Last updated: 2026-10-10
Acura vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Acura
5 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Acura comes out well ahead of Rivian on reliability, with a stronger lineup and lower repair costs. Rivian draws fewer complaints per vehicle sold and fewer serious ones, but its R1S SUV rates only mixed.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Acura | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 467 | 87 |
Acura vs Rivian: The Verdict
On overall reliability, Acura leads by a large gap. Its models are mostly rated good, its ZDX rates excellent, and independent repair-cost data and recall impact both favor it. Its recent trend is improving. Rivian's trend is stable, and its R1S SUV sits well below other SUVs.
Rivian does win on complaint severity. It has fewer crash, fire and injury complaints and fewer complaints per vehicle sold. Part of that is a short track record, since its models span only four model years. Problems are spread about evenly across systems for both brands.
Where Acura and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Acura | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Acura has a 35-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Acura vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Acura vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 59/100 | Acura |
Acura wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Acura vs Rivian
| Component | Acura | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%328 | 14%18 |
| STEERING | 15%304 | 8%10 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%252 | 6%8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 15%20 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | — |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 8%161 | 2%3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%94 | 3%4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | — |
| AIR BAGS | 2%39 | 32%42 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%55 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Acura vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Acura
44
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Acura and Rivian Model Ranked
Acura vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Acura | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(3) | 59/100(1) | Acura |
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 61/100(2) | Acura |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 65/100(2) | Acura |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 61/100(2) | Acura |
| 2022 | 74/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 74/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 67/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 66/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Acura vs Rivian?
If you want an SUV or sedan with low running costs, lean Acura. The RDX, TLX and MDX all rate good. The Integra is the one to be careful with: steering can stick at highway speeds, then release suddenly. Pick the 2024 and skip the 2023. If you want an electric SUV, the Acura ZDX rates excellent. Target the 2024, and test the brakes carefully, because owners report pedals that sink and emergency braking that fires with nothing ahead.
Lean Rivian only if you specifically want an electric truck or an electric SUV from that maker. The R1T rates good, and the 2024 is the year to target. The R1S rates mixed, so favor the 2024 there too, since 2023 and 2025 drew far more complaints. On either one, check that the front passenger air bag stays on with an adult seated. Also ask about electrical faults such as black screens and sudden power loss. Skip the 2023 R1T, which drew the most complaints.
The Bottom Line: Acura or Rivian?
Buy Acura if you want the more reliable bet. It has the better lineup, the better repair-cost standing, and an improving trend. The single strongest model across both brands is the Acura ZDX, though it has only two model years, so the 2024 is the one to look for. Acura averages $577 a year in estimated repairs. Choose a Rivian only for the R1T, and check the passenger air bag first.
Acura vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Rivian?
Which brand has more recalls, Acura or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Acura or Rivian?
What is the most common problem with used Rivians?
What goes wrong most often on used Acuras?
Comparing Acura vs Rivian? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Acura and Rivian models
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.