Thinking about buying a Rivian but worried about reliability? You’re smart to ask questions. This deep dive into Rivian’s track record will show you what’s really happening with these electric trucks—the good, the bad, and what it means for your wallet.
The Reliability Rankings Don’t Look Great
Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: Rivian scored dead last in Consumer Reports’ 2024 reliability survey. Out of 34 brands, they landed at the bottom with a score of just 14 out of 100. That’s rough.
But here’s where it gets weird. Those same owners who dealt with all these problems? They gave Rivian an 86% satisfaction rating—the highest of any brand surveyed. It’s like dating someone who’s always late but makes you laugh harder than anyone else.
This paradox tells you something important: are Rivian’s reliable in the traditional sense? Not yet. But they’re delivering something owners value enough to overlook the headaches.
Early Models Had Growing Pains
Most of Rivian’s reliability issues come from early production vehicles. One owner documented 17 repair requests over three years and 54,000 miles. That’s a lot of trips to the service center.
The good news? His wife’s 2023 R1S, built just 50,000 units later, “has been nearly flawless.” This shows Rivian’s learning fast from their mistakes.
What Actually Goes Wrong
Build Quality Issues Keep Popping Up
Early Rivian vehicles showed typical startup manufacturing problems. Owners report panel gaps so big you can stick your finger in them. Wind noise from poorly sealed windows and doors is another common complaint.
The tonneau cover seems particularly cursed. Multiple owners report it breaking repeatedly, requiring several warranty replacements.
Software Glitches Are Frustrating
For a vehicle marketed as cutting-edge tech, the software issues are ironic. Common problems include:
- Infotainment screens that lag 3 seconds between switches
- Connectivity dropping randomly despite strong Wi-Fi and LTE signals
- Spotify refusing to play
- Sensors requiring regular hard resets
One Gen 2 owner summed it up: “Search is offline” became their most-hated error message.
The Service Wait Problem
This might be the biggest reliability issue that isn’t actually about the truck. Getting your Rivian serviced can take 8-10 weeks for an appointment. Some owners drive 3-4 hours just to reach a service center.
When a minor fix requires two months of waiting, it doesn’t matter if the truck’s technically reliable—your experience still sucks.
Gen 2 Models Show Real Improvement
Rivian didn’t just refresh the paint colors for their 2024-2025 Gen 2 models. They fixed some fundamental problems.
Simpler Electronics Mean Fewer Failures
The Gen 2 electrical system went from 17 electronic control units down to just 7. They also removed 44 pounds of wiring. Fewer components mean fewer things that can break. It’s basic engineering.
The Ride Got Way Better
Gen 1 owners complained about harsh, truck-like ride quality. Gen 2 vehicles got completely redesigned rear dampers and bushings. The difference is noticeable—comfortable in normal mode, sporty when you want it.
Software Finally Works Right
Recent updates brought “lightning quick” app loading and stable operation. The full Google Maps integration also fixed the navigation problems that plagued earlier versions.
Warranty Coverage Protects Your Investment
When asking “are Rivian’s reliable,” the warranty matters almost as much as actual reliability.
What’s Covered
Rivian offers solid protection:
- Comprehensive warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles on Gen 2 vehicles
- Battery and drivetrain: 8 years/120,000-150,000 miles depending on battery size
- Corrosion: 8 years unlimited miles
That battery warranty particularly matters. Replacing an EV battery out of warranty could cost more than the vehicle’s worth.
Service Network Expanding Fast
Rivian knows service accessibility is killing their reputation. They’re targeting 100 service centers by end of 2025, up from 77 currently. They’re also pushing mobile service to handle 70% of issues.
New locations opening in 2025 include Charlotte, Canton, and Woodbury. If you’re near these cities, the service situation should improve dramatically.
How Rivian Stacks Up Against Competitors
Tesla: More Mature But Not Perfect
Tesla ranked 17th in the same Consumer Reports survey with a score of 36/100. That’s still below average but way better than Rivian’s 14.
However, one owner who traded a 2024 Tesla Model X for a Rivian R1T said the Rivian’s build quality was “significantly better, with not a single rattle.” His Model X had constant squeaks and noises.
Tesla wins on software maturity and charging infrastructure. Rivian wins on build quality and customer service responsiveness.
