Last updated: 2026-10-10
Jeep vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Jeep
7 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Jeep comes out ahead of Rivian on reliability, with a clear edge built on lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Rivian draws fewer complaints per vehicle sold, but it has only two models and four model years of history, against seven models and nine years for Jeep.
Is Jeep More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Jeep | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 54 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2336 | 87 |
Jeep vs Rivian: The Verdict
A clear edge on reliability goes to Jeep. It wins on repair costs and recall impact, and it is stronger among SUVs, where six of its seven models stand as good. Rivian is stronger on complaint severity and files fewer complaints per vehicle sold. Its R1T truck also rates better than the Gladiator.
The catch is data depth. Rivian has four model years on the road, so its record is still forming. Its complaints bunch up in air bags, at 32% of the total. Jeep's complaints spread across the electrical system, steering and power train, and the comparison rates the two brands even on that spread.
Where Jeep and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Jeep | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 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% | 68/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Jeep's advantage in repair costs (+20 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Jeep vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($615/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 216 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:
| Category | Jeep | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 69/100 | 59/100 | Jeep |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 55/100 | 66/100 | Rivian |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Jeep vs Rivian
| Component | Jeep | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%4,241 | 15%20 |
| STEERING | 21%3,206 | 8%10 |
| POWER TRAIN | 17%2,666 | 6%8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%1,612 | 14%18 |
| ENGINE | 8%1,266 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%570 | 3%4 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%442 | 5%6 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%267 | 32%42 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%206 | 5%6 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1%187 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Jeep vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Jeep
540
Crash reports
216
Fire reports
362
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Jeep and Rivian Model Ranked
Jeep Models
Jeep vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Jeep's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Jeep | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100(4) | 59/100(1) | Jeep |
| 2025 | 74/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2024 | 66/100(6) | 65/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2023 | 65/100(7) | 61/100(2) | Jeep |
| 2022 | 62/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 65/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 68/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 68/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 62/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Jeep vs Rivian?
If you want an SUV, lean to Jeep. The Compass is the best target, and the 2024 model year is the better pick because it has far fewer complaints. Skip the 2018 Compass, where owners report heavy oil use and engines that shut off while driving. On any Jeep, test the electrical system, since dead batteries and a blank touchscreen show up in every year. The Rivian R1S is rated mixed, so it is a harder sell. Front passenger air bag shutoff and software failures like black screens and power loss in traffic are the main complaints. If you still want one, favor the 2024.
If you want a truck, the choice is closer. The Rivian R1T is rated good, and the 2024 has the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. Avoid the 2023, where the passenger air bag can switch itself off for lighter adults. The Jeep Gladiator is rated mixed, with loose steering and death wobble in the early years. Favor a 2024 over a 2020 or 2021.
The Bottom Line: Jeep or Rivian?
For the more reliable bet, especially in an SUV, buy Jeep. The Compass is the strongest single model across both lineups, and a 2024 is the one to chase. Jeep repairs average $615 a year, with models ranging from $498 to $784. Pick a Rivian R1T only if you want a truck, and buy the 2024 to avoid the air bag problem.
Jeep vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Jeep more reliable than Rivian?
Which brand has more recalls, Jeep or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Jeep or Rivian?
What goes wrong most often on a used Rivian?
What goes wrong most often on a used Jeep?
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 score Jeep 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.