Is the Chevrolet Silverado-EV more reliable than the Rivian R1t?

Based on our data, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 66/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV or the Rivian R1t?

The Rivian R1t has more recalls (21) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado-EV (5). 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 Chevrolet Silverado-EV or the Rivian R1t?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV has a lower complaint rate at 0.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10 for the Rivian R1t. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-08-24

Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Chevrolet Silverado-EV

Excellent

Rivian R1t

Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Silverado-EV and the Rivian R1t? 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 trucks.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chevrolet Silverado-EV currently leads with an average score of 81/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Silverado-EV and Rivian R1t Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Rivian R1T is in its second generation, having last been redesigned in 2024. This puts it in the middle of its generation cycle, where manufacturers typically iron out early issues and refine the model, potentially enhancing reliability. In contrast, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV is still in its first generation, introduced in 2024. Being early in its lifecycle, it might experience typical first-generation challenges as manufacturers work to address initial production issues. Generally, more mature platforms like the Rivian R1T's second generation tend to be more reliable due to the refinement over time, whereas newer platforms may still be undergoing optimization.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Silverado-EV is more reliable than the Rivian R1t, scoring 81/100 vs 66/100.

The Chevrolet Silverado-EV demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Rivian R1t, evidenced by its higher average reliability score of 81/100 versus Rivian's 66/100. With only 5 recalls over two years and an exceptionally low owner complaint rate of 0.3 per 10,000 sold, the Silverado-EV shows a robust track record. In contrast, the R1t has experienced 21 recalls in three years and has a higher complaint rate of 10 per 10,000 sold. Both models face issues with their electrical systems, but the Silverado-EV's overall reliability metrics make it the better choice for reliability-conscious buyers.

Key Differences

1Chevrolet Silverado-EV has 16 fewer total recalls
2Chevrolet Silverado-EV scores 15 points higher in reliability
3Chevrolet Silverado-EV has 9.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Chevrolet Silverado-EV

—

0Rivian R1t

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chevrolet Silverado-EV	Rivian R1t
Reliability Score	81/100	66/100
Years Tracked	2	3
Total Recalls	5	21
Complaints per 10k Sold	0.3	10
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Silverado-EV and Rivian R1t?

The Rivian R1t shows a significant number of complaints related to air bags, accounting for 14 out of 50 total complaints, indicating a potential focus area in safety systems. In contrast, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV has a higher proportion of issues with the electrical system, comprising 13 out of 39 complaints, suggesting a possible area of concern in electrical reliability. Both models report issues with vehicle speed control, but the R1t has a higher severity with crash-linked incidents noted in both vehicle speed control and service brakes categories. The Silverado-EV does not show crash-linked complaints in these areas, potentially indicating a difference in the impact of the issues reported.

Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t common problem areas comparison
Component	Chevrolet Silverado-EV	Rivian R1t
AIR BAGS	—None	2.8Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	0.8Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.1Very Low	0.8Very Low
POWER TRAIN	—None	0.6Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.4Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.4Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chevrolet Silverado-EV	Rivian R1t	Edge
2025	82/1001R / 14C	65/1008R / 8C	Chevrolet Silverado-EV
2024	80/1004R / 25C	67/1006R / 7C	Chevrolet Silverado-EV

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado-EV scored 82/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1t scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs the Rivian R1t?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV is your best bet. With a reliability score of 81/100 and only 5 recalls, it offers a dependable ride. The minimal owner complaints, at just 0.3 per 10,000 sold, reflect satisfied drivers and fewer potential headaches. This model is ideal if you want a vehicle that’s less likely to require unexpected repairs, especially given its lower incidence of significant issues. For those who are more adventurous and drawn to innovative designs, the Rivian R1t could be appealing despite its reliability score of 66/100. However, be prepared for possible challenges, as it has 21 recalls and a higher complaint rate of 10 per 10,000 sold. The R1t’s top issues with airbags, electrical systems, and powertrain may require more attention and maintenance. Consider this option if you value unique features and are willing to manage potential reliability concerns.

Chevrolet Silverado-EV vs Rivian R1t: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Silverado-EV more reliable than the Rivian R1t?: Based on our data, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV is more reliable with an average score of 81/100 compared to 66/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV or the Rivian R1t?: The Rivian R1t has more recalls (21) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado-EV (5). 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 Chevrolet Silverado-EV or the Rivian R1t?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Silverado-EV has a lower complaint rate at 0.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10 for the Rivian R1t. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Chevrolet Silverado-EV comparisons

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More Rivian R1t comparisons

Rivian R1t vs Ford F-150 Lightning reliability Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck reliability Rivian R1t vs GMC Sierra 1500 reliability Rivian R1t vs Chevrolet Silverado reliability Rivian R1t reliability by year Rivian R1t years to avoid

Decided between Chevrolet Silverado-EV and Rivian R1t? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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