$42,000 for this? A simple scratch turns into a nightmare for owners of this American pickup that costs barely twice as much

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The cost of repairs on electric vehicles has always been a sensitive topic, and Rivian R1T owners regularly pay the price.

This electric pickup, already known for its hefty repair bills after accidents, has once again proven that even a minor fender bender can turn into a financial nightmare. Several recent incidents highlight just how expensive it can be to get these vehicles back in shape, even after the smallest impact.

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A simple scratch, a shocking bill

Take the example of an owner who barely hit a pole in a parking lot. From the outside, the damage seemed minimal: a cracked taillight, some chipped paint, and a slight scratch on the bumper. You’d probably think, “A quick trip to the body shop, just a minor repair,” right? Yet, the repair estimate skyrocketed to a staggering $7,490—far beyond the $1,400 initially estimated by the insurance company. This isn’t the first time an R1T has racked up a disproportionately high repair bill for a minor incident. What’s concerning isn’t just the exorbitant amount but also the complexity of the repair process, which consistently inflates costs.

A cracked taillight, some chipped paint, and a slight scratch on the bumper.
A cracked taillight, some chipped paint, and a slight scratch on the bumper.

When a minor collision costs more than a new car

Another Rivian owner had an even more shocking experience. After being lightly rear-ended by a Lexus RX330, he expected a reasonable repair bill. The other driver’s insurance initially estimated the damage at $1,600. But after taking the electric truck to a Rivian-certified repair center, the final bill soared past $42,000! Why such a massive increase? Simply because the R1T’s design requires dismantling large sections of the vehicle to replace certain parts. In this case, the entire rear body panel, tailgate, and even the rear window had to be removed just to access the damaged components. The result? Several months of downtime and a bill that would make any potential buyer think twice.

Rivian RT1 - © Rivian
Rivian RT1 – © Rivian

Why are Rivian repairs so expensive?

So, which electric car is the most expensive to maintain? Rivian owners aren’t the only ones facing outrageous repair costs, but this electric pickup seems to be particularly affected. The main reason? A design that prioritizes aesthetics and aerodynamics over repairability. Unlike other models where body panels can be replaced individually, some sections of the R1T are a single unit, meaning entire portions of the vehicle must be replaced if damaged—similar to certain supercars with carbon fiber body panels. On top of that, the limited number of certified repair centers and the need to recalibrate sensors and other onboard technologies drive the costs even higher. What a shame, the Rivian R1T which aims to be a rugged off-road pickup, is so exciting…

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This article explores how minor accidents with the Rivian R1T can result in exorbitant repair costs. With a complex design, specialized parts, and a shortage of repair centers, this electric pickup highlights the limitations of a still-young market. This raises an important question: as vehicle electrification becomes mainstream, could these extreme repair costs dampen drivers’ enthusiasm for EVs?

Images: NeverEverSayNever2 on Reddit

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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