Rivian, Lemon Law Waivers, and What Consumers Need to Know
What’s the Problem
Recent reports claim Rivian has been offering cash payments to customers in exchange for waiving their legal rights under state Lemon Laws and federal warranty protections. One Rivian R1S owner in Georgia was allegedly offered $2,000 to sign a release giving up claims under Georgia’s Lemon Law, breach of warranty laws, and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act for all issues “to date.”
At the same time, Rivian owners have reported serious issues with their vehicles, including inoperable air conditioning systems, lengthy service delays, and poor communication from service centers. These defects raise the very concerns that Lemon Laws are designed to address.
Allegations
Rivian allegedly conditions “goodwill” payments on consumers signing waivers that limit or eliminate their Lemon Law and warranty rights.
At least one customer’s waiver required releasing Rivian from claims tied to defects experienced up to the date of signing.
Other owners have reported similar offers, sometimes when their vehicles were stuck at service centers for extended periods.
Legal Protections
State Lemon Laws: Designed to protect consumers who buy new vehicles that suffer repeated, unfixable problems. Remedies often include a buyback or replacement.
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: A federal law that gives consumers the right to enforce written warranties when manufacturers fail to uphold them.
Consumer Protection Acts: Many states prohibit deceptive or unfair business practices, including agreements that trick consumers into waiving statutory rights.
Concerns with Waivers
Loss of Rights: By signing, consumers may give up the right to force Rivian to repurchase or replace their defective vehicles.
Enforceability Issues: Some waivers may not be valid if obtained under pressure, without clear disclosure, or if they conflict with public policy.
Timing: These offers are often made after consumers have already experienced repeated issues, when Lemon Law rights are strongest.
Limited Language: Even if a waiver only applies “to date,” it could still block claims tied to major defects already known or documented.
Symptoms Owners Report
Air conditioning failing within weeks of delivery.
Vehicles stuck at service centers for days or weeks with little communication.
Offers of small payments or lease support in exchange for giving up claims.
How to Proceed
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with Rivian. Make sure every complaint is written into the service order.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: If the same issue persists after multiple repair attempts, or if your Rivian spends more than 30 days in the shop, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
Monitor Symptoms: If you notice safety concerns, warning lights, or repeated failures, stop driving and seek immediate inspection.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: Never sign a waiver without legal advice. An attorney can explain whether the waiver is enforceable and whether your vehicle qualifies for repurchase, replacement, or other remedies under California law.
Contact Us!
If you own a Rivian R1S or another Rivian vehicle and have been offered money in exchange for signing away your Lemon Law rights, be cautious. These agreements may limit your ability to pursue the full remedies you are entitled to.
At Valero Law, APC, we help California consumers hold automakers accountable under the state’s Lemon Law. If you have experienced repeated issues with your Rivian, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 for a free case evaluation. All cases are taken on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win.