Getting a new car is supposed to be exciting. But for Ross Creasy, that excitement didn’t last long. Just 45 days after bringing home his 2025 Rivian R1S with the Max battery and performance upgrade, things went completely sideways. One misrouted drain line led to a flooded interior, electrical failures, a bent door, and a long stay at the service center, and the saga still isn’t over.
“It Wouldn’t Even Power Up”
Ross shared his experience in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook, explaining what happened:
“Well, on May 9, 45 days after I picked up my 2025 Rivian SUV Max battery with performance upgrade, it would not power up. I couldn’t get into the car. After the locksmith Rivian sent out tried to get in, he bent the door and scratched it, and still couldn’t get in. Rivian then towed it. They have been great, gave me a loaner, but the SUV is not back. It appears that they didn’t attach the HVAC drain line correctly, which caused the vehicle's interior to flood and short out the electrical components. They have since replaced everything inside, including the carpet and computer. Now the wire harness for the door locks is not working consistently, so they’re keeping it longer. At least I got a loaner on their dime. Ugh.”
It’s hard to read that without wincing a little. A brand-new electric SUV, barely a month and a half old, completely bricked by something as simple as a drain line. And it wasn’t just the water damage, the attempt to unlock the car added scratches and a bent door into the mix.
What Should’ve Been Simple, Wasn’t
In theory, the HVAC drain is a small part. But when it’s not installed right, and water starts leaking where it shouldn’t, it can cause major issues, especially in a vehicle full of sensitive electronics. In Ross’s case, it shorted out the systems, disabled the car, and triggered a lengthy repair process. It’s not the kind of problem you expect on a $90,000+ premium SUV.
He’s not the only one going through something like this. Another Rivian owner recently shared, “I bought my 2025 Rivian R1S just nine days ago, and it already left me stranded”. That story sounds eerily familiar: excited new owner, short honeymoon period, unexpected breakdown.
Fix One Thing, Another Goes Wrong
To Rivian’s credit, they didn’t waste time replacing the damaged parts. The carpet, the computer, and other components were all swapped out. But now, even after all that, the wire harness controlling the door locks isn’t working right. It’s a classic case of fixing one problem only to discover another.
This is the kind of situation that’s frustrating not just because of the time it takes, but because of the uncertainty. Will it be fixed for good? Or is this the start of a long relationship with the service department? That’s exactly what one Rivian owner wondered after their R1S restarted itself twice in a single day while just sitting in a parking spot.
The Locksmith Made It Worse
One of the most aggravating parts of Ross’s story is the door damage. The locksmith, sent out by Rivian to help unlock the car, couldn’t get in, and managed to bend and scratch the door trying. It’s the kind of detail that stings because it didn’t need to happen.
When you’re paying for a high-end vehicle like this, you expect a smooth experience, not one where you end up needing bodywork within the first two months just to undo someone else’s mistake.
Delays and Overloaded Service Centers
Ross was asked in the comments which service center his R1S was at. He replied:
“It is in Atlanta, and they are loaded with cars until the Alpharetta one opens in September, as they are servicing everything from Jacksonville, FL to Atlanta.”
That’s a massive service area for one location to handle. It helps explain why so many Rivian owners are reporting long wait times. Another owner recently said that after their 2025 R1S was rear-ended, they learned the hard way what it takes to get back on the road. It’s becoming clear that Rivian’s service network still needs time to catch up with the growing number of vehicles on the road.
This Isn’t an Isolated Case
Ross’s issue might seem rare, but it’s part of a larger pattern we’re seeing with 2025 R1S owners. Some have dealt with electrical issues tied to aftermarket accessories. One post described how a short in a light bar nearly melted wiring and cracked a windshield. Others have faced strange software bugs that left their vehicles unresponsive, like one Rivian that locked itself and went completely dark while preconditioning.
These aren’t just random hiccups, they’re real problems with real consequences. Owners are spending more time worrying about service calls than enjoying their vehicles.
At Least the Loaner Helps
Ross did mention that Rivian gave him a loner, which softens the blow. Being stuck without transportation would’ve made this situation even worse. Still, needing a loaner barely a month into ownership isn’t what anyone signs up for.
And again, Ross isn’t the only one who’s gone through this. One owner said their 2025 Rivian R1S Trimotor was flawless for 2,000 miles, only to break down without warning. Like Ross, they ended up waiting, wondering what went wrong under the surface.
My Take as a Young Journalist Watching This All Unfold
I think what stands out here is how a small mistake, like a misplaced drain tube, can turn into a nightmare if the support system around it isn’t ready. The R1S is a smart, capable SUV on paper. But on the road, small build errors and limited-service availability are turning some owners off.
I want to believe Rivian will get this sorted out. And maybe they will. But it’s hard to ignore that more and more owners are posting these kinds of stories online, and that’s starting to affect how people view the brand.
Key Takeaways
Tiny errors can cause massive headaches: One wrong drain line placement sidelined an entire SUV.
Service delays are becoming common: Overloaded centers are stretching thin, especially in the Southeast.
Loaners help, but they don’t fix the trust issue: Getting a free car to drive is nice, but it doesn’t undo a bad experience.
This isn’t just one person’s problem: Similar stories are piling up across Rivian forums and groups.
Rivian’s growing fast, but not without growing pains: Quality control and service capacity still need work.
Final Thoughts
No vehicle is perfect. But when your brand-new SUV breaks down 45 days in, floods itself from the inside, and ends up in the shop for weeks, it leaves a mark. Ross’s story is just one of many starting to pop up in the Rivian community, and while the company is doing some things right, there’s clearly room to grow.
The R1S remains a bold and exciting vehicle. But right now, it looks like some owners are paying the price for being early adopters.
What About You?
Have you had a frustrating repair experience with your Rivian or another EV?
Do you think startup automakers should slow down production until service centers catch up?
Share your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear what your experience has been like.
Image source: Rivian R1S Press Room
