Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Chrysler: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Buick
7 models tracked
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Buick comes out ahead of Chrysler on reliability with a clear edge. It has fewer recalls and lighter complaint severity. Both brands rate good and are improving, but Chrysler owners report more fires and injuries, and repairs cost more.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Chrysler?
| Metric | Buick | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 33 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 888 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $642/yr |
Buick vs Chrysler: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Buick. Both brands land in good standing and both show an improving trend, so neither is a bad buy. The gap shows up in the details. Buick has 40 recalls against 100 for Chrysler, and owners file 0.7 complaints per 1,000 sold against 1.7. Severity favors Buick as well, with far fewer fire complaints.
Repair costs also lean Buick, at about $543 a year against $642. Problem areas look much alike on both sides: electrical faults and power train trouble lead the lists, so neither brand has an edge on how widely problems spread.
Where Buick and Chrysler Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Buick | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Buick outscores by 17 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Buick vs Chrysler: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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 Buick and Chrysler Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Chrysler
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Chrysler?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Buick vs Chrysler Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Chrysler | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 1 models) | 75/100 | 72/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Chrysler
| Component | Buick | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 27%648 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 25%597 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 13%316 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 9%221 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 9%226 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 3%78 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 4%96 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | — | 2%57 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Chrysler Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Every Buick and Chrysler Model Ranked
Buick Models
Buick vs Chrysler Reliability Trend by Year
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, 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 | Buick | Chrysler | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 82/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 73/100(2) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 73/100(2) | Buick |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 69/100(3) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 68/100(3) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 68/100(3) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 72/100(3) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 66/100(2) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 59/100(2) | Buick |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Buick vs Chrysler: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Chrysler. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Buick vs Chrysler?
If you want the lowest chance of trouble, look at the Buick lineup first. The Encore is the top-ranked model, and the 2022 is the pick. Check that the turbocharger has been trouble free, since failures bring reduced power. For a sedan, the 2020 Regal is the year to favor. Test the stop-start system at a red light before you sign.
Chrysler makes sense if you need a minivan, because Buick has none in this data. The Voyager is the stronger of the two. Target the 2020 and skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. Be careful with the Pacifica. It ranks below average among minivans, and the 2018 brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. On any Pacifica, test the steering and ask about sudden stalls. The 300 is the Chrysler sedan, and it rates good.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Chrysler?
Lean Buick unless you need a minivan. The Encore is the strongest single model across both lineups, with the 2022 as the year to look for. Buick also costs less to keep running: the roughly $99 yearly gap in repair costs comes to about $495 over five years. If you go Chrysler, pick the 2020 Voyager and stay away from the 2018 Pacifica.
Buick vs Chrysler: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Chrysler?
Which brand has more recalls, Buick or Chrysler?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Chrysler?
What problems do Chrysler owners report most?
What is the main problem with the Buick Encore?
Comparing Buick vs Chrysler? 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 Buick 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.