Is the Chrysler 300 more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata?

Based on our data, the Chrysler 300 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Chrysler 300 or the Hyundai Sonata?

The Hyundai Sonata has more recalls (20) compared to the Chrysler 300 (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 Chrysler 300 or the Hyundai Sonata?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Chrysler 300 has a lower complaint rate at 2.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.7 for the Hyundai Sonata. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Chrysler 300 or Hyundai Sonata safer?

Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Hyundai Sonata has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Chrysler 300. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Chrysler 300

Good

Hyundai Sonata

Good

Choosing between the Chrysler 300 and the Hyundai Sonata? 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 full-size sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chrysler 300 currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Sonata Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Hyundai Sonata is currently in its eighth generation (DN8), which began in 2020 and received a facelift in 2023. This places it in the middle of its generation cycle, suggesting that early issues typically associated with new platforms may have been addressed, enhancing reliability. Meanwhile, the Chrysler 300 is in its second generation (LD), which spanned from 2011 to 2023, with a facelift in 2015. This mature platform had a long production run, indicating that potential early-generation issues were likely resolved, contributing to its reliability. Buyers often find that vehicles late in their generation cycles, like the Chrysler 300, tend to be well-sorted.

Verdict

The Chrysler 300 is more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata, scoring 72/100 vs 68/100.

The Chrysler 300 demonstrates a slight edge in reliability over the Hyundai Sonata, featuring a higher average reliability score of 72/100 compared to the Sonata's 67/100. With a lower owner complaints rate of 2.3 per 10,000 sold and fewer recalls over a shorter period, the Chrysler 300 presents a more favorable profile in terms of dependability. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates for the Chrysler 300 are available at $631 annually, further supporting its reliability advantage. While both vehicles share some common issues, the key differentiator lies in the Chrysler 300's lower complaint rate and recall history.

Key Differences

1Chrysler 300 has 7 fewer total recalls
2Chrysler 300 scores 4 points higher in reliability
3Chrysler 300 has 1.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Chrysler 300

—

1Hyundai Sonata

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata: Which Is More Reliable?

Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chrysler 300	Hyundai Sonata
Reliability Score	72/100	68/100
Years Tracked	6	9
Total Recalls	13	20
Complaints per 10k Sold	2.3	3.7
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2023 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	5 (1 tied)	0 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Sonata?

The Hyundai Sonata and Chrysler 300 exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Sonata experiencing a higher total of complaints, particularly in the engine category with 239 issues, including 2 crash-linked incidents. The Sonata also shows significant concerns in the electrical system and power train, each with over 120 complaints and multiple crash-linked incidents, highlighting potential reliability issues in these areas. Conversely, the Chrysler 300's most prevalent problem lies in the electrical system with 80 complaints, but it faces a notable safety concern in the air bags category, accounting for 49 complaints, 9 of which are crash-linked, indicating a specific vulnerability not as prominent in the Sonata. Overall, while the Sonata has more widespread issues across various components, the Chrysler 300's air bags present a critical safety concern that stands out in its problem profile.

Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata common problem areas comparison
Component	Chrysler 300	Hyundai Sonata
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.7Very Low	0.6Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.4Very Low	0.4Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.8Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	0.4Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.5Very Low	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.1Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	—None
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler 300 or Hyundai Sonata?

The Chrysler 300 has an annual repair cost of $631, with a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and a 13% risk of major repairs, according to industry estimates. While specific data for the Hyundai Sonata isn't available, the Chrysler 300's costs provide a useful benchmark. Over five years, Chrysler owners might expect to spend around $3,155 on repairs alone, with significant potential for costly repairs due to the higher major repair risk. For cost-conscious buyers, the Hyundai Sonata might offer better value if it maintains its reputation for reliability and lower repair costs. Without specific data, though, potential Sonata owners should consider seeking additional information or reviews to confirm these trends.

How Does Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata Reliability Compare by Year?

Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chrysler 300	Hyundai Sonata	Edge
2023	75/1001R / 5C	62/1002R / 87C	Chrysler 300
2022	73/1002R / 5C	65/1003R / 95C	Chrysler 300
2021	73/1002R / 18C	64/1004R / 151C	Chrysler 300
2020	74/1002R / 10C	62/1005R / 163C	Chrysler 300
2019	71/1002R / 59C	71/1000R / 144C	Tie
2018	66/1004R / 151C	61/1003R / 353C	Chrysler 300

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Chrysler 300 scored 75/100 and the 2019 Hyundai Sonata scored 71/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chrysler 300 vs the Hyundai Sonata?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Chrysler 300 may be a better choice for you. With a reliability score of 72/100, it surpasses the Hyundai Sonata's score of 67/100. The Chrysler 300 also has fewer recalls, totaling 13, compared to the Sonata's 20. Additionally, with owner complaints at 2.3 per 10,000 sold, the Chrysler 300 presents a more favorable ownership experience. However, if you're concerned about potential repair costs, the estimated annual repair cost for the Chrysler 300 is $631, with a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year and a 13% risk of major repairs. If these figures are within your budget and you value reliability, the Chrysler 300 is likely the more suitable option for you. For those who can navigate higher recall numbers and potential issues, the Hyundai Sonata remains a viable alternative.

Chrysler 300 vs Hyundai Sonata: Common Questions

Is the Chrysler 300 more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata?: Based on our data, the Chrysler 300 is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chrysler 300 or the Hyundai Sonata?: The Hyundai Sonata has more recalls (20) compared to the Chrysler 300 (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 Chrysler 300 or the Hyundai Sonata?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Chrysler 300 has a lower complaint rate at 2.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.7 for the Hyundai Sonata. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Chrysler 300 or Hyundai Sonata safer?: Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Hyundai Sonata has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Chrysler 300. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

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More Hyundai Sonata comparisons

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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. 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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