Last updated: 2026-10-10
Cadillac vs Dodge: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
5 models tracked
Dodge
6 models tracked
Dodge edges out Cadillac on reliability, mainly because its repair costs run lower. Both brands rate good, so the gap is slight. Cadillac answers with fewer owner complaints per vehicle sold and a stronger showing on recall impact, so the right pick depends on which of those matters more to you.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Cadillac | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 201 | 369 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $866/yr | $642/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Cadillac vs Dodge: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Dodge, and repair cost decides it. Independent repair-cost data puts Dodge at about $642 a year against $866 for Cadillac. Cadillac wins on recall impact, even though both brands have 97 recalls on record, and its owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 sold, 0.6 against 1.4.
Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Cadillac trouble centers on the engine. Dodge trouble centers on the electrical system. Neither brand pulls away, so the model and model year matter more than the badge.
Where Cadillac and Dodge Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 61/100Good | 69/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 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 8 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Cadillac vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($866/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
- 24 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Cadillac and Dodge Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Dodge
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Dodge?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $866/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $224/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$783 – $1007/yr
Average: $866/yr
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Cadillac vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 69/100 | Cadillac |
Cadillac wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Dodge
| Component | Cadillac | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%147 | 29%553 |
| ENGINE | 31%288 | 6%121 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%147 | 10%194 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%60 | 11%212 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%37 | 10%196 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%5 | 9%166 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%47 | 5%93 |
| STRUCTURE | 0%4 | 6%109 |
| STEERING | 4%38 | 4%69 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%49 | 0%3 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Cadillac vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Cadillac
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Dodge Model Ranked
Cadillac Models
Cadillac vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Cadillac's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
Both makes are trending stable in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(4) | 82/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 73/100(5) | 71/100(3) | Cadillac |
| 2024 | 69/100(5) | 68/100(3) | Cadillac |
| 2023 | 69/100(5) | 71/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 73/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 68/100(4) | 72/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 69/100(4) | 77/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 71/100(3) | 73/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 70/100(5) | Cadillac |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Cadillac vs Dodge?
If low running costs come first, lean Dodge. The Grand-Caravan is the model to target, and the 2020 is the year to favor. Skip the 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. Check that the sliding door locks work with the fob, button, and handles. Be careful with the Hornet. The 2023 is the only year worth buying, since the 2024 has the heaviest recall and complaint load and the 2025 is too new to judge.
If you want fewer complaints per vehicle sold and can live with bigger repair bills, lean Cadillac. The XT5 is the easier choice, and the 2019 has no recalls on record. Ask whether a "Steering Assist is Reduced" warning has ever appeared. Skip the 2021 Escalade because of sudden engine failure. The 2020 is the better Escalade, but lifter and camshaft failure is its recurring weak spot, and repairs can reach about $15,000.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Dodge?
Choose Dodge if repair cost drives your decision, and choose Cadillac if you want fewer complaints per vehicle sold. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Grand-Caravan, ideally a 2020. The $224 yearly gap in repair cost adds up to about $1,120 over five years. Avoid the 2021 Escalade and the 2018 and 2019 Grand-Caravan.
Cadillac vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Dodge?
Which brand has more recalls, Cadillac or Dodge?
Which is cheaper to repair, Cadillac or Dodge?
What goes wrong most often on Cadillac and Dodge?
Which Cadillac and Dodge model years should I avoid?
Comparing Cadillac vs Dodge? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Cadillac comparisons
How we score Cadillac and Dodge 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.