Last updated: 2026-05-15
Buick vs Dodge: Reliability Compared
Buick
1 models tracked
Dodge
5 models tracked
Comparing Buick 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.
Buick currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 10 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 234 | 368 |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Buick vs Dodge: The Verdict
Between these two, Buick 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, Buick averages 75/100 (1 models) and Dodge averages 72/100 (5 models).
Where Buick and Dodge Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 69/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Buick has a 14-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Buick vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
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
Buick vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 65/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Dodge
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21%39 | 28%429 |
| POWER TRAIN | 19%35 | 11%167 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%28 | 11%173 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%4 | 11%170 |
| AIR BAGS | — | 10%149 |
| ENGINE | 13%24 | 6%99 |
| STRUCTURE | 2%4 | 7%101 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 18%34 | 4%66 |
| STEERING | 3%6 | 3%50 |
| SEAT BELTS | 3%6 | 1%8 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 9 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 6 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Dodge owners reported 84 crash-related, 20 fire-related, and 88 injury-related complaints. Buick 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.
Buick
9
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
6
Injury reports
Dodge
84
Crash reports
20
Fire reports
88
Injury reports
Every Buick and Dodge Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Buick | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 77/100(1) | 71/100(3) | Buick |
| 2024 | 77/100(1) | 68/100(3) | Buick |
| 2023 | 79/100(1) | 71/100(4) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(1) | 73/100(3) | Buick |
| 2021 | 75/100(1) | 72/100(3) | Buick |
| 2020 | 68/100(1) | 77/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 75/100(1) | 72/100(4) | Buick |
| 2018 | 75/100(1) | 70/100(4) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Dodge?
Buick 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.
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.
Buick vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Dodge?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Dodge?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Dodge?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Dodge vehicles?
How many Buick and Dodge models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Dodge?
Are Buick and Dodge getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Dodge?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Dodge?
Comparing Buick vs Dodge? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
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.