Last updated: 2026-10-10
BMW vs Chrysler: Reliability Compared
BMW
11 models tracked
Chrysler
3 models tracked
BMW and Chrysler both rate good, but Chrysler takes a slight edge on reliability. It has far fewer recalls and costs less to repair. BMW answers with milder complaints and a much lower complaint rate per car sold.
Is BMW More Reliable Than Chrysler?
| Metric | BMW | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 11 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 65 | 33 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 308 | 888 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1037/yr | $642/yr |
BMW vs Chrysler: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Chrysler on overall reliability. Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving, so the gap is small. Chrysler wins on repair costs, about $642 a year against $1037 for BMW, and on recall impact.
BMW has real strengths. Its complaints are less severe, and owners file far fewer per car sold, 0.5 per 1,000 against 1.7. Neither brand pulls ahead on how problems spread across systems. Electrical trouble tops both lists.
Where BMW and Chrysler Differ Most
| Component | Weight | BMW | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 57/100Mixed | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 66/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Chrysler scores 13 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
BMW vs Chrysler: Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 11 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($1037/year avg)
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are BMW and Chrysler Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
BMW
Chrysler
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW or Chrysler?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $1037/year for BMW. That's a difference of $395/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
BMW Repair Cost Range
$773 – $1206/yr
Average: $1037/yr
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
BMW vs Chrysler Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | BMW | Chrysler | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 72/100 | Chrysler |
Chrysler wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: BMW vs Chrysler
| Component | BMW | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%544 | 27%648 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%272 | 25%597 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%377 | 9%221 |
| ENGINE | 9%234 | 13%316 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%309 | 3%78 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%236 | 4%96 |
| STEERING | 3%93 | 9%226 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%105 | 1%28 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | — | 2%57 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
BMW vs Chrysler Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
BMW
225
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
202
Injury reports
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Every BMW and Chrysler Model Ranked
BMW Models
BMW vs Chrysler Reliability Trend by Year
BMW's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | BMW | Chrysler | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66/100(9) | 82/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 68/100(8) | 73/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 67/100(10) | 73/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 67/100(11) | 69/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(11) | 68/100(3) | Tie |
| 2021 | 65/100(9) | 68/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 64/100(8) | 72/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 63/100(8) | 66/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 63/100(6) | 59/100(2) | BMW |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy BMW vs Chrysler?
If you want the lowest running costs, lean to Chrysler. The Voyager is the strongest of its three models, and the 2020 is the year to buy. Skip the 2023 Voyager, which collected six recalls. The Pacifica is fine in most years, but pass on the 2018 because of electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The 2024 Pacifica is the site's pick.
If you want fewer complaints and milder ones, lean to BMW and accept higher repair bills. The I4 electric sedan is the top BMW, with the 2024 as the pick. The 2-Series, X1 and 3-Series also rate good. Be more careful with the X5 and the electric IX, both rated mixed. If you shop the IX, favor the 2024 over the 2022 or 2023. Whatever you pick, check the recall history first.
The Bottom Line: BMW or Chrysler?
For most used-car shoppers, Chrysler is the safer pick by a small margin, mainly because it costs less to keep on the road. The Voyager is the strongest single model across both lineups. Over five years, Chrysler's lower repair costs add up to roughly $1,975 in savings. Choose BMW if you prefer milder complaints, and target the I4 over the X5 or IX.
BMW vs Chrysler: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Chrysler?
Which brand has more recalls, BMW or Chrysler?
Which is cheaper to repair, BMW or Chrysler?
What goes wrong most often on BMW and Chrysler?
Which BMW and Chrysler models should I avoid?
Comparing BMW vs Chrysler? 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 BMW and Chrysler 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.