This is my second RVR315 where the rubber button at the top has deteriorated, eventually leaving a hole at the top. This seems like a design flaw to me but am curious if others are seeing this failure or if maybe it’s environment specific (hot, humid climate for me). I reached out to Garmin support and they offered a refurb unit for $80. I asked if there had been any update or change to the design and was told rather vaguely “the buttons have been fixed” but of course they can’t guarantee it won’t happen again. Anyone have experience with an updated button on the RVR315? Yes I do realize the RTL515 exists, but from what I’ve read its light is not very bright and I already have a nice niterider blinky that I prefer to use. Thanks in advance.
Mine is fine
Not an RVR315, but it looks like the same construction…
I have had an RTL510 forever, it still looks like new. Same with my two friends with the radar light versions.
You’re right about that… I have one from 2019 that is still working fine…
Had the exact same issue. Thought I was alone.
How old is your unit?
5 years.
I have had a RTL515 for years and still works fine. Zero issues. Never seen the kind of damage to a Garmin radar before and everyone on my team has one.
The 515 model is not the issue. I have 3. It’s the 315 model with no light that’s suspect here.
Agreed - I’ve had 2 of the light version of the radar and they’ve been going for years without issues.
Online search of product pictures for both units frshows 2 things…
- definitely not the same power button on both units (lighted version on the left, dedicated radar on right):
- Also during the image search on google saw a lot of pictures of the RVR315 with broken power buttons.
Clearly a design issue of the RVR unit.
Yup, they’re very different. The version with the light has a gasket seal, the version without has an overmolded cover seal. Over time, the overmold breaks down. There’s probably a photodegradation or solvent exposure component to the breakdown, but it’s definitely an issue with these.
Once it happens, Sugru is really useful for do it yourself repairs of this sort.
Agree - different construction and thanks for providing the technical terminology there 
Funny you mention the DIY repair - I actually did this with my first one of these. Cut a small piece of cork to fit in the hole and then covered it with liquid electrical tape. It worked great, until the entire bike was stolen 
So I bought another RVR315 (used, but appeared with very little use)…..only to have the button fail again in very short time. Starting to wonder if I was just pressing it too hard, hah. But more seriously, am curious 1. how prevalent this issue is and 2. if it’s “worth” getting another one with the very vague statement from Garmin support of “the buttons have been fixed.”
Thanks for the feedback so far everyone - and if anyone thinks they have an updated version of the RVR315 (non-taillight) - please post a photo!
Honestly, my advice would be to just get the version with the light. I’ve been running two different rear flashers ever since I got my first radar unit right after they came out, and I have actually had car drivers roll down their windows and tell me how well the combination works on more than one occasion. Like, authentically “hey man, that setup is cool… I could see you from way, way back there” kind of interactions. Go figure.