Last updated: 2026-05-15
Cadillac vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Cadillac
4 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and Rivian on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Cadillac currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 62/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Cadillac | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 4 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 198 | 84 |
Cadillac vs Rivian: The Verdict
Cadillac edges out Rivian on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 4 Cadillac and 2 Rivian models, Cadillac averages 68/100 to 62/100 — a 6-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Cadillac and Rivian Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Cadillac scores 16 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Cadillac vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 3 of 4 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($907/year avg)
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Cadillac vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 68/100 | 58/100 | Cadillac |
Cadillac wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Rivian
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 36%282 | — |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%113 | 15%20 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%114 | 6%8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%46 | 14%18 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6%49 | — |
| AIR BAGS | 1%5 | 32%42 |
| STEERING | 5%36 | 8%10 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%35 | 3%4 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%33 | 5%6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%10 | 5%6 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Rivian owners reported 12 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 2 injury-related complaints. Rivian has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Cadillac
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Rivian Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Cadillac |
| 2024 | 67/100(3) | 65/100(2) | Cadillac |
| 2023 | 65/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Cadillac |
| 2022 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 64/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 69/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 72/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 77/100 | — | — |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Rivian?
The data favors Cadillac, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Cadillac XT5 leads both lineups with a score of 74/100.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Cadillac vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Rivian?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or Rivian?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and Rivian?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and Rivian?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and Rivian vehicles?
How many Cadillac and Rivian models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or Rivian?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or Rivian?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or Rivian?
Comparing Cadillac 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 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. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.