Complaint 2232816

Complaint Summary

POWER TRAIN

Owner Narrative

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Electrical System (12V Power Supply / Low-Voltage), Climate Control (HVAC System / Thermal Management), Towing / Recovery DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY HAZARD & DEFECT: My 2022 Rivian R1T experienced a sudden, complete electrical failure due to a defective HVAC system, resulting in a dangerous hard-bricked state that rendered the vehicle totally inoperable. Approximately 30 days prior to the incident, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive inspection at a Rivian Service Center where both the HVAC system and 12-volt battery system were tested and cleared. Shortly after, a primary internal failure/glitch within the HVAC equipment created a high parasitic power draw on the vehicle's low-voltage circuit while parked. The HVAC module failed to enter sleep mode, continuously draining the dual 12-volt AGM battery array below critical operating thresholds. This rapid, deep-discharge condition completely disabled the vehicle's primary high-voltage contactors and low-voltage control modules, locking out all vehicle functions, electronic doors, and drive controls. The vehicle could not be restarted, jump-started normally, or safely shifted into neutral, necessitating an emergency flatbed tow to the service center. Technicians confirmed that the primary HVAC equipment failure directly caused the full depletion and destruction of the 12-volt electrical system. This defect presents an immediate safety risk. An uncommanded HVAC-induced power drain that completely depletes the 12-volt system can cause sudden electrical failure, vehicle bricking, loss of hazard lights, and lock-out conditions, potentially stranded occupants in dangerous environments or busy roadways. Rivian is treating this catastrophic multi-system failure as non-warranty maintenance, refusing to address a clear pre-existing latent defect in their low-voltage power management and thermal architecture. REQUESTED ACTION: Investigation into 2022 Rivian R1 HVAC power management defects causing severe 12V drain

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.