Head-to-head reliability
Rivian R1T vs Honda Accord
How the Rivian R1T and Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord: The R1T averages 25.4 complaints per year with 37 recalls, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls. Both have forward collision avoidance as a top issue, but the R1T's air bag and suspension problems differ from the Accord's engine and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Rivian R1T or Honda Accord 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 owner complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are air bags, suspension, and electrical system, and owners describe issues like the passenger air bag not arming, suspension welds missing, and sudden power loss. With 37 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands attention to safety systems and software updates. For a first-time buyer, it's a truck that can be rewarding but may require more frequent dealer visits than a mainstream gas pickup.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream sedan with a 10-year history and a much higher average of 452.4 complaints per year, though that's spread over many more vehicles on the road. The most frequent complaints involve the engine, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners reporting stalling, power steering failure, and unexpected automatic braking. There are 38 recalls and 162 crash-related complaints, including 3 deaths, so safety-related defects are a real concern. For a buyer, it's a popular car with known trouble areas that should be checked carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Rivian R1T | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 127 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 37 Better | 38 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 25.4 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 Better | 146 |
| 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 the passenger seat not detecting a person, so the air bag doesn't arm. One complaint notes a small 110-lb passenger caused the sensor to turn off. This matters because the air bag may not deploy in a crash.
Complaints include the truck drifting left, bump steer over uneven roads, and a missing weld on the front passenger suspension clevis mount. A missing weld can lead to creaking and potential loss of control.
Owners describe high-voltage battery pack failures that damage drive units and cause total loss of electrical systems while driving. Another complaint notes the truck entered Limited Performance Mode but then lost all power, stranding the driver.
This system is a top complaint area, though sample texts focus on other components. Buyers should ask about software updates and any history of false alerts or failures to brake.
“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…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report rattling noises while accelerating, rough transitions between EV and gas mode, and sudden loss of speed with multiple alarms. One complaint describes the vehicle losing speed and not being able to accelerate on the highway.
Complaints include electronic power steering and braking systems failing simultaneously at highway speeds, causing a near-collision. Another owner had a tire fail catastrophically after a TPMS warning was supposedly fixed.
Owners report the system braking unexpectedly or failing to respond, sometimes under adaptive cruise control at 70 mph. These incidents occurred repeatedly on the same route, suggesting a persistent defect.
This is a top complaint area, with issues like fuel pump failures and hybrid system problems. A fuel pump failure can cause stalling, and hybrid issues can lead to loss of power.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
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.
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
Rivian R1T or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Rivian R1T has far fewer complaints per year (25.4) than the Honda Accord (452.4), but the Accord is a much higher-volume vehicle, so the raw numbers aren't directly comparable. In practice, the Rivian's issues are more often tied to new-tech systems like air bag sensors and suspension welds, while the Accord's are spread across engine, electrical, and safety systems. Both have recalls and crash-related complaints, so neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- Rivian R1T complaints center on air bag sensors not detecting passengers and suspension welds missing, while Honda Accord complaints often involve engine rattles and sudden power loss.
- The Accord has a much higher annual complaint rate (452.4 vs 25.4), but it also sells in far greater numbers, so per-vehicle risk is not directly comparable.
- Rivian has 10 crash-related complaints and 8 injuries; Honda has 162 crash-related complaints and 146 injuries, including 3 deaths.
- Both have forward collision avoidance as a top complaint area, but Honda owners report unexpected braking at highway speeds, while Rivian owners report sensor and software issues.
- Check the passenger seat occupant classification system: sit in the seat and confirm the air bag indicator shows 'on' for a small adult. If it turns off, the air bag may not deploy.
- Inspect the front suspension clevis mounts for missing or poor welds, and listen for creaking noises over bumps. A missing weld can lead to suspension failure.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for engine rattling or rough transitions between EV and gas mode. Also check for any warning lights related to the hybrid system.
- Verify that the electronic power steering and braking systems work smoothly at low and high speeds. A sudden failure of these systems has been reported and is a serious safety risk.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for air bags, suspension, and electrical software.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the Rivian's high-voltage battery and drive units for any signs of failure or damage.
- For the Honda Accord, check the fuel pump and hybrid power control unit for recalls or service bulletins, and test the forward collision avoidance system.
- Ask the seller for any service records related to the specific complaints listed here, such as air bag sensor repairs or suspension welds.
- During a test drive, deliberately test the passenger air bag sensor with a small adult and test the automatic emergency braking in a safe area if possible.
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 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 | 10 | 109 |
| 2024 | 9 | 219 |
| 2023 | 38 | 226 |
| 2022 | 67 | 252 |
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 Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Rivian R1T vs Honda Accord
- Rivian R1T total complaints
- 127
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- Rivian R1T total recalls
- 37
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- Rivian R1T avg complaints/year
- 25.4
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- Rivian R1T
- Rivian R1T top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE