My Rivian R1S Gen2 Started Making a Firecracker Popping Noise After Turns, and Now I’m Searching for Answers

Every car has its own little personality. Sometimes, even a brand-new ride can throw a small surprise your way, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to get to the bottom of it fast.

While scrolling through the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook, I came across a post from an owner named Andrei Hlushko that really caught my attention. He’s driving a Gen2 Rivian R1S, and he noticed something a little strange after starting his drive.

Quoting Andrei directly, he said, “My Gen2 R1S recently developed a rapid popping/rattling noise when coming out of a turn under power. It doesn't happen consistently, but it seems to happen mostly after starting a drive. I couldn't capture it on video, but it sounds kind of like firecrackers and goes away after 2 or 3 seconds. Does anyone know what this might be? I will create a service request also.”

Reading that, I could picture it perfectly. A few quick pops, almost like firecrackers going off somewhere under the SUV, and then, silence again. It’s the kind of thing that would make you raise an eyebrow but not panic.

What Could This Noise Be?

When you hear a popping noise after turning, especially when you’re adding power, there are a few things that come to mind. It could be something as simple as the suspension settling in after a cold start. It could also involve parts like CV axles or control arms, which take on a lot of stress during turns.

Since Andrei said it happens mostly right after starting the drive, it might even have to do with parts expanding and moving a little as they warm up. That’s completely normal for a lot of cars, especially big, heavy vehicles like the R1S.

The good news? It’s usually something small. Andrei made the smart move by planning to send in a service request. Rivian’s service team can pull the car’s data logs, take a closer look, and catch anything if it needs adjusting early on.

It reminds me of another story where an owner had to deal with getting their 2025 Rivian R1S repaired after a rear-end accident. Even though that situation was a lot more serious, it showed how important it is to trust your instincts when something feels off, no matter how small it seems.

Why Catching Little Noises Early Is Smart

Even if a car feels totally fine otherwise, it’s never a bad idea to get a small noise checked out. New vehicles are full of advanced tech and moving parts, and something that starts small could grow if ignored.

Owners have already shared experiences where things like small software changes affected their autonomous driving features. So, it’s not just about hardware, even a quick setting tweak can sometimes make a vehicle behave a little differently.

That’s why I think it’s awesome that Andrei didn’t just brush it off. He listened to his R1S, noticed something was a little different, and decided to get it checked. That’s how you keep your car running great for years to come.

Hard to Recreate Noises? You’re Not Alone

One of the toughest things about these little noises is that they come and go. If you bring the car to the service center and they can't hear it, it can be a little frustrating.

But there are still ways you can help the service team figure it out. Owners who had regen braking noises that later turned into a slight burning smell found that writing down when and how it happened made a huge difference.

If you ever run into something like this, here’s what can help:

• Take notes about the weather, your driving speed, what mode you’re in, and how long you’ve been driving.
• Try recording audio if you can’t catch it on video.
• Be specific in your service request.

It sounds simple, but giving the service team better clues usually leads to faster and more accurate fixes.

Could It Be Something Software-Related?

One thing that makes the Rivian R1S so special is how much of it is controlled by software. From torque management to suspension height, even little things like the way the car handles a sharp turn are fine-tuned by smart systems.

Sometimes, a tiny delay or hiccup could create small, harmless noises as the car adjusts. There have been cases where some owners experienced strange behavior after software updates like the vehicle shifting into neutral, but again, these situations are rare and usually fixed quickly.

I’m not saying that’s what’s happening with Andrei’s car. But it’s a reminder that with vehicles this advanced, sometimes what feels mechanical might actually be electronic, and that’s why opening a service ticket is the best move.

The Reality of Owning a Next-Gen EV

Buying a vehicle like the Rivian R1S means being part of something exciting. These aren’t just regular SUVs, they’re pieces of the future.

And that future means you might notice small quirks here and there. Andrei’s post made me think about another story where a Rivian owner got stranded just days after picking up their 2025 R1S. The important thing is, companies like Rivian listen to owners and fix things fast. That’s why they’re growing so much trust in the EV community.

If You Hear Popping or Rattling Noises, Here’s What You Should Do

Whether you drive a Rivian or any other car, if you hear something new and unexpected:

• Don’t ignore it.
• Write it down immediately.
• Try to capture it.
• Make a service request.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and catching something early usually means a quicker and easier fix.

It’s the same advice I’d give to anyone whose car felt totally perfect until a small mechanical issue popped up after a few thousand miles.

My Takeaway After Reading Andrei’s Story

Reading Andrei’s post just reminded me: new doesn’t always mean perfect, and that’s okay.

The R1S is packed with cutting-edge technology and heavy-duty parts. If anything, the fact that Andrei noticed it early and got ahead of it shows exactly the kind of ownership attitude that makes EV life better in the long run.

There’s nothing wrong with noticing a noise and asking about it. It’s the smart thing to do.

Moral of the Story

If you hear something weird, speak up.
If you notice something small, don’t wait.
You’re not just protecting your car, you’re helping make the future of driving even better.

Let’s Hear from You!

1. Have you ever caught a small issue early on with your EV that turned out to be something important? How did it go?

2. If you drive a Rivian, have you noticed any little sounds or quirks, and what did you find out about them?

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