Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Honda
9 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Honda comes out well ahead of Rivian on reliability. Lower repair costs, lighter recall impact and more evenly spread problems drive the gap. Rivian does better on complaint severity, but its data covers only two models and four model years.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Honda | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 87 |
Honda vs Rivian: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two brands on reliability, and it favors Honda. Independent repair-cost data, recall impact and the spread of problems across systems all point its way. Its yearly upkeep averages $441, and its lineup is deep, with the HR-V rated excellent.
Rivian wins one category. Its owner complaints are less severe, with fewer crash, fire and injury reports, and it logs 1.7 complaints per 1,000 sold against 1.9 for Honda. But its complaints cluster in air bags and electrical faults. Those are hard problems to live with. Four model years also means a short track record.
Where Honda and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Honda | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 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% | 74/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Honda has a 35-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Honda vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 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
Honda vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 73/100 | 59/100 | Honda |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 66/100 | Honda |
Honda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Rivian
| Component | Honda | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 8%10 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 15%20 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | 4%5 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | — |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 14%18 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 6%8 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 3%4 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%410 | 32%42 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%368 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Honda and Rivian Model Ranked
Honda Models
Honda vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Honda | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100(9) | 59/100(1) | Honda |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 61/100(2) | Honda |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 65/100(2) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 61/100(2) | Honda |
| 2022 | 74/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 75/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 70/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 65/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 66/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Honda vs Rivian?
If you want low-drama ownership, lean toward Honda. The HR-V is the best bet, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Skip the 2019 if cold mornings matter, since its display can go blank, and be careful with the 2023, where rear hatch glass has shattered with no impact. The Civic, Ridgeline, Accord and CR-V all rate good. Avoid the 2025 Prologue, which holds every complaint on file. The 2024 is the better pick.
Choose Rivian only if you want an electric truck or SUV and accept the risk. The R1T is the stronger of the two, and its 2024 has the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. The R1S rates mixed, and its 2024 is the one to favor over 2023 or 2025. On either, test the passenger air bag with a lighter adult seated. Also check for black screens, sudden warnings and power loss.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Rivian?
For most used-car shoppers, the safer buy is a Honda. The HR-V is the strongest model across both lineups, and independent repair-cost data puts its upkeep well below the subcompact SUV average. The Rivian R1T is a reasonable pick if you want an electric truck, but it sits below average among trucks on the site. Pick the 2024 model year of either Rivian, and run the air bag and electrical checks first.
Honda vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Rivian?
Which has more recalls, Honda or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Rivian?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
What are the most common Honda problems?
Comparing Honda 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 Honda 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.