Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ram vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ram
3 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Comparing Ram 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.
Rivian currently leads with an average score of 62/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ram More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Ram | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 57/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 53 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1442 | 84 |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Ram vs Rivian: The Verdict
The numbers favor Rivian here, but Ram isn't far behind. We scored 5 models between the two makes: Ram at 57/100 and Rivian at 62/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
Where Ram and Rivian Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ram | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 55/100Mixed | 50/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 61/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Ram's advantage in repair costs (+5 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Ram vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 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
Ram vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ram | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks(3 vs 1 models) | 43/100 | 66/100 | Rivian |
Rivian wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ram vs Rivian
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ram | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 25%912 | 15%20 |
| STEERING | 15%563 | 8%10 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14%530 | 6%8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%398 | 14%18 |
| ENGINE | 11%407 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%213 | 3%4 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%132 | 32%42 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%125 | — |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%71 | 5%6 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%27 | 5%6 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ram vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 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.
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Ram and Rivian Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ram vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle.
| Model Year | Ram | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 45/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Rivian |
| 2024 | 46/100(3) | 65/100(2) | Rivian |
| 2023 | 68/100(2) | 61/100(2) | Ram |
| 2022 | 63/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 61/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 64/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 66/100 | — | — |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Ram vs Rivian: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Ram and Rivian. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Ram or Rivian?
Rivian 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 Ram 1500 leads both lineups with a score of 67/100.
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.
Ram vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Ram more reliable than Rivian?
Which make has more recalls, Ram or Rivian?
What are the most reliable models from Ram and Rivian?
What are the least reliable models from Ram and Rivian?
What are the most common problems with Ram and Rivian vehicles?
How many Ram and Rivian models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ram or Rivian?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ram or Rivian?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ram or Rivian?
Comparing Ram 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.