Head-to-head reliability
Rivian R1S vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Rivian R1S and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Rivian R1S vs Chevrolet Silverado: The R1S averages 32.8 complaints per year with 44 recalls, while the Silverado averages 822.7 complaints per year with 101 recalls. The R1S has 24 crash-related complaints and 12 injuries; the Silverado has 233 crash-related complaints and 160 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Rivian R1S or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV with a relatively short five-year complaint history, averaging about 33 complaints per year. Owners frequently report unintended acceleration, stuck accelerator pedals, and infotainment screens going black, which can disable speedometer, blind spot monitoring, and airbag alerts. There are also complaints about forward collision avoidance failing to prevent rear-end collisions. With 44 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands attention to software and electrical behavior.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a long ten-year complaint history, averaging about 823 complaints per year. The most common issues involve engine problems (especially with the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax), power train failures like sudden neutral engagement, and electrical glitches that can cause engine shutdown or brake loss. With 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints, it's a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Rivian R1S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 164 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.8 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Rivian R1S
- 01AIR BAGS36
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER35
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE23
- 05SEATS17
Owners report unintended acceleration where the vehicle accelerates despite hard braking, and infotainment screens going black, which disables airbag and seatbelt alerts. These issues can leave drivers without critical safety warnings.
Complaints include sudden uncontrolled acceleration and deceleration, sometimes with no warning. This can create immediate collision risks, especially at highway speeds.
Owners describe rear-end collisions even when emergency braking was enabled, suggesting the system may not always engage in time. This matters for buyers who rely on driver-assist features.
Multiple complaints mention repeated ineffective repair attempts at Rivian service centers, indicating ongoing issues that may be hard to fix. This can mean frequent shop visits and frustration.
“The contact owns a 2024 Rivian R1S. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to park in a parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The brake pedal was violently depressed however the vehicle continued to accelerate. No warning lights…”
“While driving my Rivian R1S, 2025 at highway speeds, the infotainment screen went completely black, disabling the speedometer, blind spot monitoring, lane warnings, airbag/seatbelt alerts, and navigation. I had no access to critical safety information while t…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of 2026 Silverado models with the 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax report engine shutdowns while driving and excessive diesel particulate filter soot accumulation requiring dealer service. These can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral and losing power, even at low speeds in parking garages. This can cause loss of control and potential accidents.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, and engine shut-off while driving with messages like 'Return to Neutral' and 'Press Start'. These electrical faults can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Owners report severe loss of braking effectiveness and complete shutdown of screens and acceleration in parking lots. Brake issues are critical for safety and should be inspected thoroughly.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Rivian R1S — 44 recalls
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2024 R1T and R1S vehicles. The dashboard air bag warning label may be missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: Without the dashboard label, operators may be unaware of the increased risks that an air bag poses to an infant or child in the front seat, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
The fix: Rivian mailed owners the warning label information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1429.
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC. (Rivian) is recalling certain 2023-2024 EDV, R1S, and R1T vehicles. The headlights may be improperly aimed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Improperly aimed headlights can result in insufficient illumination of the road, decreasing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Rivian will inspect and adjust the headlight alignment as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4264. Rivian's number for this recall is FSA…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025-2026 R1S and R1T vehicles. One or both front turn signals may fail to illuminate and flash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices,…
The risk: Turn signals that do not function properly increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Rivian will inspect and replace the front turn signals as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall i…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022-2025 R1S and R1T vehicles that previously had service performed. The toe link may have been reassembled incorrectly during service procedures performed before March 10, 2025.
The risk: The toe link joint may separate, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Rivian will replace the rear toe link bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2026. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1794. Vehicle Iden…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Rivian R1S or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Rivian R1S has far fewer complaints per year (about 33) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), but the Rivian's issues often involve safety-critical systems like unintended acceleration and brake failures. The Silverado's higher volume means more widespread problems, but many are engine and transmission related. In practice, the Rivian may have fewer overall incidents, but each could be more severe.
Key differences
- Rivian R1S complaints center on unintended acceleration, infotainment blackouts, and forward collision avoidance failures, while Silverado complaints focus on engine shutdowns, transmission neutral drops, and brake loss.
- The Rivian has 44 recalls and 24 crash-related complaints over 5 years; the Silverado has 101 recalls and 233 crash-related complaints over 10 years.
- Rivian owners report repeated ineffective repairs at service centers, while Silverado owners report a wide range of engine and electrical faults across many model years.
- The Rivian's top components are air bags, electrical, and forward collision avoidance; the Silverado's top components are engine, power train, and electrical.
- Test the infotainment screen for any blackouts or lag, as owners report it disabling speedometer, blind spot monitoring, and airbag alerts.
- Check for any signs of unintended acceleration or stuck accelerator pedal by test driving at low speeds and ensuring smooth braking response.
- Listen for engine noises and check for any history of engine shutdowns or diesel particulate filter issues, especially on 6.2L or 6.6L Duramax models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for firmness and effectiveness, and check for any electrical glitches like screens going blank or messages to 'Return to Neutral'.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Take a long test drive covering highway, city, and parking lot conditions to replicate reported issues.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the braking system, electrical components, and engine/transmission for both vehicles.
- For the Rivian, verify the latest software updates and ask about any service bulletins for infotainment and driver-assist systems.
- For the Silverado, check the diesel particulate filter history if equipped, and scan for any stored error codes.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Rivian R1S | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 120 |
| 2025 | 54 | 157 |
| 2024 | 17 | 527 |
| 2023 | 75 | 450 |
| 2022 | 4 | 1390 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Rivian R1S or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Rivian R1S vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Rivian R1S total complaints
- 164
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Rivian R1S total recalls
- 44
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Rivian R1S avg complaints/year
- 32.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Rivian R1S
- Rivian R1S top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE