Rivian R2 Delivery Day (Didn’t Go as Planned)

After waiting more than two years, a day-one reservation holder finally arrived to pick up his Rivian R2. The delivery had already been delayed because Rivian found a paint blemish, so the big question was simple: had the issue been fixed, and would the car pass a very close inspection before its first drive?

Key takeaways

• Rivian delayed delivery by about a week to repair a paint blemish.
• The vehicle could not be inspected before payment, though a cashier’s check allowed the buyer to hold payment until inspection.
• California buyers have seven days or 100 miles to report fit-and-finish problems.
• The R2 had several small flaws, including scratches, uneven trim, and a possible seat rattle.
• No major mechanical or electrical problems appeared during the first drive.
• The R2 charged successfully at home using a Tesla Wall Connector.

A long wait finally reaches delivery day

This was not a normal delivery appointment. The buyer had reserved the R2 on day one, received an invitation to configure it near the end of June, and finally received the vehicle on August 13. After more than two years of waiting, there was understandable excitement—and a little worry.

A few days before delivery, Rivian found a problem with the car and pushed the appointment back by roughly one week. At first, it was unclear whether the issue was serious or just a small “potato problem,” as the buyer called the minor defects he kept finding.

The paint blemish had apparently been repaired. Now the car needed a full inspection.

What to know before accepting an R2

The delivery team was friendly and helpful, but there was one important limitation: the buyer could not inspect the R2 before showing proof of payment.

Customers using the app can pay electronically. Those who want to inspect the vehicle first may want to bring a cashier’s check. That way, the check can be held until the buyer looks over the car and decides whether to accept delivery.

In California, Rivian currently provides seven days or 100 miles to report fit-and-finish problems. If there is a serious issue, the buyer can reject the vehicle identification number and be placed back into the queue. The original reservation deposit does not simply become available again, though, so rejecting a vehicle is still a major decision.

Exterior inspection finds a few small flaws

The inspection started at the front of the R2. The gloss-black surfaces were checked for scratches, along with the tow hooks, front camera, headlights, panel gaps, hood, and front trim.

Most of the front looked good. The repaired paint area appeared much better than expected, and the front camera and lights were clear. There was, however, a noticeable scratch in the plastic trim. Some of the gloss-black areas also had fine marks that may have come from buffing or detailing.

The hood alignment was slightly uneven. One side had a visibly larger gap than the other, but it was not severe enough to affect the way the hood closed or the overall condition of the vehicle.

The frunk passed most of its checks. The seals and hinges looked intact, the light worked, and the automatic latch closed the compartment gently. The vehicle also included the expected charging equipment and adapters for the applicable market.

Doors, panels, wheels, and glass

The side inspection revealed more small details. There was a deep scratch in one piece of exterior trim, some wax residue, and a slight difference in the way the door and trim lined up. One door also had a scratch on the inside, along with a few marks around the hardware.

The buyer checked each door for several things:

1. Panel alignment and gaps.
2. Scratches in the paint and plastic trim.
3. Torn or loose weather seals.
4. Door rattles and unusual sounds.
5. Proper operation of the windows and manual releases.

The windows worked, including the dual-pane glass. The manual door releases also worked, which is important if the vehicle loses power or the electronic controls cannot be used during an emergency.

The wheels looked clean, and the yellow brake calipers on the performance model were in good shape. Tire pressure was uneven, with one tire noticeably lower than the others. Rivian checked the tire and confirmed there was no puncture, then filled it back up.

Interior features get a full workout

Inside, the R2 was checked for scratches, cracked glass, loose trim, water marks, and damaged seals. The glass roof looked good, and the cabin had plenty of headroom.

The materials were a mix of soft-touch surfaces and harder plastic. That is part of how Rivian keeps the R2 more affordable than the larger R1 models. The areas people touch most often felt more finished, while lower sections used simpler materials that may show scratches over time.

Several features were tested, including:

• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Climate controls and adjustable air vents
• Wireless phone charging
• USB-C ports
• Audio system
• Cameras and displays
• Power mirrors and tailgate
• HomeLink and cellular connection
• Interior and exterior lighting

The wireless charger worked and held the phone magnetically. The cooled seats were loud, but that was considered normal because of the built-in fan.

The rear seating area also had some clever touches. One seat could fold in a way that created a long, mostly unobstructed loading space. That could be useful for surfboards, golf equipment, or other long items.

The repaired paint issue looks good

The biggest mystery of the day was why delivery had been delayed. Rivian explained that a paint blemish had been found and repaired. After inspecting the area, the buyer was surprised by how well it looked. There was no obvious sign of a rushed repaint or major damage.

That did not mean the R2 was perfect. A few trim pieces were slightly raised or uneven, and there were scratches that may need attention. Still, none of the issues appeared serious enough to reject the vehicle.

First drive and home charging

The first drive was mostly quiet, though a small vibration and a possible rattle or squeak could be heard over bumps. These were not major problems, but the seat-related sound was annoying enough to deserve a service request.

The R2 also fit into the standard garage without much trouble. One concern was the powered hatch, which appeared likely to contact the garage door unless the opening height was managed carefully. Unlike some other vehicles, the R2 did not appear to offer location-based mirror folding or automatic hatch-height memory.

At home, the vehicle connected to the Tesla Wall Connector. The charge port briefly showed a red light, then changed to green and began charging normally.

Final thoughts after delivery day

The delivery experience turned out better than expected. Rivian allowed plenty of time for inspection, fixed the tire pressure, touched up the vehicle, and explained the delay. There were several small defects, but no major “big potato problems.”

For a new vehicle from a young automaker, that may be a realistic expectation. The important question is not whether every R2 will be flawless. It is whether Rivian responds quickly when something is wrong.

After the first day, the R2 had passed its basic tests, survived a family outing, and charged at home. The long-term verdict would have to wait until the odometer reached a few hundred—or a few thousand—miles. For now, the first Rivian delivery was officially complete, and the next adventure would be off-road.