Why won't my Rivian door latch or open in the cold?

Short answer: On Rivian R1T and R1S trucks, doors that bounce back open, won't latch, or won't open at all usually show up in freezing weather. Owners report it below about 15–20°F. The electric latch mechanism doesn't move freely in the cold. Rivian Service has fixed it by replacing the latch mechanism and its cable. Until then, use the manual release and contact Rivian Service.

Symptom: The door bounces back open when you close it, the truck won't let you drive because a door shows open, or the door won't open from inside or outside.

What to check first

1. Learn where the manual door release is for your truck. It's in the owner's manual.
2. If a door won't latch, hold it shut firmly and lock the truck. One owner got it to latch that way.
3. Note the temperature when it happens and tell Rivian Service.
4. Book Rivian Service. Owners got the latch mechanism and cable replaced.

Likely causes

1. Electric door latch mechanism sticking in the cold. Owners had the latch and cable replaced.

What it usually costs

The owners in these threads had it fixed by Rivian Service. They didn't post costs, so check what your warranty covers.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not with a door that won't latch. A door that isn't latched can open while driving, and the truck may not let you drive anyway. If you can't open a door from inside, use the manual release. Verify with Rivian Service.

DIY or shop?

Rivian Service. Spraying lubricant didn't help one owner.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No recall found for this door latch problem on the R1T and R1S when we checked. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any new campaigns.
• NHTSA complaints: 18 keyword-matched complaints for Rivian R1T/R1S 2022–2024 (of 218 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-20; keywords: door, latch, handle, lock(ed)? (in, out)).

What owners report

• In Door latch repeatedly stuck in open or closed position on Rivian Forums, an R1T owner's driver door jammed so he was locked in and out. Silicone spray didn't help. Rivian Service replaced the latch mechanism and cable. Owners said it happened below about 15°F.
• In Door won't latch closed…bounces open. on Rivian Forums, owners said that below about 20°F the door bounces open and the truck won't drive. Holding it shut and locking it worked for one owner, and another's problem was fixed by replacing the door mechanism.

My take

My advice as a former pre-purchase inspector: on any car with electric door latches, I find the manual release before I need it. Show everyone in the family, too.

Vehicle focus: 2022–2024 Rivian R1T and R1S.

Safety / mechanic note

An unlatched door can open while driving, and a stuck door can trap you inside. Verify with a mechanic.