My Brand New Rivian R1T Gen 2 Has a Dead 110V Inverter, and I Can’t Get It Serviced Until October, Even Though I Need It to Power Tools and Gear

This morning, I was scrolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” Facebook group and came across a post by Alex that instantly caught my attention. It wasn’t some minor cosmetic complaint or a curiosity about software features; it was about a key utility feature not working at all on a brand-new Rivian R1T Gen 2. And for truck owners who count on their vehicles to power tools, appliances, or camping gear, this kind of issue can be a real problem, not just an inconvenience.

Alex wrote:

“We got our new Rivian R1T Gen 2 just last week. Overall, we love it, but the 110V system has never provided power. When I try to turn the timer on for it, the icon shows up on the screen and then disappears after about five seconds. We made a service request (keep in mind, this was a brand-new, day-one issue!) and were told the first available appointment is in October. Is there anything we can do to get this fixed sooner? This feature was a really important reason why we chose to buy this vehicle. Thanks!”

When a Day-One Issue Affects Daily Functionality 

For most people buying a truck like the Rivian R1T, especially a Gen 2 model, you’re not just looking for transportation. You’re investing in functionality, innovation, and capability. Whether it’s to power tools on a job site, appliances on a camping trip, or even just a laptop at a picnic, the onboard 110V inverter is part of the vehicle’s core utility.

So, when Alex discovered that their truck’s inverter wasn’t working straight from the delivery and then heard the earliest fix wouldn’t be available until October, the frustration made perfect sense. For someone relying on this feature, a three-month wait is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a lost opportunity to use the truck as intended.

It’s especially disappointing considering that Rivian owners like this driver who shared their 3-year ownership experience after nearly 100,000 miles often praise the R1T for blending lifestyle utility and electric performance. But that praise hinges on the features actually working, especially at delivery.

Other Owners Chimed In, And It Might Be a DOA Inverter 

Underneath Alex’s post, several Rivian owners chimed in with their own thoughts and experiences. One comment in particular pointed to what could be a widespread or at least recurring issue with early failures in the 110V inverter system.

John responded:

“Call them, explain that you just got the truck, and see if they can work you in sooner. Depending on where you are, it may not be possible, but it’s worth a try. It’s probably a DOA inverter.”

That’s a possibility Alex and others may not have expected, but one that makes sense. “DOA” (dead on arrival) is tech speak for a component that arrives already faulty or nonfunctional. And given that the icon for the inverter briefly flashes before disappearing, it does sound like something is failing internally during the initialization.

Neil added:

“I have this same issue right now. They will be here Friday, and my work order estimate is for a new inverter. I’ll let you know if there is a fix for mine other than replacing the inverter.”

It’s helpful that Neil is getting a mobile technician visit, a benefit many Rivian owners do have access to, depending on location. And that kind of repair transparency, knowing whether it was a firmware hiccup or a full-on hardware replacement, is something Alex and others would certainly appreciate.

Then John followed up again with a level-headed perspective:

“I’m a very detail-oriented person and have always found some things that need to be addressed in every new car I’ve purchased. This includes minor details with my R1T. My appointment was about five weeks out also.”

This comment highlights a truth about modern vehicle deliveries, especially for new-tech EVs: even premium vehicles aren’t immune to first-batch quirks and fixes. But when you’re looking at months of downtime, or waiting to use a feature you planned your life around, the goodwill can wear thin quickly.

A New Generation, But Familiar Growing Pains 

The Rivian R1T Gen 2 brought several upgrades over the first generation, including redesigned interiors, new displays, and improved efficiency. And yet, issues like Alex’s remind us that even second-generation products from young automakers can still run into quality control or logistics hurdles.

It’s worth remembering that some of the long-term Rivian R1T owners who documented extensive trips, like this 4,900-mile road trip through nine cities, had generally positive things to say about their ownership. But they, too, sometimes dealt with bugs or delayed repairs, especially in the early days of Rivian’s service network.

And that’s part of the larger picture here. Alex isn’t just dealing with a faulty inverter; they’re facing a problem that’s being made worse by long service backlogs. As another recent story pointed out, even minor fixes can get delayed when service booking takes too long, and that raises questions about scalability as Rivian expands.

Power That Matters, When It’s There 

One reason this inverter issue hits harder than, say, a squeaky trim or minor panel misalignment, is because it directly impacts the day-to-day utility of the truck. Rivian built a lot of its brand image around adventure, functionality, and being able to go off-grid. A working 110V inverter is central to that promise.

Whether you’re using it to run a saw, charge a drone, inflate a paddleboard, or make coffee in the wild, this feature turns the R1T from just a truck into a tool. And when that tool doesn’t work from day one, it casts doubt on the brand’s ability to deliver on those core experiences.

This is why many owners, like those who have driven over 18,000 electric miles and saved nearly 1,000 gallons of gas, feel so passionately about getting full value from their truck. Every feature count, especially when it's tied directly to the ownership use case.

Can Rivian Make Things Right Faster? 

It’s clear that Rivian still has room to grow when it comes to service capacity and parts logistics. In areas with fewer technicians or service centers, even basic warranty issues can stretch out for weeks or months. This affects not just individual satisfaction, but also the company’s broader reputation, especially as new buyers step into vehicles like the R1T Gen 2 expecting polished, reliable service.

There are bright spots, of course. Some owners have reported smooth, efficient servicing experiences and useful roadside support. One even mentioned testing out how small speed changes impact range, which shows just how engaged and data-savvy the Rivian community is. But even that deep engagement can turn critical quickly when communication breaks down or service delays stretch out.

Journalist’s Insight 

From what I’m seeing, this story reveals two deeper realities about the EV world right now. First, customers are more informed than ever, they know what they’re buying, and they’re paying attention to every feature, not just the flashy stuff. And second, expectations have shifted. It’s not enough to ship a beautiful, futuristic truck. That truck also needs to function flawlessly, and when it doesn’t, fixes need to come fast.

Especially for second-gen models like this one, owners are less forgiving. They expect bugs to be worked out. And when something essential like power output is dead on arrival, even the biggest Rivian fans are going to raise valid concerns.

The Moral of the Story 

The lesson here isn’t just about one inverter; it’s about what modern truck owners are actually looking for in a premium EV. They want capability. They want reliability. And they want a service network that can keep up with the excitement these trucks generate. If Rivian wants to retain that excitement as it grows, it needs to make sure every one of these key features, especially the ones that set the R1T apart, is bulletproof from day one.

Have you ever dealt with a failed component on a brand-new vehicle, EV or otherwise? 

How long did it take to get resolved, and did the service experience change your view of the brand?  

Let us know 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.