software bugs, and parts delays, some start wondering if they’re signing up for more trouble than they bargained for.
The Power of Community Feedback
If there’s one thing EV forums and Facebook groups do well, it’s amplifying experiences, good or bad. For every post about a frustrating breakdown, there’s another from someone whose truck has been rock-solid. And that’s exactly what happened in the replies to Mike’s question.
John jumped in with a reassuring take: “I’ve had my R1T for more than 3 years, and it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. With each software update, it gets better. Any issues I’ve had along the way have been minor and were addressed with superb customer service.”
That last point is big. Rivian has earned a reputation in some circles for fast, helpful service, even sending technicians directly to owners’ homes. Stories like John’s also prove these trucks can rack up serious mileage without drama, much like the owner we featured in this story about an R1T that reached nearly 100,000 miles as its first EV.
Decades of Driving, Newfound Joy
Another commenter, Andrew, brought a lifetime of driving perspective: “No major issues since taking delivery of my 2022 Launch Edition R1S in January 2023. The best. Full stop. I don’t recall ever enjoying a ride this much since being behind the wheel for the very first time back in 1990.”
That kind of comment isn’t just about reliability, it’s about how the truck makes him feel. For some owners, the Rivian experience is unlike anything they’ve had in decades. It’s a sentiment that echoes the enthusiasm we saw from the driver who took their R1T through 49 states in under a year, proving these trucks can do big adventures without constant drama.
Even Short-Term Owners Can Be All In
Not everyone replying had years of ownership under their belt. Tyler offered a newer perspective: “Not a single issue, and it’s been 2 whole months! Already have 2,500 miles on my 12k-a-year lease.”
It’s a small sample size, but still worth noting. For a buyer like Mike, hearing from someone who’s off to a trouble-free start can help balance out all the negative stories floating around in Facebook feeds. We’ve seen similar early-ownership success from the R1T driver who logged 18,000 miles in nine months while saving nearly 1,000 gallons of gas.
Why Negative Posts Stick Out
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It’s no secret that bad news travels faster than good news, especially online. Most owners don’t post about a normal day of driving; they post when something breaks, doesn’t work, or costs them money. That’s why Facebook groups can feel like a steady stream of problems, even if most owners are quietly enjoying their trucks without issues.
That’s also why it’s easy to forget that for every major complaint, there are dozens of days where the truck just works. But, of course, even long-time fans sometimes face hiccups, like the owner who ran into an unexpected headache with a simple tire swap.
But Not Every Story Is Perfect
Some issues are minor, while others are more serious. One example is the owner who lost their rear motor just 800 miles into ownership, ending up in turtle mode and facing a long service visit. These rare but high-profile breakdowns are the kind of posts that stick in a potential buyer’s mind, especially when their delivery date is around the corner.
Balancing the Risk and the Reward
For someone like Mike, it comes down to looking at both sides. On one hand, yes, Rivians have had documented problems, from drivetrain failures to software glitches. On the other hand, some owners have had smooth sailing for years, enjoying a vehicle that’s fun to drive, capable in almost any terrain, and constantly improving through updates.
If you’re cautious by nature, waiting another model year could feel safer. But if you’re willing to take the leap, you might end up like the owner who spent three years with their R1T and still calls it the best vehicle they’ve ever had.
The Bigger Picture
Part of Rivian’s appeal is that it blends capability, tech, and design in a way that’s still rare in the truck world. The R1T Trimotor isn’t just about performance, it’s about offering something that can tow, haul, and off-road, all while delivering a quiet, comfortable ride.
Even owners who’ve hit a few bumps in the road often stick with the brand because of the driving experience and the steady stream of software improvements. It’s the same mindset behind the Rivian owner who took on a massive cross-country journey and came back with nothing but praise for the truck’s versatility.
The Takeaway for Future Buyers
At the end of the day, perception can be just as powerful as reality. Social media magnifies the bad and often hides the good. If you’re about to take delivery of a Rivian, or any vehicle, it’s worth doing your homework on both sides of the ownership spectrum.
For Mike, the decision isn’t really about whether Rivians ever have problems. It’s about whether the thrill of owning and driving the R1T is worth the risk of being in that small group that runs into early trouble.
What about you? If you were two weeks away from picking up a 2026 Rivian R1T Trimotor, would you follow through or walk away? And if you already own one, has your experience been smooth sailing, or more of a roller coaster?
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
Image source: Rivian R1T Press Room
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Source: torquenews.com
