EV Checklist/Rivian Delivery Checklist

Rivian R1S Delivery Checklist (2026)

A free interactive Rivian delivery day checklist — 92 inspection points for the R1S, built separately for the truck and the SUV so you only see what applies to yours. Go through it with your Rivian guide before you accept the vehicle.

Quick answer

Check the paperwork, VIN and key cards first, then walk the SUV in daylight for paint, panel gaps and glass damage. Test the split liftgate, all three seat rows, every screen and camera, and the 120V and 12V outlets (turn outlet power on from the screen first), then charge and take a short drive. Report anything you find before you accept. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes.

Last updated November 15, 2026

Which Rivian are you picking up?

R1T (truck)R1S (SUV)

🎒 Bring: your license and proof of insurance for the new VIN, your phone with the Rivian app signed in, a phone flashlight, a USB-C cable and a phone charger brick to test the ports and 120V outlets.

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learnmyev.com • Rivian R1S Delivery Checklist (2026)

Vehicle: _______________________ VIN: _______________________ Date: _____________

📋 Paperwork, Keys & Before You Start

0/8

VIN on the vehicle matches your purchase agreement and registration documents

Name, address and price are correct on every document before you sign

Trim, motor setup, battery pack, color, wheels and interior match your order exactly

Settings → About: VIN and configuration shown on screen match your order

Vehicle is transferred into your Rivian app and shows as yours

Delivery mileage is low — ask about anything over about 50 miles

Software is on the latest version, or an update is not stuck pending

Key card(s) present — gen 2 R1 ships with key cards and phone key, the key fob is a paid add-on unless your order included one

🔍 Exterior Body & Paint

0/13

💡 Tip: Do the walkaround in daylight if you can. A phone flashlight held at a low angle across a panel shows paint flaws that overhead lights hide.

Walk the whole vehicle in daylight: no dents, scratches, chips or swirl marks

Paint: no runs, drips, overspray or "orange peel" texture — shine a phone light across each panel at an angle

Hood/frunk gap: even on both sides and front to back

Front door gaps: even top to bottom, matching on both sides

Rear door gaps: even top to bottom, matching on both sides

Fenders and bumpers: flush with the panels next to them, nothing sitting proud

Flush door handles: present, aligned, and pop out when you approach with your key

Doors: open and close smoothly, no panel or seal rubbing on the edges

With every door open: all rubber seals seated, no pinched or loose sections (a common cause of wind noise)

Paint in hidden spots: door jambs, under the handles and inside the frunk opening

Charge port door: opens and closes, sits flush when shut

Upper liftgate gaps: even on both sides, glass edges sealed

Lower liftgate: lines up with the bumper and quarter panels on both sides

🔦 Glass & Lighting

0/11

💡 Tip: Moisture inside a light housing means a seal problem. Flag it before you leave.

Windshield: no chips, cracks or distortion — look through it from the driver seat

Side windows: no chips, cracks or rippling

Glass roof: aligned with the roof line, no cracks, edges sealed

Headlights: low and high beam work, no condensation inside the housings

Front light bar: lit evenly across the full width, no dark segments

Rear light bar: lit evenly, no dark segments

Turn signals front and rear, hazards and brake lights all work (have someone press the pedal)

Fog lights (if equipped) and puddle lights under the mirrors work

All exterior cameras: lenses clean and unscratched

Rear liftgate glass: no chips or cracks

Cargo area and liftgate lights work

🚙 Liftgate, Cargo Area & Frunk

0/6

Upper liftgate: power-opens and closes from the button, screen and app, stops if blocked

Lower liftgate: drops by hand and latches securely back up

Cargo floor and sill: no scratches, scuffs or damage

Under-floor cargo storage opens and is undamaged

Camp speaker (if equipped): docked, comes out, charges and plays

Frunk: power opens and closes quietly, seal seated, drain clear

🛞 Wheels, Tires & Underbody

0/6

All four wheels: no curb rash, scrapes or cracks

Valve stem caps present on all four wheels

Tires: correct size for your order, no cuts, bulges or uneven wear

Tire pressures: all four correct and equal on the screen

Underbody: look under the front, sides and rear with a light for transport scrapes or damage

Onboard air compressor: present and runs

🪑 Interior — Three Rows, Seats & Storage

0/19

💡 Tip: Sit in every seat, including the third row. Fold every seat at least once — a stuck latch is easier to fix now than later.

Front seats: no tears, stains or uneven stitching; all power adjustments work

Seat heaters (and ventilation, if equipped): every seat that has them

Steering wheel: no marks, power tilt and telescope work, heater works

Dash, console and door trim: no scratches, gaps or loose pieces; no rattles when pressed

Center console: storage and lids open and close, wireless phone chargers charge

All USB-C ports (console, rear and seat backs): each one charges a device

All four windows: full up and down, auto-up and auto-down both work, no grinding

Side mirrors: adjust and power fold from the screen

Sun visors: mirrors and lights work

Dome, footwell and ambient lighting work

Floor mats present and fitted, if they were part of your order

No unusual smells (burning, chemical, damp)

Second row: no tears or stains; seats fold flat and return upright (power fold, if equipped)

Second-row captain's chairs (if equipped): slide, recline, armrests stow flush, cup holders release

Third-row access: second row tips or slides forward and locks back in place

Third row: no tears or stains; seats fold flat and back up (power fold, if equipped)

