Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Rivian R1T: Reliability Compared
GMC Sierra 1500
Rivian R1T
Choosing between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Rivian R1T? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size trucks.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The GMC Sierra 1500 currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The GMC Sierra 1500 is more reliable than the Rivian R1T, scoring 69/100 vs 66/100.
Key Differences
- 1Rivian R1T has 21 fewer total recalls
- 2Rivian R1T has 5.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3GMC Sierra 1500 scores 3 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Rivian R1T: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | GMC Sierra 1500 | Rivian R1T |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 69/100 | 66/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 42 | 21 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 15.4 | 10 |
| Year Wins | 3 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Sierra 1500 and Rivian R1T?
| Component | GMC Sierra 1500 | Rivian R1T |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 4.5Average | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 3.3Average | 0.6Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 2.8Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.8Low | 0.8Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.8Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.8Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.8Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.8Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.8Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does GMC Sierra 1500 vs Rivian R1T Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | GMC Sierra 1500 | Rivian R1T | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 80/1001R / 56C | 65/1008R / 8C | GMC Sierra 1500 |
| 2024 | 73/1001R / 242C | 67/1006R / 7C | GMC Sierra 1500 |
| 2023 | 69/1003R / 318C | 65/1007R / 35C | GMC Sierra 1500 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 scored 73/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1T scored 67/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
GMC Sierra 1500 vs Rivian R1T: Common Questions
- Is the GMC Sierra 1500 more reliable than the Rivian R1T?
- Based on our data, the GMC Sierra 1500 is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the GMC Sierra 1500 or the Rivian R1T?
- The GMC Sierra 1500 has more recalls (42) compared to the Rivian R1T (21). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Sierra 1500 or the Rivian R1T?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Rivian R1T has a lower complaint rate at 10 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 15.4 for the GMC Sierra 1500. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between GMC Sierra 1500 and Rivian R1T? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the GMC Sierra 1500 and Rivian R1T
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.
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