Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Dodge: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Dodge
6 models tracked
Dodge comes out ahead of Audi on reliability, with a clear edge. Repair costs run lower and complaints are less severe. Owners file complaints at the same rate for both brands, so the gap shows up in cost and in how serious the problems get.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Audi | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 369 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $642/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Audi vs Dodge: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Dodge. Independent repair-cost data puts it at about $642 a year, against $930 for Audi. Dodge also rates stronger on complaint severity, and it is stronger in both sedans and SUVs.
Other measures do not separate them. Owners file 1.4 complaints per 1,000 sold for each brand. Recall impact and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Electrical trouble is the top complaint area for both. Audi's recent trend is improving, while Dodge's is stable.
Where Audi and Dodge Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 69/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Dodge outscores by 11 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Audi vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- 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 Audi and Dodge Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Dodge
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Dodge?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $288/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Audi vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 74/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(7 vs 3 models) | 67/100 | 69/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Dodge
| Component | Audi | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 29%553 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 11%212 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 10%194 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%28 | 10%196 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 6%121 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%26 | 9%166 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 5%93 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 4%69 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%11 | 6%109 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%18 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Every Audi and Dodge Model Ranked
Audi Models
Audi vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Audi | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 82/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 71/100(3) | Audi |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 68/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 71/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 73/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 72/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 77/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 73/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 70/100(5) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Audi vs Dodge: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Audi and Dodge. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Audi vs Dodge?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean to Dodge. The Grand-Caravan is the strongest Dodge, and the 2020 is the year to favor. Skip the 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger and Charger are the sedan picks. Avoid the Hornet unless you find a 2023, and stay away from the 2024, which has the heaviest recall and complaint load.
Lean to Audi if you want a newer electric SUV and can accept a higher bill. The Q8-E-Tron ranks first in the Audi lineup, and the 2024 is the pick, though it has two recalls. The A5, Q3 and A4 also rate good. Skip the E-Tron. Its main risk is a sudden warning to stop safely, then a motor shutdown and a tow. If you still want one, favor the 2020 and steer clear of the 2022, which carries the heaviest recall load.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Dodge?
Choose Dodge for lower cost and milder problems, and Audi only if a specific model appeals. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Audi Q8-E-Tron, but it has only two model years and no owner complaints yet, so treat that as a short record. The cost gap is about $288 a year, or roughly $1,440 over five years.
Audi vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Dodge?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Dodge?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Dodge?
What goes wrong most often on a used Dodge Grand-Caravan?
What is the main problem with the Audi E-Tron?
Comparing Audi vs Dodge? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Audi 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.