Why won't my 2022–2023 Rivian R1T wake up or unlock?

Short answer: When an R1T (or R1S) is completely unresponsive — no unlock, no lights, no screens — even with a charged main battery, the cause is usually the small 12V batteries that run the truck's computers. If they go flat, the truck can't wake up to use its big battery. Rivian's tow guide shows how to jump it from the rear hitch terminals.

Symptom: The phone key and key fob don't unlock it, the screens stay black, the charge port won't open, or you get 12V or low-voltage warnings shortly before it dies.

What to check first

1. Try the key card and key fob, not just the phone.
2. Check the app for low 12V battery alerts in the days before.
3. Use Rivian's jump procedure: the rear tow hitch has jump terminals. Rivian says to use a source that can hold 13–16 volts at 30 amps. Some early trucks also need the secondary 12V battery under the hood jumped.
4. Once it wakes, plug in and charge the main battery to at least 25%, then call Rivian service so they can check the 12V batteries.

Likely causes

1. Weak or failed 12V battery. Rivian Forums has long threads of owners whose 12V batteries died and left the truck unresponsive.
2. 12V drained after a software update or long sleep. Owners on r/Rivian asked whether a software update left their trucks dead.
3. Main battery very low. If the high-voltage battery is very low, it can't keep the 12V batteries charged. Rivian says to charge it to at least 25% after a jump.

What it usually costs

I couldn't find a reliable published price for a Rivian 12V battery replacement. Most 2022–2023 trucks are still within or near their original coverage, so call Rivian service before paying anyone.

Is it safe to keep driving?

If it won't wake, it won't drive, so the risk is being stranded, not a crash. If you see low-voltage warnings while driving, get it to a safe spot and contact Rivian; don't keep driving and hope.

DIY or shop?

DIY jump-start with the right power source, following Rivian's tow guide. Battery replacement is a Rivian service job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No recall covers the 12V batteries in NHTSA's records for 2022–2023 R1T and R1S.
• Other recalls exist (seat belts, suspension fasteners, headlights and more), so run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• NHTSA complaints: 12 keyword-matched complaints for Rivian R1T 2022–2023 (of 110 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-17; keywords: 12V, battery, won’t wake, dead, unresponsive, brick). The R1S had 5 keyword-matched complaints of 80 unique R1S complaints in the same 2022–2023 query.

What owners report

• Rivian Forums threads like R1T 12v batteries dead, Truck won’t unlock. Dead 12v batteries and YET ANOTHER 12V battery fail thread collect owners whose trucks wouldn't unlock or wake because the 12V batteries died.
• On r/Rivian, a new owner vented about 12V problems, another posted how they revived a dead R1T without a tow, and others asked if a software update left their truck dead.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: keep a good lithium jump pack in the garage, not in the truck, since you can't open the truck when it's dead. And if your app ever shows a low 12V warning, book service that week.

Vehicle focus: 2022–2023 Rivian R1T; the R1S uses the same 12V setup.

Safety / mechanic note

A truck that dies can strand you; low-voltage warnings while driving need prompt attention. Verify with a mechanic.