Rivian Issues Service Bulletin For Possible Front HVAC Water Ingress On Some R1T And R1S Vehicles
Rivian has issued a technical service bulletin for some 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles that may be susceptible to water entering the front HVAC assembly. According to the bulletin, this condition may result in damp or soggy carpets in the front of the vehicle.
The bulletin, identified as RSB-26-26-001-1: HVAC Sealant Application, was dated May 14, 2026, and applies to affected vehicles in the United States.
What The Rivian Bulletin Covers
Rivian says some model year 2022-2024 R1T and R1S vehicles may be susceptible to water ingress in the front HVAC assembly. If an owner complains of wet carpet in the front of the vehicle, Rivian will inspect the component, replace any damaged parts if needed, and reseal the case to help prevent additional water ingress.
This is a technical service bulletin, not a recall. That means it is generally handled when a customer reports the condition or when Rivian determines the bulletin applies to a specific vehicle.
Affected Vehicles
The bulletin lists the following affected vehicle information:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Type | Technical Service Bulletin |
| Bulletin Number | RSB-26-26-001-1 |
| Date | May 14, 2026 |
| Affected Region | USA |
| Affected Models | Rivian R1T and R1S |
| Model Years | 2022-2024 |
| Approximate Build Dates | September 2021-April 2024 |
| Vehicle System | Thermal Management |
What Owners May Notice
The main symptom owners may notice is moisture inside the front of the cabin. Rivian specifically mentions damp or soggy carpets in the front of the vehicle.
For owners, this is something worth paying attention to because water intrusion can sometimes be easy to miss at first. It may show up as a damp floor, a musty odor, visible moisture, or carpeting that feels wet after rain, washing the vehicle, or using the HVAC system.
What Rivian Will Inspect
The bulletin directs Rivian service to remove and inspect the cabin heater component. If the component is not sealed, Rivian checks the circuit board for evidence of moisture ingress.
If moisture is found on the circuit board, the bulletin calls for replacement of the cabin heater. If the circuit board does not show moisture ingress, Rivian proceeds with sealant application instead.
The bulletin also includes procedures for applying Lexel sealant around the cabin heater case joint, sealing the HVAC drip pan, sealing the HVAC side cover, replacing the front HVAC drain valve gasket, replacing the front expansion valve seal, installing the R1 body HVAC drain gasket, and replacing the front HVAC drain valve.
Why This Matters
Water intrusion inside a vehicle cabin is always worth taking seriously. Even when the issue starts as a damp carpet, moisture can potentially affect interior materials, electronics, connectors, odor, and long-term cabin comfort.
The good news is that Rivian has a documented service procedure for inspecting the area, replacing damaged parts when needed, and resealing the HVAC components to prevent additional water ingress.
What R1T And R1S Owners Should Do
If you own a 2022-2024 Rivian R1T or R1S, especially one built between September 2021 and April 2024, it may be worth checking the front footwell areas for signs of moisture.
- Check the driver and passenger front carpet areas.
- If you have all-weather mats you should remove those and inspect the carpet underneath regularly.
- Feel for dampness after rain or a vehicle wash.
- Pay attention to musty odors inside the cabin.
- Look for recurring moisture rather than a one-time spill.
- If you notice damp or soggy carpet, schedule service with Rivian ASAP and reference bulletin RSB-26-26-001-1.
Rivian’s bulletin notes that applicability should be confirmed through Rivian’s TSB Guide Dashboard, so not every 2022-2024 R1T or R1S will necessarily be included.
EV Outdoors Take
This is one of those bulletins that owners should be aware of, but not panic over. If your front carpets are dry and you have not noticed any signs of moisture, there may be nothing to do right now.
However, if you own an earlier R1T or R1S and notice damp or soggy carpet in the front of the vehicle, this bulletin gives Rivian service a clear inspection and repair path. The key is to document what you are seeing, check the front footwell areas, and contact Rivian service immediately if the issue appears to be present.
As many of you may remember we had an R1S repurchased by Rivian back in 2024 due to an HVAC leak and the resulting interior damage and odor. This is an issue I would recommend you deal with promptly to prevent a similar situation with your vehicle.
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Source: Bulletin RSB-26-26-001-1
