Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ram vs Rivian: Reliability Compared
Ram
3 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Ram has a slight reliability edge over Rivian, mainly on complaint severity and repair costs. Both brands hold a good standing. Rivian counters with a lighter recall record, but its owners report air bag trouble more than any other problem. Ram's weak spots are electrical and steering.
Is Ram More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Ram | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 54 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1448 | 87 |
Ram vs Rivian: The Verdict
The edge goes to Ram, but only a slight one. Both brands hold a good standing, so neither is a bad bet. Ram is stronger on complaint severity and on repair costs, with an average estimated bill of $691 a year. Rivian is stronger on recall impact, with 46 recalls against 161 for Ram. Complaints per 1,000 sold run higher for Rivian, at 1.7 versus 1.1.
Problem spread across systems is even. Rivian's biggest cluster is air bags, at 32% of its complaints. Ram's is the electrical system, at 24%. Rivian also has only four model years of history, so its record is thinner.
Where Ram and Rivian Differ Most
| 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 | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Ram's advantage in repair costs (+6 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Ram vs Rivian: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 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(2 vs 1 models) | 65/100 | 66/100 | Rivian |
Rivian wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ram vs Rivian
| Component | Ram | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24%912 | 15%20 |
| STEERING | 15%559 | 8%10 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14%530 | 6%8 |
| ENGINE | 11%407 | — |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%330 | 14%18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%213 | 3%4 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%132 | 32%42 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4%152 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 4%134 | 2%2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%45 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ram vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Ram and Rivian Model Ranked
Ram vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Ram | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 70/100(2) | 59/100(1) | Ram |
| 2025 | 68/100(2) | 61/100(2) | Ram |
| 2024 | 70/100(2) | 65/100(2) | Ram |
| 2023 | 68/100(2) | 61/100(2) | Ram |
| 2022 | 63/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 61/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 64/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 66/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Ram vs Rivian?
If you want a used truck at lower running costs, lean Ram. Target the 1500, and look for a 2024. Skip the 2019. On any 1500, test the touchscreen for ghost touches and make sure the electric power steering does not cut out. For hauling cargo, the Promaster holds up well, but check the transmission for harsh or delayed shifts and look for rainwater leaks at the windshield cowl. The 2018 is the Promaster year to favor. The 2019 and 2021 draw the most complaints.
If you want an electric vehicle and accept some risk, lean Rivian. The R1T is the stronger of its two models, and the 2024 draws the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. Avoid the 2023 R1T, where the passenger air bag often switches itself off for lighter adults. The R1S is a mixed picture, so shop it carefully. Again, the 2024 is the year to favor. On either one, sit an adult in the front passenger seat and confirm the air bag stays on. Also check for black screens and power loss.
The Bottom Line: Ram or Rivian?
Choose Ram for the lower-risk, cheaper used purchase. The Ram 1500 is the strongest single model across both lineups, with yearly repair costs below the full-size truck average. Ram's average estimated repair bill is $691 a year. Choose Rivian only if you want an electric truck, pick the 2024 R1T, and verify the air bag and electrical systems before you pay.
Ram vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Ram more reliable than Rivian?
Which has more recalls, Ram or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Ram or Rivian?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
What goes wrong most often on a used Ram?
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 score Ram 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.