Rivian R1T, Obtained Nearly a Week Ago, Falls Short of Ordered and Paid-For Specifications; Sixteen Extra Days Required for Modification

In a recent turn of events, Lisa Murphy, a new owner of a Rivian R1T, discovered that the Performance Upgrade Package she had selected and paid for was not installed on her vehicle upon delivery.

This unexpected discovery has raised concerns among Rivian owners, as customers are expected to receive their upgrades immediately after payment, reflecting common expectations within the user community. Several Rivian owners have reported similar experiences, confirming the issue.

Rivian's direct-to-consumer model can make it harder to get immediate answers when something feels off. The company informs customers that the performance upgrade will not be activated until 60 days after delivery. This delay has been met with mixed reactions, with some suggesting it could be used for a break-in period and learning the vehicle, while others question the need for such a wait.

Adam Beckerman, another Rivian owner, suggested that Lisa may have not selected the performance upgrade during purchase. However, the fact that the upgrade was not ready from day one has raised questions among the community. Dong M Kim suggested that the issue might be related to an over-the-air (OTA) software update, but found it unusual that the upgrade was not ready from the start.

The performance package on Rivian vehicles often includes higher output motors, faster 0-60 times, better wheels and tires. For many buyers, this package is a significant reason for choosing Rivian. Missing it even temporarily undermines the ownership experience.

Lisa's experience resonated with other Rivian owners, who shared similar early delivery quirks and service inconsistencies. Milo Gar questioned why Lisa still had the vehicle in her possession if she paid for a performance upgrade she didn't receive and didn't want the vehicle.

As Rivian continues to grow, the need for improved customer service, software delivery, and communication becomes increasingly apparent. The company's OTA update system may be used to roll out paid upgrades on a delay, but customers should push for transparency and take the time to inspect every aspect of their truck, ask questions, and verify that they are receiving exactly what they ordered.

Despite these challenges, the Rivian R1T has shown its long-distance capabilities and charging network viability, with one owner driving across 49 states in under a year. A longtime Lexus owner chose Rivian over the Lexus RZ 550e because Rivian represented something bold and fresh.

In response to the concerns raised by Lisa Murphy's case, Rivian informed her that the upgrade would not be activated until 60 days after delivery. The company has yet to comment further on the matter.