That Rivian Bumper Tap Didn't Seem Like $11k, But Here We Are

A Rivian driver received an $11,000 estimate for damage to the back of their vehicle.
Property owners state that aluminum panels and sensors contribute to increased expenses.
Expensive repair costs could affect the affordability of Rivian's more budget-friendly models.

Rivianis currently experiencing what could be its most significant year yet. It is launchingthe brand-new R2 by Juneas it seeks to attract a broader range of everyday buyers. A recent Reddit post brings to light another challenge it needs to address: when Rivians are damaged, the repair costs can be very high even if the damage is minor.

This is somewhat of a well-known fact within the Rivian community. Owners often make light-hearted comments about whether a small scratch or dented door might result in the vehicle being labeled a total loss once insurance is involved. The humor lies in the fact that, more often than not, it's not actually a joke—it's the truth.

More: A Rivian R1S Parking Mishap Resulted in a $54,000 Fix

Certainly, the latest incident is more than just a minor scratch or a small dent from a parking lot, but it's not too different either. The cost to fix it remains firmly in the five-digit range.

Unexpected Cost After a Small Accident

Posted to the r/Rivian subreddit, the owner states that what you're seeing here is the result of "backing into an invisible wall." They mentioned that the parking sensors weren't functioning, but the damage is only superficial. Rivian reportedly won't address the car until the owner replaces the tailgate. The body shop's estimate to fix everything? A hefty $11,000. Yes, forthat ding.

Also: Why Even the Tiniest Mishap Is Planned to Wreck Your Bank Account

Several commenters claimed that the estimate isn't as shocking as it appears when examined closely. Contemporary vehicle repairs are no longer simply about hammering and painting. Aluminum panels, which Rivian utilizes extensively, are more challenging and costly to fix compared to conventional steel.

"It appears that being struck in the rear quarter panel is the most severe type of accident due to the extensive bodywork needed to repair a welded-in panel. They really ought to design quarter panels to bolt on like a front fender," said a commenter in the discussion.

A Worrying Trend

Include potential sensor replacement or recalibration, labor-heavy panel removal, and repainting, and the costs escalate rapidly. Several users reported similar experiences with repair bills ranging from $9,000 to $12,000 for damage that initially appeared similar on other vehicles.SUVs.

Looking for a More Intelligent Solution

Fortunately, there could be a smart solution in the comments. Some people suggested paintless dent repair. We'veemphasized it previously on at least two separate Rivian modelss, where it helped owners save thousands of dollars compared to their initial quotes. Hopefully, this can be helpful here. What won't be helpful to anyone is if fixing the R2 ends up being just as costly.

Read:What's the Estimated Cost to Fix This Rivian R1T?

Rivian urgently requires average consumers to eagerly purchase theR2It seems to be losing popularity. From everything we've observed, it looks like a reliable mid-size SUV. However, average consumers may not be prepared for the insurance costs and repair expenses if Rivian doesn't manage to significantly reduce the cost of repairs.