Last updated: 2026-07-26
Nissan vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Nissan
12 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Comparing Nissan 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.
Nissan currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 62/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
This isn't a close contest. Nissan outperforms Rivian on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Nissan averages 77/100 (12 models) and Rivian averages 62/100 (2 models).
Where Nissan and Rivian Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
- 42 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Nissan | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24%1,283 | 15%20 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%851 | 14%18 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%617 | 6%8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11%600 | 3%4 |
| ENGINE | 8%447 | — |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 6%350 | 4%5 |
| STEERING | 5%294 | 8%10 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%205 | 32%42 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%180 | 5%6 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%43 | 5%6 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Nissan vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Nissan owners reported 324 crash-related, 42 fire-related, and 258 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.
Nissan
324
Crash reports
42
Fire reports
258
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Nissan and Rivian Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Nissan Models
Nissan vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 | — | — |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Nissan or Rivian?
The numbers make a strong case for Nissan — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Nissan Ariya leads both lineups with a score of 85/100.
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.
Nissan vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Nissan more reliable than Rivian?
Which make has more recalls, Nissan or Rivian?
What are the most reliable models from Nissan and Rivian?
What are the least reliable models from Nissan and Rivian?
What are the most common problems with Nissan and Rivian vehicles?
How many Nissan and Rivian models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Nissan or Rivian?
Are Nissan and Rivian getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Nissan or Rivian?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Nissan or Rivian?
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 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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.