Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Mazda
7 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Mazda comes out well ahead of Rivian on reliability, with a large gap. Mazda wins on repair costs, recall impact, and how widely its problems are spread. Rivian has a much shorter record, and its complaints cluster around air bags and software faults.
Is Mazda More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Mazda | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 480 | 87 |
Mazda vs Rivian: The Verdict
The overall edge goes to Mazda, and the gap is large. Both brands land at a good standing, and complaints per 1,000 sold are close. Crash, fire, and injury complaints are about even in severity. The split comes from other places. Independent repair-cost data favors Mazda, as do recall impact and the spread of problems across systems. Rivian's complaints pile up in one spot: air bags make up about a third of them.
Mazda also has far more history to judge. It has 7 models over 9 model years, while Rivian has 2 models over 4 years. That makes Mazda's record easier to trust.
Where Mazda and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mazda | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Mazda outscores by 23 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Mazda vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Mazda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($500/year avg)
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Mazda vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mazda | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 59/100 | Mazda |
Mazda wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mazda vs Rivian
| Component | Mazda | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 27%760 | — |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%440 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%333 | 14%18 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%307 | 6%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%179 | 3%4 |
| STEERING | 5%150 | 8%10 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%105 | 32%42 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%110 | 4%5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%92 | 5%6 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%32 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mazda vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mazda
203
Crash reports
15
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Mazda and Rivian Model Ranked
Mazda Models
Mazda vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Mazda's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
Both makes are trending stable in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Mazda | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(6) | 59/100(1) | Mazda |
| 2025 | 72/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2024 | 69/100(6) | 65/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2023 | 75/100(6) | 61/100(2) | Mazda |
| 2022 | 79/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 74/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 76/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 75/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 72/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mazda vs Rivian?
If you want the lowest risk, lean to Mazda. The CX-5 is the top pick, and the 2022 year has few complaints and no recalls. Skip the 2018 CX-5, where cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust. Treat the CX-90 with care. The 2024 has steering binding in long highway curves, and the plug-in hybrid can lose power suddenly. The 3, 5, CX-9, CX-50, and CX-30 all rate good.
Lean to Rivian only if you want an electric truck or SUV and will inspect it closely. The R1T rates good, and the 2024 has the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. Avoid the 2023 R1T, which drew the most complaints, mostly a passenger air bag that switches itself off for lighter adults. The R1S rates mixed. Favor the 2024 and test the front passenger air bag with an adult seated. Also look for black screens and power loss in traffic.
The Bottom Line: Mazda or Rivian?
Buy Mazda if you want the safer bet. The CX-5 is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2022 is the best year to target. Independent repair-cost data also favors Mazda, which averages $500 a year across its lineup. Choose a Rivian R1T from 2024 only if you want an EV truck and will check the air bag and electrical systems first.
Mazda vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Mazda more reliable than Rivian?
Which has more recalls, Mazda or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Mazda or Rivian?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
What is the most common Mazda problem?
Comparing Mazda 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 Mazda 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.