Last updated: 2026-08-24
Chevrolet Bolt vs Dodge Hornet: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet Bolt
Dodge Hornet
Choosing between the Chevrolet Bolt and the Dodge Hornet? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Chevrolet Bolt and Dodge Hornet are evenly matched with a reliability score of 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Hornet has 17 fewer total recalls
- 2Dodge Hornet has 2.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Chevrolet Bolt vs Dodge Hornet: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chevrolet Bolt | Dodge Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 59/100 | 59/100 |
| Years Tracked | 5 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 30 | 13 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 24.5 | 21.7 |
| Year Wins | 1 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Bolt and Dodge Hornet?
| Component | Chevrolet Bolt | Dodge Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 8.7Above Avg | —None |
| STEERING | 4.8Average | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 2.4Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.9Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1.6Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.9Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.5Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Chevrolet Bolt vs Dodge Hornet Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chevrolet Bolt | Dodge Hornet | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 64/1003R / 146C | 59/1004R / 25C | Chevrolet Bolt |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt scored 64/100 and the 2023 Dodge Hornet scored 59/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Chevrolet Bolt vs Dodge Hornet: Common Questions
- Is the Chevrolet Bolt more reliable than the Dodge Hornet?
- They're very close — both average 59/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
- Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Bolt or the Dodge Hornet?
- The Chevrolet Bolt has more recalls (30) compared to the Dodge Hornet (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Bolt or the Dodge Hornet?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Hornet has a lower complaint rate at 21.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.5 for the Chevrolet Bolt. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Chevrolet Bolt and Dodge Hornet? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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