Is the Rivian R1t more reliable than the Tesla Cybertruck?

Based on our data, the Rivian R1t is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Rivian R1t or the Tesla Cybertruck?

The Rivian R1t has more recalls (21) compared to the Tesla Cybertruck (13). 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 Rivian R1t or the Tesla Cybertruck?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Rivian R1t has a lower complaint rate at 10 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 23.7 for the Tesla Cybertruck. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Rivian R1t

Good

Tesla Cybertruck

Mixed

Choosing between the Rivian R1t and the Tesla Cybertruck? 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 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Rivian R1t and Tesla Cybertruck Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Cybertruck is in its first generation, which began production in 2024. This means it is still early in its generational cycle, suggesting that potential buyers might encounter typical first-year issues that often accompany new platforms. The Cybertruck has not undergone any significant redesigns or facelifts since its initial launch. In contrast, the Rivian R1T has entered its second generation, which began in 2024. With two years into this generation, the R1T is likely more refined, as manufacturers often address initial production issues by this stage. The transition from the first to the second generation indicates that Rivian has had the opportunity to incorporate improvements based on earlier user feedback, potentially enhancing reliability compared to its debut model.

Verdict

The Rivian R1t is more reliable than the Tesla Cybertruck, scoring 66/100 vs 59/100.

The Rivian R1T demonstrates a slightly better reliability profile than the Tesla Cybertruck, reflected in its higher average reliability score of 66 compared to the Cybertruck's 59. Although the R1T has experienced more recalls (21 vs. 13), it has a lower owner complaint rate of 10 per 10,000 vehicles, indicating fewer widespread issues compared to the Cybertruck's 23.7. While both trucks face issues with their electrical systems, the Cybertruck is more frequently criticized for structural and steering concerns, whereas the R1T's primary problems are related to airbags and power train. Overall, the R1T's lower complaint rate suggests a more dependable ownership experience.

Key Differences

1Rivian R1t has 13.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Tesla Cybertruck has 8 fewer total recalls
3Rivian R1t scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Rivian R1t

—

1Tesla Cybertruck

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck: Which Is More Reliable?

Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Rivian R1t	Tesla Cybertruck
Reliability Score	66/100	59/100
Years Tracked	3	3
Total Recalls	21	13
Complaints per 10k Sold	10	23.7
Year Wins	1 (1 tied)	0 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Rivian R1t and Tesla Cybertruck?

The Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1t present distinct problem profiles, with the Cybertruck experiencing a higher number of complaints primarily related to structural issues, accounting for 30 complaints, including one crash-linked incident. Additionally, the Cybertruck has significant concerns with steering and the electrical system, each with multiple crash-linked reports. On the other hand, the Rivian R1t's most prevalent issue lies in its airbag system, which has generated 14 complaints, though none are crash-linked. The Rivian R1t exhibits fewer overall problems, but it shares concerns with the Cybertruck in categories like vehicle speed control, with the Cybertruck showing a higher propensity for crash-linked issues across multiple components.

Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck common problem areas comparison
Component	Rivian R1t	Tesla Cybertruck
STRUCTURE	—None	6Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.8Very Low	2.6Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.8Very Low	2.4Low
AIR BAGS	2.8Low	—None
STEERING	0.4Very Low	2.4Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	2.4Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	1.6Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.4Very Low	1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.4Very Low	0.6Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.6Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	0.4Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.4Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.4Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.4Very Low

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

How Does Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck Reliability Compare by Year?

Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Rivian R1t	Tesla Cybertruck	Edge
2025	65/1008R / 8C	65/1002R / 13C	Tie
2024	67/1006R / 7C	52/10010R / 104C	Rivian R1t

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Rivian R1t scored 67/100 and the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck scored 65/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Rivian R1t vs the Tesla Cybertruck?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer owner complaints, the Rivian R1t might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 66/100 and only 10 complaints per 10,000 sold, it stands out as a more dependable option. Despite having more recalls (21), these issues have not translated into a high number of owner complaints, indicating effective resolution. If safety features like air bags and forward collision avoidance are important to you, the R1t's focus on these areas could be advantageous. On the other hand, if you are drawn to Tesla's innovative design and technology, the Cybertruck could appeal to you despite its lower reliability score of 59/100. However, be prepared for potential issues with structure, steering, and the electrical system, as these are common concerns among current owners. If you are willing to navigate these challenges for the unique experience that Tesla offers, the Cybertruck might still be worth considering.

Rivian R1t vs Tesla Cybertruck: Common Questions

Is the Rivian R1t more reliable than the Tesla Cybertruck?: Based on our data, the Rivian R1t is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Rivian R1t or the Tesla Cybertruck?: The Rivian R1t has more recalls (21) compared to the Tesla Cybertruck (13). 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 Rivian R1t or the Tesla Cybertruck?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Rivian R1t has a lower complaint rate at 10 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 23.7 for the Tesla Cybertruck. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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More Tesla Cybertruck 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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