Last updated: 2026-07-17
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
14 models tracked
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Comparing Chevrolet and Chrysler on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Chevrolet currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 70/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Chrysler?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 14 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 22 | 33 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 962 | 888 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $648/yr | $642/yr |
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: The Verdict
Chevrolet edges out Chrysler on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 14 Chevrolet and 3 Chrysler models, Chevrolet averages 73/100 to 70/100 — a 3-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $648/year.
Where Chevrolet and Chrysler Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Chevrolet scores 9 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
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 ($648/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 14 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 138 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
- 32 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chevrolet and Chrysler Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $648/year for Chevrolet. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $648/yr
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Chevrolet vs Chrysler Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 1 models) | 75/100 | 72/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Chrysler
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,893 | 26%597 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,140 | 28%648 |
| ENGINE | 15%1,797 | 14%316 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,074 | 7%154 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%1,029 | 3%78 |
| STEERING | 7%818 | 10%226 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%362 | 1%35 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%247 | 4%96 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%309 | 0%5 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | — | 2%57 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chevrolet vs Chrysler Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chevrolet owners reported 423 crash-related, 138 fire-related, and 385 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Chrysler owners reported 78 crash-related, 32 fire-related, and 55 injury-related complaints. Chrysler 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.
Chevrolet
423
Crash reports
138
Fire reports
385
Injury reports
Chrysler
78
Crash reports
32
Fire reports
55
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Chrysler Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Chrysler Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 80/100, 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 | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 82/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 78/100(12) | 73/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 74/100(13) | 73/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 69/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 68/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 68/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2020 | 71/100(11) | 72/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 69/100(12) | 66/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 68/100(11) | 59/100(2) | Chevrolet |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chrysler costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $648/year.
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.
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Chrysler?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Which make has more recalls, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
What are the most reliable models from Chevrolet and Chrysler?
What are the least reliable models from Chevrolet and Chrysler?
What are the most common problems with Chevrolet and Chrysler vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
How many Chevrolet and Chrysler models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Are Chevrolet and Chrysler getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Comparing Chevrolet 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 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.