Last updated: 2026-05-15

Jeep vs Rivian: Reliability Compared

Comparing Jeep 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.

Jeep currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 62/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.

Is Jeep More Reliable Than Rivian?

MetricJeepRivian
Avg Reliability Score66/10062/100
Models Tracked52
Avg Recalls per Model6723
Avg Complaints per Model306784

Jeep Models

5 models ranked by reliability

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Rivian Models

2 models ranked by reliability

R1t66
R1s58
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Jeep vs Rivian: The Verdict

The numbers favor Jeep here, but Rivian isn't far behind. We scored 7 models between the two makes: Jeep at 66/100 and Rivian at 62/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.

Where Jeep and Rivian Differ Most

Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:

ComponentWeightJeepRivian
Complaint Severity

Owner complaints weighted by component severity

35%
58/100Mixed
65/100Good
Repair Costs

Annual maintenance and repair expenses

30%
69/100Good
50/100Mixed
Recall Impact

Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside)

20%
64/100Good
62/100Good
Issue Diversity

How many different systems have reported problems

15%
80/100Excellent
79/100Good

Jeep's advantage in repair costs (+19 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.

Jeep vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses

Jeep

Strengths

  • Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
  • Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
  • Reasonable maintenance costs ($602/year avg)
  • 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
  • Below-average repair frequency

Weaknesses

  • 199 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

Jeep vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type

How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:

CategoryJeepRivianWinner
SUVs(4 vs 1 models)68/10058/100Jeep
Trucks(1 vs 1 models)54/10066/100Rivian

The makes split categories evenly at 11.

Common Problems: Jeep vs Rivian

Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:

ComponentJeepRivian
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28%3,93915%20
STEERING22%3,1498%10
POWER TRAIN18%2,5366%8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9%1,32914%18
ENGINE8%1,109
SERVICE BRAKES4%5503%4
SUSPENSION3%4445%6
AIR BAGS2%23632%42
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2%2235%6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0%525%6

Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.

Jeep vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries

Across all tracked models, Jeep owners reported 484 crash-related, 199 fire-related, and 320 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.

Jeep

484

Crash reports

199

Fire reports

320

Injury reports

Rivian

12

Crash reports

2

Fire reports

2

Injury reports

Every Jeep and Rivian Model Ranked

All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.

Jeep vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year

Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:

Jeep's reliability has been stable across the years we track.

Model YearJeepRivianEdge
202574/100(5)61/100(2)Jeep
202466/100(5)65/100(2)Jeep
202364/100(5)61/100(2)Jeep
202261/100
202163/100
202067/100
201967/100
201861/100

Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.

The Bottom Line: Jeep or Rivian?

Jeep has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.

If you want the single most reliable option: the Jeep Compass leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.

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.

Jeep vs Rivian: Common Questions

Is Jeep more reliable than Rivian?
Based on our data, Jeep is more reliable overall with an average reliability score of 66/100 compared to 62/100. The difference is modest, so both makes are reasonable choices.
Which make has more recalls, Jeep or Rivian?
On a per-model average, Jeep has more recalls (~67 per model) compared to Rivian (~23 per model). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — many are minor or preventative.
What are the most reliable models from Jeep and Rivian?
The most reliable Jeep model is the Compass (avg score: 75/100), while the most reliable Rivian model is the R1t (avg score: 66/100).
What are the least reliable models from Jeep and Rivian?
The least reliable Jeep model is the Gladiator (avg score: 54/100), while the least reliable Rivian model is the R1s (avg score: 58/100). Check individual model pages for year-specific data before ruling these out.
What are the most common problems with Jeep and Rivian vehicles?
The most frequently reported issue for Jeep is electrical system (28% of complaints), while for Rivian it's air bags (32% of complaints). These are based on NHTSA owner complaint data across all tracked models.
How many Jeep and Rivian models does Auto Reliability Index track?
We track 5 Jeep models across 8 model years and 2 Rivian models across 3 model years. Scores are based on NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Jeep or Rivian?
On a per-model average, Rivian has fewer owner complaints (~84 per model) compared to Jeep (~3067 per model). Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Jeep or Rivian?
For first-time buyers prioritizing reliability, Jeep has a slight edge with its higher average score. However, specific model choice matters more than make — check individual model pages for the best options in your budget and vehicle type.
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Jeep or Rivian?
Rivian has fewer owner-reported crashes, fires, and injuries in our database. Jeep has 484 crash reports, 199 fire reports, and 320 injury reports. Rivian has 12 crash, 2 fire, and 2 injury reports. Note that complaint volume correlates with sales volume.

Comparing Jeep 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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.