Head-to-head reliability
Rivian R1T vs FORD F 150
How the Rivian R1T and FORD F 150 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 FORD F 150: The Rivian R1T averages 25.4 complaints per year with 37 recalls, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Ford has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to the Rivian's 10 and 8. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Rivian R1T or FORD F 150 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, with an average of 25.4 complaints per year. Owners report issues with air bag sensors not detecting passengers, suspension components like missing welds, and electrical failures that can cause a sudden loss of power. These problems, while less frequent than the Ford's, can be serious and may require dealer service.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a long-running, high-volume pickup with an average of 1,162.1 complaints per year over the past decade. The most common complaints involve power train problems such as transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, along with electrical issues and rear window defroster shorts. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, the F-150 has a well-documented history of reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Rivian R1T | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 127 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 37 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 25.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 airbag from arming. This is especially concerning for smaller passengers, as the airbag may not deploy in a crash.
Some owners have experienced suspension issues such as a missing weld on the clevis mount, leading to creaking noises and potential handling problems. This can affect vehicle stability and safety.
Complaints include high-voltage battery pack failures that cause a total loss of electrical systems while driving, resulting in sudden power loss and stranding. This is a critical safety issue that can happen without warning.
Owners have reported issues with the forward collision avoidance system, though specific details are not provided in the sample. This system is designed to prevent accidents, so malfunctions could increase crash risk.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear, often linked to lead frame issues. These failures can occur while driving and may lead to loss of power or control.
Electrical complaints include lead frame failures and output speed sensor issues that trigger limp mode. These problems can cause sudden loss of power and require costly repairs.
Owners have reported exterior lighting failures, though specific details are not in the sample. Malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
Engine-related complaints are common, though the sample does not specify the exact issues. Engine problems can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Rivian R1T or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Rivian R1T has far fewer complaints per year (25.4) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), but both have serious safety-related issues. The Ford's higher volume means more reported problems, but the Rivian's issues, while less frequent, can be severe. In practice, the Rivian may require less frequent dealer visits, but the Ford has a longer track record with more known remedies.
Key differences
- The Rivian R1T has an average of 25.4 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Ford.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to the Rivian's 10 crash-related and 8 injuries, though these numbers are not adjusted for vehicle volume.
- Rivian owners frequently report air bag sensor and suspension weld issues, while Ford owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, versus 37 for the Rivian over 5 years, suggesting more widespread known issues for the Ford.
- Check the passenger seat occupancy sensor: sit in the passenger seat and verify the airbag indicator shows 'on' for an adult. If it doesn't, the airbag may not deploy in a crash.
- Inspect the front suspension for creaking noises or signs of missing welds, especially on the clevis mount. A test drive over uneven roads can reveal handling issues.
- Test drive the truck and pay attention to transmission behavior: any hesitation, limp mode, or getting stuck in gear could indicate a lead frame or sensor problem.
- Check the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or overheating, and inspect the window for cracks. A sudden shatter has been reported by some owners.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic experienced with the specific model (EV for Rivian, Ford trucks for F-150).
- During the test drive, test all electrical systems, including lights, infotainment, and driver-assist features.
- For the Rivian, verify the high-voltage battery health and software version; for the Ford, check transmission service history and lead frame replacement.
- Ask the seller for any service records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 35 |
| 2025 | 10 | 345 |
| 2024 | 9 | 638 |
| 2023 | 38 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 67 | 3493 |
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 FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Rivian R1T vs FORD F 150
- Rivian R1T total complaints
- 127
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Rivian R1T total recalls
- 37
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Rivian R1T avg complaints/year
- 25.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Rivian R1T
- Rivian R1T top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN