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This article offers a method for analyzing the reliability of a man-machine system (MMS) and ranking of influencing factors based on a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM). The ranking of influencing factors is analogous to the ranking of system elements the probabilistic theory of reliability. To approximate the dependence of "influencing factors-reliability," the relationship of variable increments is used, which ensures the sensitivity of the reliability level to variations in the levels of influencing factors. The novelty of the method lies in the fact that the expert values of the weights of the FCM graph edges (arcs) are adjusted based on the results of observations using a genetic algorithm. The algorithm's chromosomes are generated from the intervals of acceptable values of edge weights, and the selection criterion is the sum of squares of deviations of the reliability simulation results from observations. The method is illustrated by the example of a multifactor analysis of the reliability of the "driver-car-road" system. It is shown that the FCM adjustment reduces the discrepancy between the reliability forecast and observations almost in half. Possible applications of the method can be complex systems with vaguely defined structures whose reliability depends very much on interrelated factors measured expertly., (© 2022 Society for Risk Analysis.)