Follow us today...
Every Rivian owner has a moment where their truck does something unexpected. Whether it’s a phantom alert, a sudden fan blast, or in this case, a mysterious sound that makes you stop and ask, “Is that... normal?” That’s exactly what happened when I came across a post by Ruben Alanis in the “RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion” group on Facebook. His 2023 Rivian R1T had developed a strange habit: making a low croaking noise from the front end whenever it woke up, triggered just by his phone or key approaching. Not loud, not alarming, but definitely odd enough to share.
In Ruben’s own words: “My 2023 R1T is croaking now. Literally. Seems like whenever it wakes up from my phone or key being in proximity, it makes this noise coming from the very front of the truck. Anyone run into this before or have ideas what it is?”
To longtime EV owners, the idea of a car making strange noises during startup might not be that surprising. These vehicles are filled with quietly complex systems that can click, whirr, hiss, and hum at any given moment. But the word “croaking” isn’t one you hear every day, and it quickly became clear Ruben wasn’t the only one hearing it.
He even shared a video in his post of the noise which can be found here.
Fellow Owners Share Their Similar Experiences
Dennis Green chimed in with a relatable take: “My 2023 R1T does the same thing! It sounds like a squeaky screen door opening on an old country house. I kinda like it but can understand why most wouldn’t appreciate it.” It’s these kinds of unexpected behaviors that make EV ownership an adventure. One day your truck greets you in silence, the next it lets out a quirky little groan that makes you pause and wonder if it's trying to talk back.
But not everyone was as amused. Kyle Stark added, “So I’m not losing my mind. Thanks for this,” confirming that this croaking phenomenon might be more widespread than it initially seems.
Thankfully, some commenters were quick to jump in with practical advice. Justin Calland cut straight to the point: “Active grille shutters, spray lube at the pivot points. End of thread.”
Galen Koch followed that up with a more detailed recommendation: “What Justin said. Spray dry lube at the pivot points at either end of the front grill. PTFE works, WD-40 Dry Lube is also good. Use something with a spray straw to get back in there.”
It’s likely that what Ruben (and others) are hearing is the sound of the active grille shutters moving when the truck wakes up. These shutters help with aerodynamics and cooling, and if they dry out or get a bit sticky, they can make some interesting noises. It’s a small issue, but one that can sound alarming if you’re not expecting it.
This isn’t the first time Rivian owners have turned to each other to make sense of their vehicles’ quirks. In fact, community problem-solving has become a hallmark of Rivian ownership. Whether it’s diagnosing an unexpected charging failure during an extended trip, or learning how to handle confusing service communication, these groups have become digital lifelines for EV owners.
Understanding the Cause: A Technical Breakdown
The croaking sound might not be a serious mechanical issue, but it does raise a bigger question: how well do we really understand the complexity of the systems working silently (or not so silently) under the hood? EVs are machines of software and sensors, and like any piece of tech, even small things like dry lube points or sticking vents can cause mystery noises.
From a technical standpoint, it makes sense. Active grille shutters are designed to open and close based on driving conditions to improve aerodynamic efficiency and thermal management. They’re motorized, and like any moving part, they can start to squeak or croak if the lubrication wears off. When the Rivian wakes up, it likely runs a quick diagnostic cycle, briefly engaging these shutters, and that’s when the sound kicks in.
It might not be harmful, but it certainly feels unusual. And that sense of unfamiliarity is something many EV owners have had to adjust to. One day you're marveling at your smooth, quiet drivetrain, and the next you're wondering why the service loaner failed too while your original truck was still in the shop.
A Community That Learns Together
But these stories also highlight something positive: how plugged-in and resourceful the Rivian community is. Owners like Ruben aren’t just asking questions, they’re building a database of real-world experiences that help new and veteran owners alike. That’s the kind of energy that’s helped EV adoption spread so quickly.
It also brings back a familiar theme we’ve seen across many Rivian ownership stories, like how one former EV skeptic became hooked after getting a Rivian R1T. When you move into the Rivian ecosystem, you gain more than just a new vehicle. You join a network of curious, enthusiastic, and helpful drivers who turn small mysteries into shared learning moments.
And when it comes to upgrading experiences, one owner recently shared how switching from a Kia EV6 to the Rivian R1S Gen 2 felt like the perfect leap. These transitions remind us that even unexpected quirks like croaking noises don’t define ownership, they just become part of the story.
How This Situation Sheds Light on Modern EV Ownership
I think this whole croaking situation, while interesting at first glance, really shows just how different the EV experience is from traditional truck ownership. In the past, if your vehicle made a weird noise, it probably meant something was broken or about to break. But with EVs, especially tech-savvy ones like the 2023 Rivian R1T, strange sounds don’t always mean trouble. Sometimes they’re just the byproduct of complex systems doing their job in unexpected ways.
I find that stories like this open the door to important conversations about what it means to truly understand the machines we drive. It’s not just about power and range anymore. It’s about software logic, automated components, and the way we interact with vehicles that feel more like computers on wheels than trucks. And I think that shift is worth exploring with curiosity rather than concern.
Key Takeaways
- Croaking or squeaking on wakeup: If your 2023 Rivian R1T makes strange sounds when it powers on, check the active grille shutters. It’s often a simple fix with dry lube.
- Startup noises in EVs: Sounds like this are common and don’t always signal a problem, but they’re worth documenting and keeping an eye on.
- Strength in community: Online groups are valuable tools for diagnosing EV quirks and learning from shared experiences.
- A new kind of relationship: EVs shift the driver-vehicle dynamic by adding layers of automation, software, and behavior unfamiliar to traditional truck owners.
- Stay involved: Being informed and curious can make ownership smoother and sometimes help you avoid unnecessary service visits.
What About You?
Have you noticed any strange sounds coming from your Rivian when it wakes up or shuts down?
And do you think EV manufacturers should do more to educate owners on what startup noises are considered normal?
Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Rivian Gallery and the "RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion" public Facebook group.
Follow us today...
