Last updated: 2026-05-15
BMW vs Dodge: Which Make Is More Reliable?
BMW
10 models tracked
Dodge
5 models tracked
Comparing BMW 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 72/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is BMW More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | BMW | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 64 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 310 | 368 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1019/yr | $663/yr |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
BMW vs Dodge: The Verdict
Between these two, Dodge 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, BMW averages 65/100 (10 models) and Dodge averages 72/100 (5 models).
On the cost front, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at $663/year versus $1019/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1780 in savings. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where BMW and Dodge Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | BMW | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 64/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Dodge has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
BMW vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- 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 ($1019/year avg)
- 65 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 BMW and Dodge Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
BMW
Dodge
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW or Dodge?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $663/year compared to $1019/year for BMW. That's a difference of $356/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
BMW Repair Cost Range
$773 – $1206/yr
Average: $1019/yr
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$650 – $675/yr
Average: $663/yr
BMW vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | BMW | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 69/100 | 74/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(5 vs 2 models) | 62/100 | 65/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: BMW vs Dodge
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | BMW | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21%491 | 28%429 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%323 | 11%173 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%233 | 11%167 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%239 | 10%149 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11%262 | 4%66 |
| ENGINE | 9%217 | 6%99 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1%23 | 11%170 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%84 | 7%101 |
| STEERING | 4%86 | 3%50 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%87 | 0%3 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
BMW vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, BMW owners reported 202 crash-related, 65 fire-related, and 178 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Dodge owners reported 84 crash-related, 20 fire-related, and 88 injury-related complaints. Dodge 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.
BMW
202
Crash reports
65
Fire reports
178
Injury reports
Dodge
84
Crash reports
20
Fire reports
88
Injury reports
Every BMW and Dodge Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
BMW Models
BMW vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
BMW's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | BMW | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 67/100(7) | 71/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 67/100(9) | 68/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 71/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 67/100(10) | 73/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 64/100(8) | 72/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 63/100(7) | 77/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 63/100(7) | 72/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 63/100(6) | 70/100(4) | Dodge |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
BMW vs Dodge: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between BMW and Dodge. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: BMW or Dodge?
Dodge comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
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 — $663/year vs $1019/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1780 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.
BMW vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Dodge?
Which is cheaper to maintain, BMW or Dodge?
Which make has more recalls, BMW or Dodge?
What are the most reliable models from BMW and Dodge?
What are the least reliable models from BMW and Dodge?
What are the most common problems with BMW and Dodge vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, BMW or Dodge?
How many BMW and Dodge models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, BMW or Dodge?
Are BMW and Dodge getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, BMW or Dodge?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, BMW or Dodge?
Comparing BMW 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.