Last updated: 2026-07-26
Audi vs Dodge: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Dodge
6 models tracked
Comparing Audi 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.
Dodge currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
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
Dodge holds a modest reliability advantage over Audi — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Audi scores 68/100 across 10 models, while Dodge comes in at 73/100 across 6 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $930/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1440 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Dodge owners.
Where Audi and Dodge Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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
- 22 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
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Audi | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%545 | 28%526 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 13%233 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%133 | 10%192 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%23 | 10%194 |
| ENGINE | 8%100 | 6%116 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%19 | 9%166 |
| STEERING | 6%74 | 4%66 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 5%85 |
| STRUCTURE | 0%5 | 6%104 |
| SUSPENSION | 4%53 | 1%18 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Audi vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Audi owners reported 56 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 42 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Dodge owners reported 97 crash-related, 22 fire-related, and 98 injury-related complaints. Audi 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.
Audi
56
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
42
Injury reports
Dodge
97
Crash reports
22
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Every Audi and Dodge Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Audi Models
Audi vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
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 |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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:
The Bottom Line: Audi or Dodge?
The data favors Dodge, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Dodge Grand-Caravan leads both lineups with a score of 78/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Dodge costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $930/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1440 in savings.
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.
Audi vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Dodge?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Audi or Dodge?
Which make has more recalls, Audi or Dodge?
What are the most reliable models from Audi and Dodge?
What are the least reliable models from Audi and Dodge?
What are the most common problems with Audi and Dodge vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Audi or Dodge?
How many Audi and Dodge models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Audi or Dodge?
Are Audi and Dodge getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Audi or Dodge?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Audi or Dodge?
Comparing Audi 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.