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You can expect a few surprises when you invest in a cutting-edge EV product like Rivian. Perhaps it’s a peculiar program update or a missing feature that you didn’t expect to enjoy. However, I didn’t anticipate reading about a car substitute that would cost more than what the average Corolla user would.
That’s exactly what happened when I saw an article from Ashish Arora in the Twitter RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion Group. Ashish just reached out to a Rivian-authorized shop for a car quote and owns a 2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor. the cost? He wasn’t sure if that was typical or just simple absurd; it was almost$ 4,800 before taxes. The price for a glass alternative from a neighborhood Rivian Authorized shop that can also evaluate is less than$ 4,800, according to Ashish. I wanted to reach out to this area to see what their sales experience has been because that seems a little extreme, but I am not familiar with the cost of the Rivian parts.
True owners, genuine cost shock
The responses were quick and noted how uneven pricing may be. I had mine replaced in March 2025 at a Rivian SC, for$ 1,800 full, so Kiersten jumped in with her knowledge. My insurance paid me for the entire amount after they kept it for two days ( no loaner ).
Nathan then stated,” I checked with a Rivian-certified factory in Omaha, and they quoted me$ 3,800 all in. Rivian Service provided a quote for me, which was around$ 1,800. It is so strange that it is unique.
There is no small difference between a$ 3, 000 gap in the same fix. Not the only wonder that Rivian masters have encountered, though. Some people have reported early signs of battery degradation, such as this dual-motor R1S owner, who soon learned that their range had dropped by 10 %.
Windscreens Aren’t Only Glass Anymore.
Modern EV wipers are challenging. They frequently require detailed calibration after replacement, and they house sensors for automated wipers and lane assist sensors. That alone can increase hundreds, or even thousands, to the total. The real problem appears to be a lack of standardization between support companies, though.
You might be asked a good price, depending on where you go, or something that makes you squirm in astonishment. And that contradiction is also reflected in different ownership decisions. Consider the R1S pilot whose initial towing experience for an RV reduced their range by half, something they weren’t fully prepared for until it occurred mid-trip.
When Quotes Are Confounding
One of the most frequently misunderstood charges in repairs like this is measurement. What’s included in a quote may not always be understood, or whether you’ll need to go to another service in the interim. Some owners today call both Rivian and their neighborhood purchase before agreeing to anything. Why does it matter, given Nathan’s practice, where the service center quoted much less than the accredited purchase.
Similar ambiguity can manifest in more severe circumstances, such as the 2025 R1S’s case, which left its owner without a car for just nine weeks after purchase. The disconnect between customer expectations and existing infrastructure is genuine, whether it is service delays or contradictory communication.
Does Yours, My Insurance Has Been Covered It?
If there’s one piece of advice that plainly showed up in the Twitter thread, it’s this: talk to your insurance company before grabbing your finances. The$ 1,800 bill from Katie was entirely refunded. And even though your outcomes may change, it’s worthwhile to find out whether your policy includes calibration.
This kind of preparation can help you avoid unnecessary costs, especially if the support practice doesn’t go as planned. Ask the owner of this R1S landlord, who was putting in extra time charging at DC fast stations before having to wait even more for a company session.
A Few Smoldering Flaws, Behind the Hype,
Rivian has a reputation built on robust capability, modern technology, and adventure-ready design. And they’ve delivered in the majority of their way. However, the company aspect is also evolving. For instance, a$ 112, 000 R1S test drive revealed one significant weakness that surprised the drivers despite the general praise for the vehicle’s performance.
Issues like these serve as reminders that yet advanced vehicles can have unpleasant blind spots, which don’t mean Rivian is wrong.
What I Know About Being a Fresh Automotive Journalist
What’s happening here is a part of a larger change, in my opinion, as someone who spends a lot of time covering Rivian stories and engaging with the area. Rivan is no longer merely a company. People are purchasing these trucks and SUVs with legitimate expectations, and this undermines confidence when the prices fluctuate significantly between support centers.
When accidents occur earlier, like the Tri-Motor R1S that ran perfectly for 2, 000 miles before being abruptly disassembled, makes it even more difficult to rebuild. These events are the factors that influence the owner’s opinion and the reluctance of a prospective client.
The positive announcement, then? Ravian is listening as well. The bad information, then? There is still a long way to go in order to fix these issues.
What to Do if the Rivian App is unsuccessful?
It’s also worth noting that some owners have trouble getting appropriate information from the game or setting up service consultations right away if you’re dealing with Rivian maintenance. Numerous drivers reported issues where the Rivian app didn’t let them choose their preferred service center or displayed wrong availability, specifically for newly established or understaffed locations. If that occurs, you can either contact Rivian support straight or ask for a mobile technician to resolve your issue.
Staying vigilant and making timely progress outside the software could prevent pointless delays, particularly if your repair bill is already high. Don’t be alarmed if something doesn’t feel right when you call the company center directly to get a faster schedule or get more exact quotes than what the app first offered.
Get to Know Your Neighborhood Rivian Shops First
While most individuals only consider support choices when something goes wrong, it can pay off to conduct thorough research in your neighborhood Rivian-certified repair shops in advance. Even when they are all authorized by Rivian, some owners have discovered that costs, turnaround times, and also communication designs vary widely between locations.
When a moment comes, building a partnership with a store or service advisor can lead to clearer quotes, better updates, and perhaps even faster service. Additionally, it’s wise to research locations that can handle validation internally rather than externally, as it can substantially affect both the cost and the amount of time your car is off the road.
Third-party Rivian certified locations in some places may have more flexible scheduling options or even make a unique recommendation than Rivian-owned service centers. When you need a high-stakes repair like a windscreen replacement, battery issues, or anything else involving your vehicle’s advanced safety systems, a little bit of prep may help. Read reviews, ask other owners in your area, or even call to ask about past R1S or R1T repairs.
Beg, Compare, and Confirm are the last three things.
Take Ashish’s article as a cue to constantly get several quotes, check what’s included, and don’t believe your experience will suit someone else’s if you’re a Rivian owner or planning to become one immediately. You want to be certain that you are receiving the correct services at a reasonable price, especially when it comes to repairs involving security systems and technology.
Owning an electric vehicle comes with its own learning curve, and it’s often challenging. However, being vigilant and educated is everything.
Have you ever received a drastically different quotation from two distinct repairmen for the same repair? What followed, exactly?
How much would it cost to change your Rivian glass, and was the practice worthwhile? Cut your opinions in the responses.
is a fresh mechanical journalist with work experience at a golf cart shop and a passion for the automotive sector. Adopt for regular auto news updates.
Rivian Press Room, Ashish’s Facebook Post, and other sources.
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