Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi Q7 vs Rivian R1S: Reliability Compared
Audi Q7
Rivian R1S
Choosing between the Audi Q7 and the Rivian R1S? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi Q7 currently leads with an average score of 65/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Audi Q7 is more reliable than the Rivian R1S, scoring 65/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Rivian R1S has 7 fewer total recalls
- 2Audi Q7 scores 6 points higher in reliability
- 3Audi Q7 has 3.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Audi Q7 vs Rivian R1S: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Audi Q7 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 65/100 | 59/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 4 |
| Total Recalls | 32 | 25 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 16.3 | 20 |
| Year Wins | 4 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Audi Q7 and Rivian R1S?
| Component | Audi Q7 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3.3Average | 2.6Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 4.5Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.8Low | 2.3Low |
| STEERING | 1.1Low | 1.3Low |
| SUSPENSION | 1.3Low | 1Very Low |
| ENGINE | 2.1Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1Very Low | 1Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.7Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.6Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.5Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| WHEELS | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Audi Q7 vs Rivian R1S Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Audi Q7 | Rivian R1S | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 70/1000R / 0C | 59/1001R / 6C | Audi Q7 |
| 2025 | 68/1002R / 10C | 56/1009R / 45C | Audi Q7 |
| 2024 | 70/1003R / 0C | 62/1006R / 13C | Audi Q7 |
| 2023 | 66/1003R / 16C | 57/1009R / 60C | Audi Q7 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Audi Q7 scored 70/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1S scored 62/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Audi Q7 vs Rivian R1S: Common Questions
- Is the Audi Q7 more reliable than the Rivian R1S?
- Based on our data, the Audi Q7 is more reliable with an average score of 65/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Audi Q7 or the Rivian R1S?
- The Audi Q7 has more recalls (32) compared to the Rivian R1S (25). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi Q7 or the Rivian R1S?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi Q7 has a lower complaint rate at 16.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 20 for the Rivian R1S. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Audi Q7 and Rivian R1S? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Audi Q7 and Rivian R1S
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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