My 2023 Rivian R1S Steering Wheel Makes a Rubbing Noise and Stutters When It Moves, and Service Keeps Saying It’s Normal

We expect a lot from modern EVs, especially ones that cost close to six figures. Smooth tech, premium materials, and effortless convenience are all part of the deal. So when something as simple as your steering wheel starts making odd noises or moving awkwardly, it’s not something you just shrug off.

That’s exactly what happened to Matt Kassanchuk, who shared his story in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook. It started small, but the way it’s been handled makes you wonder if there’s more going on under the surface. “I have a 2023 R1S. The steering wheel makes a rubbing noise when moving down. We set Easy Access so the wheel moves in and up when parked, out and down when ready to go. While moving down, it makes a rubbing noise and kind of stutters. Early on, they lubricated it, and it was fine. Then it came back many months later. They said they lubricated it again 2 months ago, but it started again immediately after the appointment. I went again today, and I asked if this is normal, and they said yes, it’s leather around the steering wheel that is rubbing. I suggested it’s probably more, as the wheel stutters while moving. I’ve never heard of lubricating a steering wheel as a regular maintenance item. Does this happen to you?”

Matt’s post really stuck with me, not because it’s some catastrophic failure, but because it’s something that could easily go unnoticed or brushed off by most. Yet, it’s also something you feel every time you get in and out of the vehicle.

When “Normal” Doesn’t Feel Right

What stands out isn’t just the rubbing noise itself, it’s the fact that it comes paired with a stuttering movement from the steering wheel. That’s not what you expect from an Easy Entry system designed to make getting in and out feel effortless.

Initially, Rivian service addressed it by lubricating the column, and that worked, for a little while. But when the noise came back, and the stutter followed, Matt started to question if something more mechanical was going on. The service center, however, chalked it up to leather rubbing against the trim.

That explanation didn’t sit right with him, and honestly, it doesn’t sit right with a lot of owners reading along either.

Other Owners Say It’s Happening to Them Too

Not long after Matt’s post, other owners chimed in with similar stories. Sandy Yim, who owns a 2025 R1S, replied: “This started happening to me pretty early on (2025 R1S) and continued right after being addressed at an appointment. I'm trying to ignore the noise for now because I don't want to turn off Easy Entry.”

Sandy’s in a tough spot, she doesn’t want to disable the feature entirely, but the ongoing noise isn’t exactly something you want to hear every day either. And again, this isn’t a one-off issue, it’s showing up across different vehicles and different model years.

Is This Part of a Bigger Pattern?

Matt and Sandy’s experience might seem minor in the grand scheme of things. But they join a growing number of owners who’ve experienced small but persistent issues—ones that make you second-guess the long-term durability of a brand-new vehicle.

We’ve seen stories like this before. One owner reported constant HVAC failures in their 2025 Rivian R1T TriMax, while another had their rear motor fail after just 800 miles. And then there’s the owner who plugged in overnight only to wake up to a dead battery and no explanation.

While these are much more serious issues than a noisy steering wheel, they all raise the same question: are we seeing isolated problems, or early signs of something bigger?

Let’s Talk About the Real Cause

If it’s really just the leather rubbing, it’s odd that it would cause a noticeable stutter. That kind of hesitation feels more like a mechanical or motor issue than surface friction. Could it be a misaligned column? A calibration issue in the tilt/telescope motor? Maybe even a software glitch controlling the steering wheel’s movement?

Whatever it is, it probably shouldn’t need lubrication every few months to keep functioning properly. That’s not the kind of maintenance EV owners expect, or accept, on a high-end vehicle.

And when your steering wheel becomes a source of frustration instead of comfort, it starts to affect how you feel about the entire car.

Rivian’s Communication Problem?

Rivian has built a strong following, especially among early adopters who appreciate the brand’s innovation and off-road chops. But if they want to stay competitive, they’ll need to tighten up how they handle issues like this, both big and small.

Owners like Matt are doing exactly what they should: asking questions, returning to service centers, and sharing their experience. That’s how problems get documented, and eventually, how solutions get rolled out. Whether it’s something software-based or a part that needs refining, being transparent and responsive is key to building long-term trust.

And let’s not forget: Rivian is still relatively young as a carmaker. Issues like this are bound to happen. But how they’re addressed makes all the difference.

The Bigger Picture for Future Buyers

More and more people are jumping into the Rivian ecosystem, and not just with new purchases. Some, like this owner who traded their Gen1 R1S for a Gen2 and somehow got more than they originally paid, are finding that Rivians hold value well, too. That’s rare for a startup brand, and it shows there’s serious potential here.

But if Rivian wants to continue that momentum, they can’t afford to have steering wheels, of all things, become a talking point for the wrong reasons.

A Young Journalist’s Perspective

As someone who follows EVs closely and writes about these issues daily, I think Matt’s story is a perfect example of why the “small stuff” matters.

It’s not just about noise. It’s about confidence in your car. When your brand-new SUV makes an odd sound every time you start it up, it chips away at the sense of quality and reliability. Over time, that adds up. It’s not about drama; it’s about ownership experience.

And it’s worth saying again: even if this issue doesn’t strand you on the side of the road, it’s still worth talking about.

Moral Takeaways

• Don’t ignore the little stuff: Small annoyances like a rubbing noise can be a sign of a deeper issue. Speaking up early can help get it addressed before it gets worse.
• Push for better answers: If something doesn’t seem right, don’t settle for vague responses. Ask questions, document everything, and get second opinions when needed.
• Your feedback helps everyone: Sharing your story doesn’t just help you, it helps the whole community. Automakers listen when enough voices speak up.

Let’s Talk

• Have you noticed any weird noises or stuttering motions from your steering wheel or Easy Entry feature in a Rivian?
• Do you think automakers should treat these minor issues more seriously, or are they just quirks that come with new tech?

Drop your experience in the comments below, I’d love to hear how your R1T or R1S has been holding up.

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