Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Chevrolet edges out Chrysler on reliability, though only slightly. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and repair costs are nearly identical. Both brands rate good and are trending up, so the choice often comes down to the specific model and year.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Chrysler?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 33 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 888 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $642/yr |
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Chevrolet. Owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, 1 against 1.7. Chevrolet also comes out stronger on complaint severity, recall impact and how widely problems spread across systems. Repair costs are even, at $641 a year for Chevrolet and $642 for Chrysler.
Both brands rate good and both show an improving trend, so the gap is narrow. Chrysler's result rests on only three models, which leaves less room to hide a weak one. Chevrolet's larger lineup includes two mixed performers, so model choice still matters.
Where Chevrolet and Chrysler Differ Most
| 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 ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 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
- 33 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, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $641/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.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/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(3 vs 1 models) | 76/100 | 72/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Chrysler
| Component | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 25%597 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 27%648 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 13%316 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 9%221 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 3%78 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 9%226 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 1%15 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%259 | 4%96 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 0%7 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | — | 2%57 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Chrysler Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Chrysler Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Chrysler Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, 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 | 77/100(14) | 73/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 73/100(2) | Tie |
| 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 | 72/100(12) | 72/100(3) | Tie |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 66/100(2) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 59/100(2) | Chevrolet |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Chrysler?
If you want a wide choice, shop Chevrolet. The Silverado-EV and Trax rate excellent. Colorado, Impala, Malibu and Camaro all rate good. Skip the Bolt and Blazer-EV, which rate mixed. Blazer-EV owners report sudden power loss after a "Service high voltage system" warning, plus unexpected hard braking. If you buy a Silverado-EV, the 2024 is the pick, but check the rear door sensors and the front trunk latch.
If you need a minivan, Chrysler is the stronger reason to look. A Voyager from 2020 is the year to buy, and the 2023 is the one to pass over after six recalls. With a Pacifica, steer clear of 2018, when electrical fires and head gasket failures showed up on the 3.6L V6. The 2024 is the site's pick. On any Pacifica, test the power steering and ask about sudden stalls. The 300 rates good, but it is Chrysler's only sedan, while Chevrolet offers three.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Lean toward Chevrolet if you are undecided, and choose Chrysler mainly for a minivan. The strongest model across both lineups is the Silverado-EV, which rates excellent. Cost should not decide this. Independent repair-cost data shows a gap of about $5 over five years, so pick the right model year instead.
Chevrolet vs Chrysler: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Chrysler?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Chrysler?
What problems do Chevrolet and Chrysler owners report most?
Which Chrysler model years should I avoid?
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 score Chevrolet 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.