Second-row climate vents and controls blow hot and cold air

Third-row vents move air

Rear sunshades / privacy shades (if equipped) work

📱 Screens, Software & Driving Features

0/13

Driver display and center screen: no warning or error messages

Center screen: responsive everywhere, no dead spots or dead pixels

Phone key: unlock, lock and drive with your phone

Key card(s): tap each one to unlock and to start the vehicle

Bluetooth: pairs, plays music and handles a test phone call

Navigation: maps load and a test route works

All speakers: play audio and use fade and balance to confirm every speaker works

All camera views (including 360/overhead): clear and in focus

Drive modes: cycle through each one — no errors or strange noises

Ride height: raise and lower through each setting (air suspension) — smooth, no warnings

Autonomy+ / Highway Assist (if purchased or subscribed): shows active in your account

Climate: A/C blows cold and heat blows hot at full fan, no rattles from the vents

Horn and windshield wipers and washer fluid work

🔌 Power Outlets

0/4

💡 Tip: Rivian outlets are switched off by default. Turn them on from the screen before you test, or a working outlet will look dead.

Turn on outlet power from the screen first

120V outlet under the rear display: plug in a device (a phone charger works) and confirm power

120V outlet in the cargo area: confirm power

12V outlet in the cargo area: confirm power

⚡ Charging

0/5

Charge port type matches your build (CCS1 or NACS) and the charging adapters listed on your order are in the vehicle

Charge port light comes on when you open the port

Plug in a Level 2 charger if one is available: charging starts and the rate shows on screen

Mobile charger (if included with your order): present, plugs in and shows on screen

Charge limit and charging schedule set the way you want before you leave

🚗 Test Drive (If Allowed)

0/7

💡 Tip: Ask your Rivian guide for a short loop. Wind and road noise only show up at speed.

Steering wheel sits straight when driving straight, no pull to either side

Brakes: firm, no pulsing or grinding

Acceleration: smooth, no clunks or hesitation

Regenerative braking engages smoothly when you lift off

No wind noise at speed from the doors, mirrors or glass roof

No rattles, creaks or clunks over bumps and in tight turns

Driver-assist warnings (lane keep, collision) are on in settings

R1T vs R1S: what is different

The truck and the SUV each have their own list above. These are the checks that only one of them has.

R1T (truck)

Tailgate: power release, closes and latches by hand
Gear tunnel: both doors, latches, lights, 12V and 120V power
Bed: surface, lights, tie-downs and 120V outlets
Powered tonneau (if equipped): opens, closes and seals

R1S (SUV)

Split liftgate: power upper glass, manual lower gate
Third row: access, folding and air from the vents
Second-row captain's chairs (if equipped)
Cargo area: lights, 12V and 120V power

If you find a problem

Finding something is normal. Here is how to make sure it actually gets fixed.

1. Show your guide before you accept

Point it out while you are still at the vehicle, and take a photo and a short video. Ask your Rivian guide to note it, and open a service request in the Rivian app for each issue before you leave so there is a written record.

2. Sort it into three groups

Fix on the spot: an outlet that is just switched off, low tire pressure, a missing key card, a setting turned off, leftover protective film.
Accept and schedule service: a small paint flaw, a trim rattle, a slightly uneven panel or a seal that needs reseating.
Consider not accepting yet: body damage, cracked glass, the wrong configuration, a warning that will not clear, or loud wind noise at speed.

3. Think about where service is

If your nearest Rivian service center is far away, be stricter on delivery day. Something that is a quick fix before you accept can mean a long drive or a mobile service wait afterward.

Rivian delivery checklist FAQ

What should I check when I take delivery of a Rivian?

Start with the paperwork and VIN, then walk the exterior (paint, panel gaps, glass, lights, wheels), the truck bed and gear tunnel on an R1T or the liftgate and third row on an R1S, then the interior, screens, power outlets and charging, and finish with a short drive. Pick R1T or R1S at the top of the page to open the checklist for that vehicle.

How long does a Rivian delivery inspection take?

Plan on 45 minutes to an hour for the full list. The R1S takes a little longer because of the extra seat rows. Go in daylight if you can and bring a phone flashlight for the paint check.

Does a new Rivian come with a key fob?

Second-generation R1T and R1S (2025 model year onward) come with key cards and phone-as-key through the Rivian app. A physical key fob is sold separately unless your order included one, so check your order before you assume one is missing.

Why do the Rivian power outlets not work at delivery?

They are usually just switched off. Rivian outlets have to be turned on from the screen before they supply power, so turn them on first, then plug in a phone charger to test each one.

Can I refuse delivery of a Rivian?

Yes. You can decline a vehicle that has real damage, the wrong configuration or a fault that will not clear, and ask Rivian to fix it before you accept or to find another vehicle. A different vehicle can mean a wait, so ask your guide how it affects your order before deciding.

What if I find a problem after I drive away?

Open a service request in the Rivian app with photos for each issue. Defects are covered by the new vehicle warranty, but cosmetic damage is much easier to get fixed when it is documented at delivery, which is why the walkaround matters.

What is different between the R1T and R1S checklist?

The R1T list covers the truck bed, power tailgate, gear tunnel and the powered tonneau if fitted. The R1S list covers the split liftgate, cargo area and all three seat rows instead. Everything else, like paint, glass, screens and charging, is checked on both.

Can I print this Rivian checklist?

Yes. Press Print at the top and choose Save as PDF to keep a copy. The printout includes checkboxes, your selected model and space for notes.

Keep going

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