Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
6 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Dodge beats Rivian on reliability by a wide margin, with fewer complaints per vehicle sold and lower repair costs. Both brands rate good, but Rivian's complaints cluster around air bags, while Dodge's most common trouble is the electrical system.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Dodge | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 87 |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Rivian: The Verdict
On reliability, Dodge leads by a large gap. Both brands land in the good range, but Dodge is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems. Owners file 1.4 complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold for Dodge and 1.7 for Rivian.
Rivian's record is thin, with 2 models and 4 model years, and 32% of its complaints involve air bags. Dodge's biggest cluster is the electrical system at 29%, across a much larger lineup. Dodge has more recalls in total, 97 against 46, but it also has far more models and years on the road.
Where Dodge and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Dodge outscores by 20 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Dodge vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 24 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Dodge vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 1 models) | 69/100 | 59/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Rivian
| Component | Dodge | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 14%18 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 32%42 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 5%6 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 6%8 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 2%2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 3%4 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 8%10 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%22 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Rivian Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
Both makes are trending stable in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Dodge | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 59/100(1) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 65/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 61/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 72/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 77/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 73/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 70/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Rivian?
If you want the lowest-risk used buy, lean Dodge. Target the Grand-Caravan minivan and look for a 2020. Skip the 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger, Charger, Journey, and Durango also rate good. Be careful with the Hornet. Door latches fail, batteries drain, and the center screen can stay dark after a jump start. The 2023 is the year to buy, and the 2024 has the heaviest recall and complaint load.
Consider Rivian only if you specifically want its truck or SUV and can accept a less proven record. The R1T rates good, and the 2024 is the pick. Skip the 2023 R1T, which drew the most complaints. The R1S is mixed, with the 2024 again the year to favor over 2023 or 2025. On either one, test the passenger air bag with an adult seated, and ask about black screens or sudden power loss.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Rivian?
For most used-car shoppers, Dodge is the safer choice. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Grand-Caravan, and 2020 is the year to favor. Independent repair-cost data puts Dodge's average at $642 a year and rates Dodge cheaper to keep running than Rivian. If you still choose Rivian, buy a 2024 and check the air bag system first.
Dodge vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Rivian?
Which has more recalls, Dodge or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Rivian?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
What goes wrong most often on a used Dodge?
Comparing Dodge 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 Dodge 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.