Is the Ram Promaster more reliable than the Rivian R1t?

Based on our data, the Rivian R1t is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 62/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Ram Promaster or the Rivian R1t?

The Ram Promaster has more recalls (54) 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 Ram Promaster or the Rivian R1t?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Ram Promaster has a lower complaint rate at 4.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10 for the Rivian R1t. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t: Reliability Compared

Ram Promaster

Good

More Reliable

Rivian R1t

Good

Choosing between the Ram Promaster 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 Rivian R1t currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 62/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ram Promaster and Rivian R1t Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Rivian R1T is in its second generation, which began in 2024. Since it's relatively early in its generation cycle, potential buyers should be mindful of the typical first-year issues that can accompany new platforms. Conversely, the Ram Promaster is in its second generation, which started in 2023. This model is also early in its cycle, implying it might experience similar teething problems as manufacturers address initial production challenges. The first generation of the Promaster, running from 2013 to 2022 with a facelift in 2019, had time to mature, which usually results in improved reliability as common issues are ironed out over time.

Verdict

The Rivian R1t is more reliable than the Ram Promaster, scoring 66/100 vs 62/100.

The Rivian R1t and the Ram Promaster offer distinct reliability profiles. The Rivian R1t scores slightly higher with an average reliability score of 66 out of 100 compared to the Promaster's 62, but it has a notably higher recall rate with 21 recalls over three years versus the Promaster's 54 over nine years. The Promaster, however, boasts a lower owner complaint rate of 4.6 per 10,000 sold compared to the R1t's 10, indicating fewer issues per unit. Despite the R1t's higher reliability score, the Promaster's lower complaint rate and broader recall history suggest it may offer more consistent reliability over time.

Key Differences

1Rivian R1t has 33 fewer total recalls
2Ram Promaster has 5.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Rivian R1t scores 4 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Ram Promaster

—

2Rivian R1t

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t: Which Is More Reliable?

Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Ram Promaster	Rivian R1t
Reliability Score	62/100	66/100
Years Tracked	9	3
Total Recalls	54	21
Complaints per 10k Sold	4.6	10
Year Wins	0	3

What Are the Common Problems With the Ram Promaster and Rivian R1t?

The Rivian R1t and Ram Promaster display distinct problem profiles, with the R1t primarily experiencing issues related to air bags, which account for 28% of its total complaints. In contrast, the Promaster shows a broader range of problems, most notably in its electrical system, steering, and power train, which together comprise over a third of its complaints. While the R1t has fewer total complaints, it has significant crash-linked issues in service brakes, a safety-critical area. The Promaster, despite having more complaints overall, spreads its crash-linked concerns across the power train, engine, and service brakes, indicating a wider distribution of severe issues.

Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t common problem areas comparison
Component	Ram Promaster	Rivian R1t
AIR BAGS	—None	2.8Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	0.8Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	0.8Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.5Very Low	0.6Very Low
STEERING	0.5Very Low	0.4Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.3Very Low	0.4Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.4Very Low	—None
ENGINE	0.2Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.1Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	—None
EQUIPMENT	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t Reliability Compare by Year?

Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Ram Promaster	Rivian R1t	Edge
2025	62/1004R / 3C	65/1008R / 8C	Rivian R1t
2024	62/1006R / 5C	67/1006R / 7C	Rivian R1t
2023	63/1007R / 39C	65/1007R / 35C	Rivian R1t

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Ram Promaster scored 63/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1t scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ram Promaster vs the Rivian R1t?

If you prioritize reliability and have concerns about recalls, the Rivian R1t might be the better option for you. With a reliability score of 66/100 and 21 total recalls, it stands out as the more reliable choice compared to the Ram Promaster. However, be aware that it has a higher owner complaint rate of 10 per 10,000 sold, with issues primarily in air bags, the electrical system, and forward collision avoidance. On the other hand, if you value a lower rate of owner complaints and can manage a higher number of recalls, consider the Ram Promaster. It has fewer complaints at 4.6 per 10,000 sold, which could indicate better customer satisfaction despite its 54 recalls. Key issues include the electrical system and power train, but it may still suit those who prioritize fewer day-to-day annoyances over long-term reliability concerns.

Ram Promaster vs Rivian R1t: Common Questions

Is the Ram Promaster more reliable than the Rivian R1t?: Based on our data, the Rivian R1t is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 62/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Ram Promaster or the Rivian R1t?: The Ram Promaster has more recalls (54) 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 Ram Promaster or the Rivian R1t?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Ram Promaster has a lower complaint rate at 4.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10 for the Rivian R1t. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Ram Promaster comparisons

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More Rivian R1t comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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