Head-to-head reliability
Rivian R1T vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Rivian R1T 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 R1T vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Rivian R1T averages about 25 complaints per year, while the Silverado averages about 823 per year. The Silverado also has more recalls (101 vs 37) and crash-related complaints (233 vs 10). However, the Rivian has reported serious issues like suspension defects and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Rivian R1T or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup that has been on the road for about five years, averaging roughly 25 complaints per year. Owners frequently report issues with the air bag system, suspension, and electrical components, including cases where the passenger air bag may not arm properly or the suspension has missing welds. While the number of complaints is relatively low, the severity of some issues—like sudden power loss or suspension defects—can be concerning for a daily driver.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a long-running full-size pickup with a massive owner base, generating over 8,000 complaints in ten years—about 823 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and brakes, with reports of engines shutting off while driving, transmission failures, and brake problems. The high volume of complaints reflects both the truck's popularity and a wide range of potential reliability headaches.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Rivian R1T | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 127 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 37 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 25.4 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 R1T
- 01AIR BAGS21
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
- 03SUSPENSION19
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE17
Owners report that the passenger seat sensor may fail to detect a person, preventing the air bag from arming. This is especially problematic for lighter passengers, as the system may incorrectly classify them as a child or empty seat.
Some owners have experienced suspension issues such as drifting, bump steer, and even a missing weld on the front suspension clevis mount. These defects can affect handling and safety, requiring dealer repairs.
Complaints include sudden loss of high-voltage battery power and drive unit damage, leading to a complete loss of electrical systems while driving. This can strand drivers and indicates potential serious reliability concerns.
Owners have reported issues with the forward collision avoidance system, though specific details are limited. Problems here could mean the system fails to warn or brake in time, reducing a key safety feature.
“Concern: - Passenger seat not detecting person sitting in it. Airbag not arming. Cause: - The Occupant Classification System (OCS) uses a pressure sensor in the seat bottom to classify whatever is in the front passenger's seat. An improperly seated occupant c…”
“Hello, I have a concern about the passenger side airbag in my 2023 Rivian R1T pickup truck. My wife is very small (weighs about 110 lbs., 5'2" tall). I've noticed on several occasions that when she's sitting in the passenger seat the airbag sensor will turn o…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Many owners report engine problems, including rough running, excessive soot accumulation in diesel models, and even engine shutdowns while driving. These issues can lead to costly repairs and dangerous situations on the road.
Complaints include sudden loss of power, transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly, and complete powertrain failures. Such problems can leave drivers stranded and may require major repairs.
Owners describe sudden loss of braking assistance, engine shut-offs, and blank instrument panels. These electrical glitches can compromise critical functions like braking and steering, posing serious safety risks.
Reports include a firm brake pedal with reduced braking effect and complete loss of braking in some cases. Brake failures are among the most dangerous issues a driver can face.
“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 R1T — 37 recalls
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…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 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, and…
The risk: Turn signals that do not function properly, failing to indicate the driver's intention to change direction, 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 22, 2025. Owners will receive a second notice once the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Rivia…
The defect: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles operating a software version prior to 2025.18.30. The Hands-Free Highway Assist (HWA) software may fail to correctly identify a lead vehicle.
The risk: Failure to detect another vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Rivian has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM-1744.
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 R1T or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Rivian R1T has far fewer complaints per year (about 25) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (about 823), suggesting the Rivian may have fewer overall issues. However, the Rivian's complaints include severe problems like suspension defects and electrical failures, while the Silverado's higher volume means a greater chance of encountering a problem. In practice, the Rivian might be less likely to need frequent repairs, but when issues arise, they can be serious.
Key differences
- The Rivian R1T averages about 25 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Silverado averages about 823 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Silverado.
- Rivian owners report air bag sensor failures and suspension defects, whereas Silverado owners frequently report engine shutdowns, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has 101 recalls over 10 years, compared to 37 recalls for the Rivian over 5 years, suggesting more widespread safety-related issues for the Silverado.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Silverado (233) than the Rivian (10), though this may reflect the larger number of Silverados on the road.
- Check the passenger seat air bag sensor: sit in the passenger seat and verify the air bag indicator shows 'on' for an adult of average weight; if it doesn't, the sensor may be faulty.
- Inspect the front suspension for creaks or unusual noises, and ask for service records related to suspension welds or repairs, as missing welds have been reported.
- Test drive and listen for engine noises or hesitation, and check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the engine or transmission, as sudden shutdowns have been reported.
- Verify that the brakes feel firm and responsive; any sponginess or reduced braking effect could indicate a problem, as owners have reported brake failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and any available service records to see if recalls or major repairs have been performed.
- For the Rivian, test the air bag system with a passenger of different weights and check for suspension noises during a test drive.
- For the Silverado, scan for engine and transmission error codes and test the brakes in a safe area to ensure they function properly.
- Check the NHTSA website for open recalls on the specific vehicle by VIN and confirm they have been addressed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the components with the most complaints.
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 R1T | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 120 |
| 2025 | 10 | 157 |
| 2024 | 9 | 527 |
| 2023 | 38 | 450 |
| 2022 | 67 | 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 R1T or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Rivian R1T vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Rivian R1T total complaints
- 127
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Rivian R1T total recalls
- 37
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Rivian R1T avg complaints/year
- 25.4
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Rivian R1T
- Rivian R1T top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE