New Rivian Pickup, SUV to Come with 175,000-Mile Warranty

Startup electric carmaker Rivian is making a play for new customers with a generous warranty offer.

When the company rolls out its first pickup truck and sport utility vehicle in June, they will come with an eight-year/175,000-mile warranty, Car and Driver reports. That beats the current industry standard - eight years or 100,000 miles - but does not reach a similar unlimited mileage warranty offer from Tesla, the electric vehicle giant with which Rivian wants to compete.

The eight-year/170,000 warranty covers the cars’ battery packs and electric drivetrain components, according to Car and Driver. Everything else is covered for five years or 60,000 miles.

Like Tesla, Rivian plans to sell cars directly to customers, rather than through a dealership or other middleman. But CEO RJ Scaringe has been careful to say that he is not looking to dethrone Elon Musk and co. from the top of the luxury electric vehicle market.

“The world needs more than one new electric and new innovator within the space and we’ve been thoughtful also to not try to compete directly in the space they're in,” Scaringe told The Drive in 2019. “If we’re going after that type of a use case, I think it doesn't make any sense.”

The electric vehicle manufacturer is also said to be offering concierge-style maintenance service. Rivian reportedly plans to provide on-demand repairs and will open more than 40 service centers across the country in the coming year.

The Hidden Risks of Vehicle Defects

The new Rivian warranty is a nice touch that unfortunately may very well be needed. 

That is because auto manufacturers around the globe regularly recall huge swaths of vehicles for a wide range of defects that pose serious safety risks. Drivers are often not made aware of these issues until long after they have hit the road in new vehicles.

The good news for car owners and lessors in California is that you have some significant protections under the state’s lemon law. 

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires carmakers to perform repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires manufacturers to buy back - or, in some cases, replace - covered cars that a company is unable or unwilling to fix. 

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a detective or malfunctioning vehicle in the Golden State, an experienced California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you understand and enforce your rights.

Our lawyers have represented hundreds of clients across the state in defective vehicle cases. We are tireless advocates, dedicated to ensuring that car manufacturers are held responsible when they do not live up to their responsibilities. Our firm has a strong track record of successful results for our clients.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.