Last updated: 2026-08-24
Ram 1500 vs Rivian R1t: Reliability Compared
Ram 1500
Rivian R1t
Choosing between the Ram 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 Ram 1500 currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Ram 1500 is more reliable than the Rivian R1t, scoring 68/100 vs 66/100.
Key Differences
- 1Rivian R1t has 86 fewer total recalls
- 2Ram 1500 scores 2 points higher in reliability
- 3Rivian R1t has 1.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Ram 1500 vs Rivian R1t: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Ram 1500 | Rivian R1t |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 68/100 | 66/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 107 | 21 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 11.9 | 10 |
| Year Wins | 3 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Ram 1500 and Rivian R1t?
| Component | Ram 1500 | Rivian R1t |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2.6Low | 0.8Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.4Very Low | 2.8Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.5Low | 0.6Very Low |
| STEERING | 1.6Low | 0.4Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.1Low | 0.8Very Low |
| ENGINE | 1.2Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Ram 1500 vs Rivian R1t Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Ram 1500 | Rivian R1t | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/1005R / 186C | 65/1008R / 8C | Ram 1500 |
| 2024 | 77/1004R / 57C | 67/1006R / 7C | Ram 1500 |
| 2023 | 72/10010R / 145C | 65/1007R / 35C | Ram 1500 |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ram 1500 scored 77/100 and the 2024 Rivian R1t scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Ram 1500 vs Rivian R1t: Common Questions
- Is the Ram 1500 more reliable than the Rivian R1t?
- Based on our data, the Ram 1500 is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Ram 1500 or the Rivian R1t?
- The Ram 1500 has more recalls (107) 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 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 11.9 for the Ram 1500. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Ram 1500 and Rivian R1t? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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 via vehicles.dev. 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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