Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ford vs Rivian: Reliability Compared
Ford
12 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Comparing Ford 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.
Ford currently leads with an average score of 65/100 compared to 62/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Ford | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 12 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 64 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1735 | 84 |
Ford vs Rivian: The Verdict
Ford holds a modest reliability advantage over Rivian — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Ford scores 65/100 across 12 models, while Rivian comes in at 62/100 across 2 models — all data-driven, no bias.
Where Ford and Rivian Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 67/100Good | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 62/100Good |
| 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 17 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
- 10 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 163 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(6 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 58/100 | Ford |
| Trucks(4 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 66/100 | Rivian |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Ford vs Rivian
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 29%4,864 | 6%8 |
| ENGINE | 16%2,698 | — |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13%2,272 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,660 | 14%18 |
| STRUCTURE | 8%1,376 | 2%2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 3%4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%814 | — |
| STEERING | 3%452 | 8%10 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%196 | 32%42 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%191 | 5%6 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 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.
Ford
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Ford and Rivian Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Ford vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100, up from earlier years.
| Model Year | Ford | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(10) | 61/100(2) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(11) | 65/100(2) | Ford |
| 2023 | 66/100(12) | 61/100(2) | Ford |
| 2022 | 60/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 60/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 63/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 66/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 62/100 | — | — |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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:
The Bottom Line: Ford or Rivian?
Ford comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Ford Ranger leads both lineups with a score of 72/100.
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.
Ford vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Rivian?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Rivian?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Rivian?
What are the least reliable models from Ford and Rivian?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Rivian vehicles?
How many Ford and Rivian models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Rivian?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Rivian?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Rivian?
Comparing Ford vs Rivian? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Ford comparisons
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.