Rivian electric vehicles, like the R1T truck and R1S SUV, are top contenders in their category, even surpassing models from well-established automakers. According to the 2024 Plug In America Driver Annual Survey Report, Rivian vehicles rank among the best in critical areas like range, performance, safety, comfort, styling, cargo space, and overall reliability, often securing top-three spots across these categories.
As more people adopt EVs, many choose Rivian. The rising number of EVs from the Irvine, CA, automaker means more drivers will need repairs and servicing. However, Rivian models are unlike traditional cars, including top electric models from other manufacturers.
Only certified Rivian body shops can ensure repairs meet Rivian’s standards, avoiding risks like voided warranties and potential safety hazards. Find out why Rivians are different and why you should only bring yours to a certified Rivian repair center.
What Makes Rivian Repairs Different
Rivian vehicles, like the R1T and R1S, feature advanced technology and design, making repairs challenging.
- Unique construction and materials. Like many modern EVs, Rivians are constructed using a skateboard design. The skateboard is equivalent to a traditional car’s chassis and is a flat plane to which the electric motors, wheels, suspensions, and battery pack are attached.Rivian’s skateboard design is modular, allowing the automaker to install bodies of different shapes onto the skateboard. For instance, the same skateboard is under the truck-shaped body of the R1T or the SUV body of the R1S.
- Advanced electrics and electronics. Rivians are renowned for their extensive use of technologically advanced driver assistance systems. Each car has Driver+, a dense array of high-resolution cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radars, and a modern GPS and traffic information system.These highly advanced components are complex and more advanced than previous-generation equivalents. Rivian was among the first to offer this level of technology in an EV using bespoke components and software, and only a few automakers offer comparable systems today.
- Specialized training. Rivian requires body shops and technicians to complete rigorous certification and training for proper vehicle servicing.
Certified technicians receive training to familiarize themselves with Rivian’s unique vehicle architectures, specialized software and hardware diagnostics tools, and unique repair procedures. Fully accredited auto body shops become part of the Rivian Certified Collision Center network and receive access to its OEM parts catalog.
Certification Requirements for Rivian Repairs
Servicing your Rivian at an authorized collision center ensures the technicians are trained and equipped to Rivian’s standards.
- Access to state-of-the-art tools and equipment. Rivian Certified Collision Centers must have access to advanced auto diagnostic systems and repair equipment. They include lifts capable of handling a Rivian’s full weight, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration equipment, and repair equipment for aluminum and composite materials.
- Training and knowledge. The technicians at each certified Rivian repair center must be fully accredited and trained to use these tools and receive Rivian-approved training and education. It includes courses on structural repairs, EV systems, Rivian-specific ADAS software such as Driver+, and model-specific training. This training allows Rivian Certified Collision Center to complete the entire repair procedure according to the manufacturer’s safety and quality control standards.
- Facility standards. Each facility designated as a Certified Collision Center must meet Rivian’s minimum requirements.
For instance, the paint booth must be at least 12’ high with an entry door at least 9.8’ tall, the lift weight system must fit at least 9,900 lbs., and the shop must have an ADAS calibration space of at least 18’ by 44.3’. The facility must also feature a secure parking lot, dedicated workshop and paint areas, and use equipment from approved brands and manufacturers. - Electrical Wiring After a Collision. After a collision, Rivian’s electrical wiring can become compromised. Certified shops must thoroughly inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace damaged wiring to ensure the vehicle’s electrical systems, including the high-voltage battery, are fully operational. Given that Rivian EVs rely heavily on electrical systems to manage everything from propulsion to driver-assistance features, improper handling of these wires could lead to significant issues, including vehicle malfunction or electrical hazards. Shops certified by Rivian are trained to safely diagnose, repair, and test these systems post-collision.
Potential Risks of a Non-Certified Body Shop
Although Rivian owners can choose any body shop for repairs, opting for a shop that isn’t qualified by Rivian presents risks. Here’s why it’s worth reconsidering non-authorized body shops:
- Can void your warranty. Visiting a certified auto body shop while your vehicle is still under warranty is a great way to keep repair costs down. Receiving repairs and servicing from an auto body shop not part of Rivian’s Certified Collision Center network risks voiding your vehicle’s warranty.
You may lose coverage for future repairs, parts replacement, maintenance services, and other expenses, increasing out-of-pocket costs to keep your Rivian repaired. - Lowered resale value. Repairs conducted by non-approved shops will show up on the vehicle’s records, such as its Carfax. Even if the repairs are good or acceptable, future buyers may raise concerns over the nature or extent of the repairs if non-Rivian-certified technicians conducted them. This is especially true if third-party or aftermarket parts were used instead of OEM parts.
- Safety risks. Improperly conducted repairs at a non-approved auto body shop can create safety risks and concerns with your vehicle. For example, non-certified repair centers may lack access to Rivian-certified diagnostics tools, meaning they may fail to diagnose a critical issue or conduct a necessary repair. This can compromise your Rivian’s performance and safety, putting you and your vehicle at risk.
How to Find a Rivian Certified Body Shop
If you own a Rivian such as the R1T or R1S, you’ll need to know where to get it repaired, maintained, and serviced. Rivian’s Certified Collision Center network includes numerous manufacturer-approved auto body shops across the United States.
Rivian’s support website contains a center finder tool that allows you to find a Rivian Certified Collision Center within or near your ZIP code. For example, if you live in Mid-City or Mid-Wilshire in Los Angeles, you may enter 90019 as your ZIP code. If you do, you’ll find Harry’s Auto Collision at the top of the list because it is the only Rivian-certified body shop in that ZIP code.
However, don’t just rely on the list provided by Rivian to find the best possible auto body shop. Research each shop’s certifications and qualifications to find the best one for your needs. In addition to a manufacturer certification, the best auto body shops should offer the following:
- Several years or even decades of experience in the auto body shop industry
- Certified by a nationally recognized auto repair organization, such as I-CAR Gold or ASE
- Individual technicians with top auto repair certifications, such as I-CAR Platinum
- Positive reviews, testimonials, and signs of good customer service
- Comprehensive and accurate preliminary estimates
Get Professional Rivian Service at Harry’s Auto Collision
As a proud owner of a Rivian electric truck or SUV, maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety is essential. While non-certified body shops might offer faster or cheaper options, they lack the specialized training and equipment required to handle Rivian’s advanced technology. For true peace of mind, only a Rivian-certified body shop can deliver the precision repairs that meet Rivian’s rigorous standards.
Choosing uncertified repairs may seem like a cost-saving solution, but it risks voiding your warranty and leading to incomplete repairs. This can result in even more costly fixes later, especially when it comes to the intricate electrical systems unique to Rivian vehicles.
At Harry’s Auto Collision, we are the exclusive Rivian-certified body shop in Ventura County, serving areas including Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks. Our shop has over 50 years of experience in providing superior service, and our ASE-certified technicians have received full Rivian training and certification. From collision repairs to comprehensive maintenance and paint services, we are fully equipped to care for your Rivian vehicle.
Contact us today to schedule your Rivian service and ensure your vehicle stays in peak condition.
