Last updated: 2026-10-10
Nissan vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Nissan
12 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Nissan comes out well ahead of Rivian on reliability. Fewer complaints per vehicle sold and lower repair costs drive the gap. Rivian's R1T and R1S share a passenger air bag complaint, while Nissan's trouble centers on electrical systems.
Is Nissan More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Nissan | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 12 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 531 | 87 |
Nissan vs Rivian: The Verdict
A large gap separates the two brands. Nissan is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems. Owners file about 1 complaint per 1,000 Nissans sold, against 1.7 for Rivian.
The problem areas differ. Rivian's biggest category is air bags, at 32% of its complaints, mostly a passenger air bag that switches off. Nissan's biggest is the electrical system, at 23%. Nissan shows more recalls on paper, 172 against 46, but it covers 12 models across 9 model years, and the recall impact still favors Nissan. Nissan's recent trend is improving. Rivian's is stable.
Where Nissan and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Nissan | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 76/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 85/100Excellent | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Nissan has a 27-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Nissan vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($523/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 41 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
Nissan vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Nissan | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 77/100 | 59/100 | Nissan |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 80/100 | 66/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Nissan vs Rivian
| Component | Nissan | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%1,283 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 17%929 | 14%18 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%609 | 6%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11%590 | 3%4 |
| ENGINE | 8%436 | — |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 6%342 | 4%5 |
| STEERING | 5%272 | 8%10 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%205 | 32%42 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%161 | 5%6 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1%52 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Nissan vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Nissan and Rivian Model Ranked
Nissan Models
Nissan vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Nissan | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 83/100(9) | 59/100(1) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 80/100(11) | 61/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 79/100(9) | 65/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 77/100(9) | 61/100(2) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 77/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 77/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 73/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 73/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 73/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Nissan vs Rivian?
If you want the lowest risk, shop Nissan. The Frontier is the pick for a truck, and it rates excellent. For an SUV, the Ariya rates excellent too, but buy the 2024. The 2023 owners report sudden loss of drive power and a "Service EV System" warning. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Leaf, which draw the most complaints and carry battery trouble. The 2021 Leaf is the year to favor.
If you want an electric truck or SUV from Rivian, go in with a checklist. The R1T is good but below average among trucks, and the 2024 has the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. The 2023 R1T drew the most complaints. The R1S is the weaker of the two, with mixed standing. Again, the 2024 is the year to favor. On either one, test the front passenger air bag with an adult seated. Also check the screens and warnings for black displays or power loss.
The Bottom Line: Nissan or Rivian?
For most used-car shoppers, Nissan is the safer buy. The Ariya is the strongest model across both lineups, and the 2024 is the year to target. The Frontier is the other excellent pick. Independent repair-cost data also favors Nissan, with upkeep averaging $523 a year across its lineup. Choose a Rivian only if you want that vehicle and will check the air bag and electrical systems first.
Nissan vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Nissan more reliable than Rivian?
Which brand has more recalls, Nissan or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Nissan or Rivian?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
Which Nissan models should I avoid used?
Comparing Nissan 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 Nissan 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.