I Want to Switch From Tesla to Rivian, But All I See Are Horror Stories, and I Need to Know If Anyone’s Happy

Sometimes, researching your next car feels less like shopping and more like scrolling through a WebMD rabbit hole. You go in curious, and come out convinced everything’s falling apart. That’s exactly what happened to Davy Cannup one evening as he browsed the RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion Group on Facebook.

After spending time with Tesla, Davy was ready for something new. Rivian had caught his attention. But instead of reading glowing reviews, he found post after post detailing breakdowns, glitches, and long repair waits. Excitement quickly gave way to hesitation. “Anyone who has not had issues with their Rivian? Looking to switch from Tesla, but reading on here is scary,” Davy posted, hoping to find even one reassuring voice in the crowd.

It was a short message, but it hit home for many in the EV world. With all the love Rivian gets for its design and capability, there’s still a cloud of uncertainty hanging over its reliability. Davy wasn’t trying to stir up drama, he was trying to cut through it.

Owners Step In With Some Much-Needed Reassurance

Not everyone chimed in to confirm his fears. Davy’s post drew responses from longtime Rivian drivers who were eager to show the other side of ownership, one that’s rarely highlighted in dramatic forum posts.

Take Michael, for example, who’s spent two years with his R1S and didn’t hesitate to share his perspective: “R1S for two years and three trips over 3,000 miles, and no real issues. The only issue was a 12V battery, which Rivian advised me of and replaced with mobile service at my home before any notification from the vehicle. Far better service than any ICE vehicle I've ever owned, and at 73, that's quite a few.”

Michael’s experience highlights how Rivian’s mobile service teams are making ownership easier, something that stands in contrast to the more stressful service stories circulating online.

Then there’s Matt, who’s been putting serious mileage on his Gen1 R1T: “Close to 70K miles since March of 2023 on my Gen1 R1T. Only minor issues, window trim replaced a couple of times, replaced TCU, and replaced a battery sensor. Never in the shop for more than a couple of days. Endless smiles per mile. I would buy another in a heartbeat.”

Matt’s story echoes a common theme among satisfied owners: even when issues happen, they’re minor, resolved quickly, and don’t derail the overall experience.

Not Every Post Has a Happy Ending, and That’s Part of the Story Too

Of course, Davy’s concerns aren’t unfounded. There are legitimate problems out there, and some of them are serious. One owner recently shared how their brand-new R1S completely locked itself and went completely unresponsive after a failed preconditioning attempt using the app. That kind of issue can shake your trust in any vehicle, especially when it’s still parked in your driveway.

Another owner thought everything was perfect with their 2025 R1S until a sudden and unexplained breakdown left the truck undriveable after just 2,000 miles. These kinds of failures may not be common, but they’re visible, and when they happen to early adopters, the ripple effect in online groups can be massive.

The Trouble with Forums: They Don’t Show the Whole Picture

Social media tends to amplify the bad. You can scroll through dozens of quiet success stories, but your eyes will land on the one meltdown post that features a flatbed and a frantic caption. That’s just how we’re wired.

But there are plenty of owners who’ve had incredible experiences with their Rivians. One Rivian fan test drove an R1S and was absolutely blown away by the looks, performance, and road feel, despite noting some issues with the infotainment system. The truck wasn’t perfect, but the drive made up for it.

If You’re Road-Tripping, Here’s What You Should Know

For anyone planning cross-country adventures, Rivian can be a strong contender. One owner took their R1S across the U.S. and reported smooth charging sessions using Tesla adapters and flawless long-distance performance. It’s these kinds of stories that don’t always make the front page, but they matter.

That said, not everyone has it this easy. One frustrated driver shared how their Rivian began charging painfully slow at Level 3 stations, and the bigger problem? They were stuck waiting over a month for service while having no home charging alternative. The inconsistency in service times across regions is something Rivian still needs to iron out.

Comparing Tesla and Rivian: It’s Not Just About Charging Speed

Tesla is known for its Supercharger network and fast service, at least when everything is running smoothly. But it’s also developed a reputation for inconsistent build quality and customer support that can sometimes feel, well, robotic.

Rivian, on the other hand, is still in startup mode. It’s building its network, expanding its service reach, and tuning its software platform. For many, that early-stage energy feels exciting. For others, it’s nerve-racking. Families trying to choose between a Tesla Model Y and a Rivian R1S often land on the latter because of its larger interior, off-road capability, and bold design.

If you value bulletproof reliability and refined software, Tesla still holds the edge. If you’re looking for something more adventurous and willing to deal with a few quirks along the way, Rivian might be your kind of ride.

From a Journalist’s Perspective

As a 17-year-old automotive journalist watching this space closely, I see Davy’s post as more than just a cry for help, it’s a reality check. People want to love Rivian. They want something fresh, something that feels engineered with heart. But the trust needs to be earned, and every mobile service success or quick parts replacement helps build that trust.

The problem is, when things do go wrong, it’s not just the mechanical fix that matters, it’s how fast the company responds, how transparent they are, and how empowered the owner feels. That’s where Rivian still has room to grow.

What Long-Term Ownership Really Feels Like

When choosing between Tesla and Rivian, it’s easy to focus on tech specs, range numbers, or acceleration times, but long-term ownership is often shaped more by how the car fits into your life day-to-day. Tesla offers a refined software experience, efficient charging infrastructure, and low running costs, but some owners report feeling a growing disconnect, like they’re interacting more with a product than a brand that truly supports them. Rivian, while still developing its service reach and app consistency, seems to be building something more personal.

Many owners talk about feeling part of a community, not just a customer base. Combine that with the fact that Rivian’s trucks remain cost-effective to drive even at lower efficiency ratings, and the equation starts to shift. You’re not just buying an EV, you’re stepping into a brand that’s aiming to deliver both usability and emotional connection.

What You Should Take Away From All This

If you’re thinking of switching from Tesla to Rivian, just know this: the horror stories are real, but so are the good ones. Davy’s post brought out both. And that’s a good thing. It gave the silent majority a chance to speak, and their stories may be just what you needed to hear.

Have you made the switch from Tesla to Rivian? Did it exceed your expectations, or leave you wanting to go back?
If you’re still on the fence, what would help you feel confident enough to make the leap? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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 Press Room