Ford F-150 Lightning: Similar Issues, Better Service
The F-150 Lightning also scores poorly on reliability, but Ford’s massive dealer network means you’re never far from service. One farm operator praised the Lightning’s “robustness we’ve come to expect from Ford trucks.”
If service accessibility matters more to you than cutting-edge features, the Lightning makes sense. If you want the most capable electric truck and can tolerate service delays, Rivian delivers.
Recent Recalls Show Both Problems and Responsibility
Rivian’s recall history reveals important patterns.
Major 2025 Safety Recalls
- Headlight failures in cold weather: 17,260 vehicles affected
- Highway Assist software issues: 24,214 vehicles affected
These recalls concern safety-critical systems. That’s not great. But Rivian’s handling them proactively with over-the-air updates and hardware fixes when needed. They’re not hiding problems or dragging their feet.
Compare this to traditional automakers who sometimes take years to acknowledge issues. Rivian’s transparency is refreshing, even if the problems themselves aren’t.
The R2 Could Change Everything
Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV, launching in 2026, represents their chance to prove they’ve learned from R1 mistakes.
Simpler Design Should Mean Better Reliability
The R2 features fewer complex systems than the R1. It’s built on lessons learned from producing over 100,000 R1 vehicles. The improved thermal management should fix one of the R1’s biggest weaknesses.
Production starts in Normal, Illinois at a facility designed specifically for the R2. This isn’t retrofitted space—it’s purpose-built for this vehicle.
Price Point Matters
At around $45,000, the R2 targets mainstream buyers who won’t tolerate R1-level reliability issues. Rivian knows this. Expect tighter quality control and more conservative engineering choices.
What Owners Actually Say
The numbers tell one story. Real owners tell another.
The Love-Hate Relationship
Owners on forums describe Rivian ownership as “death by a thousand cuts.” Not catastrophic failures, but constant minor annoyances. Yet the same people say they’d buy another Rivian tomorrow.
Why? The trucks do things no competitors can match. The combination of off-road capability, luxury features, and innovative storage solutions creates an emotional connection that survives reliability frustrations.
Early Adopters vs. Newer Buyers
There’s a clear split between early-production owners and those who bought 2023+ models. Early owners experienced the worst problems. Recent buyers report far fewer issues.
One 2025 Gen 2 owner called their first month “nearly flawless.” That’s a different experience than the 17-repair-request horror stories from 2022.
Financial Stability Supports Future Improvements
Rivian’s partnership with Volkswagen and recent positive gross profit achievement mean they’ve got money to fix problems. They’re not on the edge of bankruptcy like some EV startups.
This financial stability lets them invest in service infrastructure and quality improvements rather than just survival. That matters when evaluating long-term reliability prospects.
Should You Buy a Rivian Right Now?
Here’s the honest answer about whether Rivian’s reliable enough to buy:
Skip Early Production Vehicles
If you’re shopping used, avoid 2022 and early 2023 models unless you’re getting a steep discount. The problems are well-documented and real.
Gen 2 Models Are Worth Considering
2024-2025 Gen 2 vehicles show meaningful improvements. They’re still not Honda Accord reliable, but they’re getting there. If you live near a service center and can handle occasional software quirks, they’re solid.
Wait for R2 If You Want Lower Risk
The R2 should benefit from everything Rivian’s learned. It’ll also have a more mature service network at launch. If reliability is your top concern, waiting makes sense.
The Bottom Line on Rivian Reliability
So, are Rivian’s reliable? Not by traditional standards—at least not yet. They rank last in reliability surveys for good reason. Early vehicles had real problems, and service accessibility remains challenging.
But the story’s changing fast. Gen 2 improvements are substantial. The service network’s expanding aggressively. And owner satisfaction remains sky-high despite the issues.
Buying a Rivian means accepting some reliability risk in exchange for innovation, capability, and supporting an American manufacturer that’s rapidly improving. You’re not buying a finished product—you’re buying into a company’s potential.
If you need rock-solid reliability right now, stick with a RAV4 Hybrid. If you’re willing to be part of something new and exciting, knowing there’ll be growing pains, Rivian delivers an ownership experience unlike anything else on the road.
The question isn’t whether Rivian’s reliable yet. It’s whether their unique capabilities and rapid improvements make the reliability trade-offs worth it for you.
