Last updated: 2026-10-10
Acura vs Dodge: Reliability Compared
Acura
5 models tracked
Dodge
6 models tracked
Acura edges out Dodge on reliability, with lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Both brands rate good, though Dodge draws fewer owner complaints per car sold. The gap is slight, and the better pick depends on the body style you want.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 467 | 369 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $642/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Acura vs Dodge: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Acura. Both brands stand good on reliability, and the deciding differences are small. Acura is cheaper to keep running, at $577 a year in estimated repair costs against $642 for Dodge. It also carries less recall weight, with 80 recalls to Dodge's 97. Its trend is improving, while Dodge's is stable.
Dodge pushes back on complaints. Owners filed 1.4 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 2.6 for Acura, and Dodge rates stronger on complaint severity. By body style, Dodge is stronger in sedans and Acura is stronger in SUVs. Problems spread across systems about evenly for both.
Where Acura and Dodge Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 69/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Acura has a 15-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Acura vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 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 (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 24 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 $642/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
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/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) | 72/100 | 74/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 69/100 | Acura |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Acura vs Dodge
| Component | Acura | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 29%553 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%328 | 11%212 |
| POWER TRAIN | 12%252 | 10%194 |
| STEERING | 15%304 | 4%69 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 6%121 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%39 | 9%166 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0%4 | 10%196 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%94 | 5%93 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%65 | 6%109 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 8%161 | 1%10 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Acura vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Acura
44
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Every Acura and Dodge Model Ranked
Acura Models
Acura vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Acura | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(3) | 82/100(2) | Dodge |
| 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(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 73/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 70/100(5) | Acura |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Acura vs Dodge?
If you want an SUV, lean toward Acura. The RDX and MDX both rate good, and the electric ZDX rates excellent, with the 2024 as the year to buy. Test the brakes on a ZDX carefully, since owners report pedals that sink and emergency braking that fires with nothing ahead. Skip the 2023 Integra. Its steering wheel sticks at highway speeds, then lets go suddenly, and its repair costs are the highest in the Acura lineup. The 2024 is the better Integra.
If you want a sedan or a minivan, lean toward Dodge. The Challenger and Charger both rate good, and the Grand-Caravan leads the Dodge lineup, with 2020 the year to favor. Avoid the 2018 and 2019 Grand-Caravan, which carry far more complaints and recalls, and check that the sliding door locks work. Be wary of the Hornet. Its electrical problems put it well below other compact SUVs. If you still want one, buy a 2023 and skip the 2024.
The Bottom Line: Acura or Dodge?
Choose Acura if you want an SUV or the lowest running costs. Choose Dodge if you want a sedan or a minivan. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Acura ZDX, though it has only two model years, and the 2024 is the one to buy. Acura's repair costs run $65 a year lower, about $325 over five years.
Acura vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Dodge?
Which brand has more recalls, Acura or Dodge?
Which is cheaper to repair, Acura or Dodge?
What problems do Dodge vehicles have most often?
What are the most common Acura problems?
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 score Acura and Dodge models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.