The JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study was just released. Deeply troubled, Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN | RIVN Price Prediction) ranks last among all brands, a place usually occupied by Chrysler and Dodge. The rankings are based on overall new-vehicle quality, as measured by the total number of problems per 100 vehicles. The study covers answers about the first 90 days of ownership. The research is based on nine categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertrain, and seats. Vehicle repair services were also taken into account.
The average in the study was 175 per 100 vehicles. Rivian’s figure was 246, just below Chrysler’s 229. The two fell into the category of those that “did not meet award criteria.” The figures were stunning nevertheless. Rivian has won several awards for its models. This includes “Rivian R1T: Edmunds Top-Rated Electric Truck 2026.”
The survey news comes just as Rivian launches its R2 crossover. It will eventually have models priced at $44,990. This will not be available until next year. The version currently available is the Performance version, with a base price of $57,990. Rivian has been criticized for having a model lineup that is too expensive. The prices of its R1S and R1T can top $100,000.
Among the most serious problems Rivian has is whether the company is viable. Its stock is down 20% this year and 90% since late 2021; In Q1, Rivian produced 10,236 vehicles and delivered 10,365 vehicles.
Revenue for the first quarter was $1.38 billion. It lost $416 million. It is hard to imagine how many vehicles Rivian would need to sell to be profitable,
Leaving quality aside (which is unrealistic). Rivan is up against Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), which remains the industry juggernaut. What was also frightening for Rivian was that Ford (NYSE: F) had an EV pickup that carried its most storied name–the F-150 Lightning. It got so little sales traction that Ford discontinued it.
Rivian appears to have a quality problem, adding to a long list of challenges.
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