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When you buy into a cutting-edge EV brand like Rivian, you brace yourself for a few surprises. Maybe it’s a quirky software update or a feature that doesn’t work quite like you thought it would. But I wasn’t expecting to see someone post about a windshield replacement that costs more than what most people spend on a used Corolla.
That’s exactly what happened when I came across a post from Ashish Arora in the RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion Group on Facebook. Ashish owns a 2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor and recently reached out to a Rivian-authorized shop for a windshield quote. The price? Nearly $4,800 before tax, and he wasn’t sure if that was normal or just plain outrageous. “2025 R1S Tri, Got a windshield replacement quote from a local Rivian Authorized shop that can also calibrate, quote without tax is ~$4,800,” Ashish wrote. “That sounds a little excessive, but I am not familiar with the cost of the Rivian parts, so I wanted to reach out to this community to see what their experience with pricing has been.”
Real Owners, Real Price Shock
The responses came fast, and highlighted just how inconsistent pricing can be. Kiersten jumped in with her experience: “Just had mine replaced in March 2025 at a Rivian SC, $1,800 total. They kept it for two days (no loaner), and my insurance reimbursed me for the full amount.”
Then Nathan added: “I checked with a Rivian-certified shop in Omaha, and they quoted me $3,800 all in. I asked Rivian Service for a quote, and they said around $1,800. So crazy it is that different.”
A $3,000 gap for the same repair is no small difference. And it’s not the only surprise Rivian owners have encountered. Some have reported early signs of battery degradation, like this dual-motor R1S owner who noticed a 10% drop in range not long after taking delivery.
Windshields Aren’t Just Glass Anymore
Modern EV windshields are complicated. They house cameras for lane assist, sensors for automatic wipers, and often require precise recalibration after replacement. That alone can add hundreds, or even thousands, to the bill. But the real issue here seems to be a lack of standardization between service providers.
Depending on where you go, you might be quoted a fair price, or something that leaves you blinking in disbelief. And that inconsistency is showing up in other areas of ownership, too. Consider the R1S driver whose first RV towing experience cut their range in half, something they weren’t quite prepared for until it happened mid-trip.
When Quotes Get Confusing
Calibration is one of the most commonly misunderstood costs in repairs like this. It's not always clear what’s included in a quote or whether you’ll need to visit another facility afterward. That’s why many owners now call both their local shop and Rivian directly before agreeing to anything. Nathan’s experience, where the service center quoted far less than the certified shop, highlights why that matters.
The same confusion can pop up in more serious situations, like the 2025 R1S that left its owner stranded just nine days after purchase. Whether it’s service delays or inconsistent communication, the gap between customer expectations and current infrastructure is real.
My Insurance Covered It, Will Yours?
If there’s one piece of advice that came through clearly in the Facebook thread, it’s this: talk to your insurance company before reaching for your wallet. Kiersten’s $1,800 bill was reimbursed entirely. And while your results may vary, it’s worth finding out what kind of coverage you have and whether it includes calibration.
This kind of prep work can save you from unnecessary expenses, especially when the support experience doesn’t go as planned. Just ask the owner of this R1S that was taking over an hour to charge at DC fast stations, who then had to wait even longer for a service appointment.
Behind the Hype, A Few Lingering Flaws
Rivian has built a brand around rugged capability, sleek tech, and adventure-ready design. And in most ways, they’ve delivered. But the service side of things is still evolving. For example, a test drive in a $112,000 R1S revealed one major flaw that caught the driver by surprise, despite the overall praise for how the vehicle performed.
Issues like these don’t mean Rivian is doing things wrong, but they are reminders that even premium vehicles can come with frustrating blind spots.
My Take as a Young Automotive Journalist
As someone who spends a lot of time covering Rivian stories and engaging with the community, I think what’s happening here is part of a larger transition. Rivian isn’t just a startup anymore. People are buying these trucks and SUVs with real expectations, and when pricing varies wildly between service centers, it erodes trust.
That trust is even harder to rebuild when breakdowns hit early, like the Tri-Motor R1S that drove flawlessly for 2,000 miles before a sudden failure left it undriveable. These are the kinds of experiences that shape owner sentiment, and potential buyer hesitation.
The good news? Rivian is still listening. The not-so-good news? There’s a long road ahead to iron out these bumps.
What to Do When the Rivian App Fails
If you’re dealing with Rivian repairs, it’s also worth knowing that some owners have had trouble getting accurate information from the app or scheduling service appointments promptly. Several drivers have reported issues where the Rivian app wouldn’t allow them to select their preferred service center or showed incorrect availability, especially for newer or lightly staffed locations. If that happens, try contacting Rivian support directly or request a mobile technician if your issue qualifies.
Staying proactive and following up outside the app could help you avoid unnecessary delays, especially when you’re already facing a high repair bill. Some owners have even found that calling the service center directly resulted in faster scheduling or more accurate quotes than what the app initially offered, so don’t hesitate to take an extra step if something doesn’t feel right.
Get to Know Your Local Rivian Shops First
While most people only look into service options when something goes wrong, it can really pay off to research your local Rivian-certified repair shops ahead of time. Some owners have found that prices, turnaround times, and even communication styles vary widely between locations, even when they’re all authorized by Rivian.
Building a relationship with a shop or service advisor early on can help you get clearer quotes, better updates, and possibly even faster service when the time comes. It's also smart to find out which locations handle calibration in-house versus outsourcing it, since that can significantly affect both the cost and the time your vehicle is off the road.
In some areas, third-party Rivian-certified shops may offer more flexibility with scheduling or even provide different recommendations than Rivian-owned service centers. A bit of legwork up front, like reading reviews, asking other owners in your region, or even calling to ask about past R1S or R1T repairs, can put you in a much better position when you're facing a high-stakes repair like windshield replacement, battery issues, or anything involving your vehicle’s advanced safety systems.
Final Takeaway: Ask, Compare, Confirm
If you’re a Rivian owner, or planning to be one soon, take Ashish’s post as a cue to always get multiple quotes, verify what’s included, and don’t assume your experience will match someone else’s. Especially when it comes to repairs involving safety systems and technology, you want to be absolutely sure you’re getting the right service at a fair price.
EV ownership comes with its own learning curve, and sometimes, it's a steep one. But being proactive and informed makes all the difference.
Have you ever gotten a wildly different quote for the same repair from two shops? What did you do next?
If you’ve had to replace your Rivian windshield, how much did it cost, and was it worth the experience you had? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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: Ashish's Facebook Post & Rivian Press Room
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