Last updated: 2026-10-10
Rivian vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Rivian
2 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru beats Rivian on reliability by a large margin. Both brands rate good, but Subaru's lineup is deeper and its recall impact is lighter. Rivian does better on complaint severity, with far fewer crashes, fires and injuries reported.
Is Rivian More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Rivian | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 62/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 2 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 87 | 1084 |
Rivian vs Subaru: The Verdict
A large gap separates the two brands on overall reliability, and it favors Subaru. Independent repair-cost data puts its average at $605 a year, its recall impact is lighter, and its trend is improving. All eight of its models rate good, so you have real choice.
Rivian wins one category: complaint severity. Owners filed 12 crash complaints and 2 fires, against 289 and 74 for Subaru. Rivian also has fewer complaints per 1,000 sold. But it has only two models and four model years, so its record is short. Problem spread across systems is even.
Where Rivian and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Rivian | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 49/100Mixed | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
Subaru's advantage in repair costs (+24 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Rivian vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 74 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Rivian vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Rivian | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 5 models) | 59/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Rivian vs Subaru
| Component | Rivian | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%3 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%20 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%18 | 16%1,248 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 6%461 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%8 | 5%405 |
| ENGINE | — | 3%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 32%42 | 3%223 |
| STEERING | 8%10 | 2%191 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5%6 | 2%167 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5%6 | 2%154 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Rivian vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Rivian and Subaru Model Ranked
Subaru Models
Rivian vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Rivian's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
| Model Year | Rivian | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 59/100(1) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 61/100(2) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 65/100(2) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 61/100(2) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | — | 74/100 | — |
| 2021 | — | 72/100 | — |
| 2020 | — | 68/100 | — |
| 2019 | — | 63/100 | — |
| 2018 | — | 67/100 | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Rivian vs Subaru?
If you want the lower-risk, lower-cost choice, lean toward Subaru. Target a 2024 Legacy, which is the safer year, and skip the 2019 and 2020 model years. For an SUV, a 2024 Ascent is the safer pick and the 2019 is the one to avoid. Windshields that crack easily come up on both the Legacy and the Ascent. On the Ascent, also check for a CVT that shudders or slips and a battery that drains while parked.
Lean toward Rivian only if you accept a short track record and software-driven electrical faults, such as black screens and sudden power loss. Within the lineup, the 2024 R1T is the pick, and the 2023 drew the most complaints. For the R1S, favor the 2024 over the 2023 or 2025. On any Rivian, test the front passenger air bag with an adult seated. Owners report it switching itself off.
The Bottom Line: Rivian or Subaru?
For most used-car shoppers, Subaru is the better buy. The Legacy is the strongest single model across both lineups, and the 2024 year is the safer choice. Subaru's independent repair-cost average is $605 a year, and our data gives no comparable figure for Rivian. Choose Rivian only if low complaint severity matters most, and then look for a 2024 R1T.
Rivian vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Rivian more reliable than Subaru?
Which has more recalls, Rivian or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Rivian or Subaru?
What problems do Rivian owners report most?
What are the most common Subaru problems?
Comparing Rivian vs Subaru? 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 Rivian and Subaru 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.