Rivian, the California-based electric vehicle startup, has recently received mixed reviews from two studies conducted by Consumer Reports. While Rivian topped the list for overall owner satisfaction, it also landed at the bottom for reliability among the brands tested by the nonprofit magazine.
This marks the second consecutive year that Rivian’s R1S and R1T models have scored high in owner satisfaction, with a staggering 86% of Rivian owners indicating they would purchase from the brand again. Despite this positive feedback, the reliability of Rivian vehicles was called into question, with issues ranging from software glitches and powertrain issues to battery faults.
Subaru, the most reliable brand according to CR, ranked only midpack in terms of owner satisfaction, highlighting the disconnect between reliability and customer satisfaction. Similarly, BMW, a brand known for its luxury vehicles, also faced reliability issues despite scoring well in owner satisfaction.
Rivian owners praised the vehicles for their comfort, speed, drivability, and ease of use. The EVs offer impressive range capabilities and advanced software features, including over-the-air updates. However, like many new EVs, Rivian vehicles experienced problems with charging systems, electric motors, in-cabin technology, and climate systems.
Despite these challenges, CR noted that the overall reliability of EVs has been improving rapidly. While EVs had 42% more problems than gas-only cars in the past three years, this represents a significant improvement from previous years when EVs had 79% more problems.
Rivian’s quality issues, including paint and trim problems, noises, leaks, and hardware issues, are not uncommon for a startup company entering the automotive market. CR advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing new vehicles, as tried-and-true designs tend to be more reliable.
In conclusion, while Rivian has garnered high owner satisfaction ratings, the company still has room for improvement in terms of build quality and user experience. As Rivian continues to expand and evolve, addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining customer loyalty and trust in the brand.
If you own a Rivian, we would love to hear about your experience with the vehicle in the comments section.
For more information, you can contact the author at patrick.george@insideevs.com.