Last updated: 2026-10-10
Rivian vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Rivian
2 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Rivian comes out well ahead of Tesla on reliability, with fewer owner complaints per vehicle sold and far fewer recalls. Tesla's lineup rates mixed across the board, and its biggest complaint area is forward collision avoidance. Rivian's main worry is a passenger air bag that switches itself off.
Is Rivian More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Rivian | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 62/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 2 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 87 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Rivian vs Tesla: The Verdict
The gap is large, and it favors Rivian. Owners file 1.7 complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, against 3.9 for Tesla. Federal recall records list 46 recalls for Rivian and 509 for Tesla, though Tesla has more models and more years on the road. Rivian is also stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread across systems.
Tesla is not without good news. Its recent trend is improving, while Rivian's is stable. Still, no Tesla model rates above mixed, and Rivian's R1T rates good.
Where Rivian and Tesla Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Rivian | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 49/100Mixed | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in complaint severity, where Rivian scores 16 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Rivian vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 72 fire-related complaints across lineup
Rivian vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Rivian | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 2 models) | 59/100 | 56/100 | Rivian |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 66/100 | 59/100 | Rivian |
Rivian wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Rivian vs Tesla
| Component | Rivian | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 4%5 | 25%2,730 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5%6 | 14%1,504 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%18 | 12%1,360 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%20 | 12%1,331 |
| STEERING | 8%10 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%4 | 8%895 |
| SUSPENSION | 5%6 | 6%683 |
| AIR BAGS | 32%42 | 4%416 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%8 | 2%173 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 5%6 | 0%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Rivian vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Tesla
1,330
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
885
Injury reports
Every Rivian and Tesla Model Ranked
Rivian vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Rivian's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
| Model Year | Rivian | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 59/100(1) | 59/100(2) | Tie |
| 2025 | 61/100(2) | 64/100(5) | Tesla |
| 2024 | 65/100(2) | 56/100(5) | Rivian |
| 2023 | 61/100(2) | 47/100(4) | Rivian |
| 2022 | — | 54/100 | — |
| 2021 | — | 43/100 | — |
| 2020 | — | 47/100 | — |
| 2019 | — | 50/100 | — |
| 2018 | — | 48/100 | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Rivian vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Rivian and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Rivian vs Tesla?
If you want the lowest risk, target a 2024 R1T. It has the fewest complaints per vehicle sold. Skip the 2023, which drew the most complaints, mostly about the passenger air bag turning off for lighter adults. The R1S is mixed. Favor the 2024 over the 2023 or 2025, and test the passenger air bag and the screen before you sign.
If you want a Tesla, start with the Model X, Model 3, or Model Y, which rank above the Model S in this lineup. Be careful with the Model S. The 2019 is the safer year, and the 2021 draws the most worry, with phantom braking and sudden acceleration while parking on record. The Cybertruck ranks highest among Teslas, but its record is short. The 2024 has trim coming off at highway speeds and doors that do not latch. The 2025 and 2026 show fewer complaints mainly because they are newer.
The Bottom Line: Rivian or Tesla?
Buy Rivian if reliability is the priority. The R1T is the strongest single model across both lineups. Rivian is also stronger on repair costs, but the data gives no dollar figure, so get quotes before you commit. Choose a Tesla only if you want its lineup, and then pick a model and year with care. Avoid the 2021 Model S and the 2024 Cybertruck.
Rivian vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Rivian more reliable than Tesla?
Which has more recalls, Rivian or Tesla?
Is a Rivian or a Tesla cheaper to repair?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
What do Tesla owners complain about most?
Comparing Rivian vs Tesla? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Rivian and Tesla 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.