Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford vs Rivian: Reliability Compared
Ford
16 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Ford edges out Rivian on reliability, helped by lower repair costs and a much deeper used lineup. Rivian counters with fewer complaints per vehicle sold and less severe problems. Both brands hold a good standing, so the gap is small and the model year matters more.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Ford | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 16 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 60 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2124 | 87 |
Ford vs Rivian: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Ford, not a clear win. Both brands sit at a good standing, and each takes some categories. Ford is stronger on repair costs and on SUVs, where it offers eight models against Rivian's one. Rivian is stronger on complaint severity and recall impact, and it draws fewer complaints per 1,000 sold. Trucks come out even, and so does the spread of problems across systems.
Rivian's record covers only four model years and two models, so it has had less time to collect complaints. Ford's larger lineup gives you far more proven choices to shop from.
Where Ford and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Ford | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 57/100Mixed | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Ford outscores by 19 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Ford vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 257 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
Ford vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 59/100 | Ford |
| Trucks(4 vs 1 models) | 66/100 | 66/100 | Tie |
Ford wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Rivian
| Component | Ford | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 35%10,835 | 6%8 |
| ENGINE | 14%4,262 | — |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%3,325 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%2,600 | 14%18 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7%2,067 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 5%1,638 | 2%2 |
| STEERING | 4%1,195 | 8%10 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%1,015 | 3%4 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%361 | 32%42 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%345 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ford vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ford
859
Crash reports
257
Fire reports
793
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Ford and Rivian Model Ranked
Ford Models
Ford vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Ford | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100(11) | 59/100(1) | Ford |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 61/100(2) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 65/100(2) | Ford |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 61/100(2) | Ford |
| 2022 | 61/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 60/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 62/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 64/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 61/100 | — | — |
| 2017 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2016 | 56/100 | — | — |
| 2015 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2014 | 52/100 | — | — |
| 2013 | 54/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Ford vs Rivian: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Ford and Rivian. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Ford vs Rivian?
If you want the safest bet on a used truck, look at the Ford Ranger. It ranks at the top of Ford's lineup and above average among trucks. Skip the 2019 model year, which draws transmission complaints, and favor the 2022. The Mustang Mach-E also ranks near the top of the Ford list. Be careful with the Bronco, which is mixed and well below average among SUVs. The 2021 and 2022 draw the most complaints, so aim for a 2024 instead.
If you want a Rivian and can accept less history, the R1T rates better than the R1S, which is mixed. Buy a 2024 of either one. Before you sign, test the passenger air bag with an adult seated, since it can switch itself off. Also check the screens and power systems for warnings. Rivian owners report less severe problems, but the air bag issue is the one to verify.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Rivian?
Lean toward Ford if you want the widest choice and lower running costs. Its average repair estimate is $701 a year, and Rivian rates weaker on repair costs, so the difference adds up across five years of ownership. The Ranger is the strongest single model across both lineups. Pick a Rivian only if you want an R1T or R1S and will target a 2024. Avoid the Ford Bronco from 2021 and 2022 and the 2019 Ranger.
Ford vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Rivian?
Which has more recalls, Ford or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Ford or Rivian?
What goes wrong most often on a used Rivian?
What are the most common Ford problems?
Comparing Ford 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 Ford 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.