Last updated: 2026-10-10
Rivian vs Volvo: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Rivian
2 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Volvo beats Rivian on reliability by a clear margin, with fewer complaints per vehicle sold. Both brands hold a good standing. Volvo also does better on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact across a wider lineup of five models.
Is Rivian More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Rivian | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 62/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 2 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 87 | 136 |
Rivian vs Volvo: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Volvo. Owners file fewer complaints per vehicle sold, 1 per 1,000 against 1.7 for Rivian, and Volvo is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact. The spread of problems across systems is even.
The problem areas differ. Rivian's biggest category is air bags, at 32% of complaints, mostly a passenger air bag that switches off with an adult seated. Volvo's biggest is the electrical system, at 35%. Rivian also has only two models and four model years of history, so its record is thinner.
Where Rivian and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Rivian | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 49/100Mixed | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
Volvo's advantage in repair costs (+17 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Rivian vs Volvo: Strengths and Weaknesses
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Volvo
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Rivian vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Rivian | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 3 models) | 59/100 | 69/100 | Volvo |
Volvo wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Rivian vs Volvo
| Component | Rivian | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15%20 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%18 | 13%70 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%4 | 12%62 |
| AIR BAGS | 32%42 | 1%4 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | — | 7%39 |
| STEERING | 8%10 | 5%28 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6%8 | 5%26 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%3 | 4%21 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%2 | 3%18 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5%6 | 1%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Rivian vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Rivian and Volvo Model Ranked
Rivian vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Rivian's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
Interestingly, both Rivian and Volvo show stable reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Rivian | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 59/100(1) | 75/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2025 | 61/100(2) | 74/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2024 | 65/100(2) | 69/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2023 | 61/100(2) | 65/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2022 | — | 70/100 | — |
| 2021 | — | 66/100 | — |
| 2020 | — | 71/100 | — |
| 2019 | — | 69/100 | — |
| 2018 | — | 71/100 | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Rivian vs Volvo: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Rivian and Volvo. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Rivian vs Volvo?
If you want an electric truck or SUV, Rivian is the one to shop, but be picky. Target the 2024 R1T or the 2024 R1S, which drew the fewest complaints for their sales. Skip the 2023 R1T, where the passenger air bag switching off for lighter adults dominated. Skip the 2023 and 2025 R1S too. On any Rivian, test the passenger air bag status light and ask about black screens and power loss.
If you want the safer pick for the money, lean Volvo. The XC60 is the strongest model in either lineup, and the 2021 is the year to look for. Avoid the 2022 XC60, which draws the most complaints, and ask whether the engine ever shut off at a stop. The XC40 is the weakest Volvo despite a good standing. If you choose one, look for a 2020 and pass on the 2021 and 2023. The S60, XC90 and S90 all rate good.
The Bottom Line: Rivian or Volvo?
Buy Volvo unless you specifically want an electric truck or SUV. The XC60 is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2021 is the year to target. Independent repair-cost data puts Volvo at an average of $831 a year. The data gives no repair cost figure for Rivian, so that difference cannot be priced. If you pick a Rivian, choose a 2024.
Rivian vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Rivian more reliable than Volvo?
Which has more recalls, Rivian or Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Rivian or Volvo?
What is the most common Rivian problem?
What goes wrong most often on Volvos?
Comparing Rivian vs Volvo? 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 Volvo 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.