After My 2025 Rivian R1S Was Rear-Ended, I Learned the Hard Way What It Takes to Get Back on the Road

When the Unthinkable Happened

Nobody ever plans to get into an accident. In fact, it's probably the last thing you'd ever expect when you're cruising along in your brand-new Rivian. Sadly for Ivan Wang, that's exactly what happened when his 2025 Rivian R1S got rear-ended on the freeway. Three months later, after a long and challenging journey, Ivan finally got his vehicle back on the road. His story isn't just about the crash; it's about what happens afterward, something every EV owner needs to be ready for.

Ivan’s Story: A Personal Account

Scrolling through the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" group on Facebook, I came across Ivan's heartfelt and insightful post detailing his experience: "I never imagined I’d be writing a story about a car accident, but here we are. My 2025 Rivian R1S was rear-ended on the freeway three months ago, and I just got it fully repaired and picked up this week. It’s also why I haven’t had much chance to write about Rivian in 2025. I’d like to share my experience for those who haven’t, and hopefully never will, go through something like this. But if you do, I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for what to expect and do when it happens."

Ivan's candidness not only reveals the emotional stress that comes from seeing your new vehicle damaged but also the practical challenges of repairing an advanced electric SUV like the Rivian R1S.

When Repairs Aren't Simple

Repairing a Rivian isn't always straightforward, especially after a serious accident. Ivan's three-month wait underscores the complexity involved in repairing modern electric vehicles. There's much more to it than just fixing body panels, electronics, battery systems, and sensor arrays must be meticulously restored to original condition.

Delays in Rivian repairs aren’t unheard of. Another owner had a challenging experience when their 2025 Rivian R1S took over an hour to charge at Level 3 stations, resulting in a month-long wait for service. Ivan, too, faced long delays, but thankfully, his patience paid off in the end.

Support From the Community: A Real Comfort

One of the best parts about Ivan’s story is the support and reassurance he received from the Rivian community. Kevin, an experienced Rivian technician, offered some positive feedback: "As a Rivian technician who has done this same repair on an identical hit, it looks like they did a fantastic job on a very large repair. This is awesome to see, and I’m glad you’re happy."

Etienne, another Rivian owner, also chimed in to support Ivan, saying: "Great and thorough post, Ivan. Thanks for sharing. I have to say that I still love the Gen 1, hands down the best vehicle I’ve ever owned, with the best customer service."

These interactions remind us just how valuable an active and supportive community can be when facing adversity.

My Opinion: Navigating the Unexpected

From my perspective as a young automotive journalist who closely follows Rivian, Ivan’s story sheds light on a reality many new EV adopters might overlook. Rivian is a groundbreaking company with impressive technology and designs, but that innovation can come with occasional growing pains. It's similar to the experiences described by another Rivian owner whose first-ever Rivian test drive ended with a dead R1S, grinding noises, and a tow truck. While these incidents aren’t typical for every Rivian owner, they highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Even with these challenges, Rivian continues to show a genuine commitment to improving its vehicles and customer service. Early adopters who understand and accept the occasional hiccups are helping pave the way for better and smoother experiences down the road.

Valuable Lessons from Ivan’s Ordeal

Ivan’s journey taught several important lessons that could help you navigate similar situations:

• Documentation is Key: Always thoroughly document everything related to the accident for smoother insurance claims and easier repair processes.

• Expect Delays with Repairs: Especially with newer electric vehicles, repairs can take significantly longer. Stay patient and communicate clearly with your repair shop and insurer.

• Community Matters: Engaging with communities like the Rivian Facebook group can be immensely helpful in reducing anxiety and gaining practical insights during difficult times.

• Choose Certified Repair Shops: Make sure the facility repairing your vehicle is authorized and experienced with Rivian to ensure the best possible outcome.

Ivan’s extended downtime mirrors other experiences I've covered, like the owner who faced frustration when their brand-new Rivian R1S restarted itself multiple times while parked. While frustrating, these events offer essential lessons in patience and perseverance.

Positive Outcomes Exist Too

Though Ivan’s story might seem discouraging, there’s a bright side: his R1S is now fully repaired, running as well as before the accident. Stories like Ivan’s or the owner whose Rivian R1S died only four hours after purchase, may initially sound alarming, but they also demonstrate Rivian’s capability to address these problems effectively. Each resolved incident further builds trust and resilience within the Rivian community.

A Moral Worth Remembering

The key takeaway from Ivan's experience is clear: accidents are unexpected, but your reaction doesn't have to be. Knowing what to expect and having a clear plan in place can greatly reduce the stress and emotional toll that comes with vehicle collisions. Being informed about potential challenges, and mentally prepared to tackle them, makes all the difference in how quickly you bounce back.

Share Your Experience: Join the Conversation!

Ivan’s story helps highlight the reality of modern vehicle ownership, especially with advanced electric vehicles like Rivian’s. Now, it’s your turn:

• Have you ever experienced significant delays or challenges in getting your Rivian or another EV repaired after an accident?

• What advice or tips can you offer others facing similar stressful situations?

Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, your story could make someone else's journey easier.

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