Last updated: 2026-05-15
Acura vs Dodge: Reliability Compared
Acura
5 models tracked
Dodge
5 models tracked
Comparing Acura and Dodge on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Acura currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 466 | 368 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $663/yr |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Acura vs Dodge: The Verdict
Between these two, Acura comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Acura averages 74/100 (5 models) and Dodge averages 72/100 (5 models).
On the cost front, Acura is cheaper to maintain at $577/year versus $663/year. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Acura and Dodge Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 58/100Mixed | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 79/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Acura has a 16-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Acura vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Dodge
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Acura and Dodge Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Acura
Dodge
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura or Dodge?
Based on independent repair cost data, Acura is cheaper to maintain at an average of $577/year compared to $663/year for Dodge. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Acura Repair Cost Range
$440 – $801/yr
Average: $577/yr
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$650 – $675/yr
Average: $663/yr
Acura vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 71/100 | 74/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(3 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 65/100 | Acura |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Acura vs Dodge
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 28%429 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%299 | 11%173 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13%252 | 11%167 |
| STEERING | 16%315 | 3%50 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 6%99 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%27 | 10%149 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%106 | 4%66 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | — | 11%170 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%68 | 7%101 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7%148 | 1%10 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Acura vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Acura owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 33 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Dodge owners reported 84 crash-related, 20 fire-related, and 88 injury-related complaints. Acura has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Acura
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Dodge
84
Crash reports
20
Fire reports
88
Injury reports
Every Acura and Dodge Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Acura Models
Acura vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Acura | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 71/100(3) | Acura |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 68/100(3) | Acura |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 71/100(4) | Acura |
| 2022 | 74/100(2) | 73/100(3) | Acura |
| 2021 | 74/100(2) | 72/100(3) | Acura |
| 2020 | 67/100(3) | 77/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 72/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 70/100(4) | Acura |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Acura or Dodge?
Acura has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Acura ZDX leads both lineups with a score of 82/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Acura costs less to maintain — $577/year vs $663/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Acura vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Dodge?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Acura or Dodge?
Which make has more recalls, Acura or Dodge?
What are the most reliable models from Acura and Dodge?
What are the least reliable models from Acura and Dodge?
What are the most common problems with Acura and Dodge vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Acura or Dodge?
How many Acura and Dodge models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Acura or Dodge?
Are Acura and Dodge getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Acura or Dodge?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Acura or Dodge?
Comparing Acura vs Dodge? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.