Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Dodge: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Dodge
6 models tracked
Chevrolet and Dodge tie on used-car reliability, and both hold a good standing. Chevrolet has the lighter recall impact. Dodge has milder complaints. Repair costs are nearly identical, so the right pick depends on the model more than the badge.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 369 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $642/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Chevrolet vs Dodge: The Verdict
Neither brand wins overall. Both sit at a good standing, and the split comes down to what kind of trouble each one has. Chevrolet fares better on recall impact, and its complaints are spread across power train, electrical, and engine problems. Dodge fares better on severity, with fewer reports tied to crashes, fires, and injuries for its size.
Dodge complaints bunch up in one place. The electrical system accounts for 29% of them. Chevrolet's trend is improving, while Dodge's is stable. Yearly repair costs are essentially the same, so price should not decide this one.
Where Chevrolet and Dodge Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 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% | 84/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Chevrolet vs Dodge: 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
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 Chevrolet and Dodge Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Dodge
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Dodge?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $641/year compared to $642/year for Dodge. 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
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Chevrolet vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(10 vs 3 models) | 70/100 | 69/100 | Chevrolet |
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 76/100 | 74/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Dodge
| Component | Chevrolet | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 10%194 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 29%553 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 6%121 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 11%212 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 5%93 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 4%69 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%259 | 9%166 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 0%8 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 1%10 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1%104 | 10%196 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Dodge Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 82/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 77/100(14) | 71/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 68/100(3) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 71/100(4) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 73/100(3) | Tie |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 72/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 77/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 73/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 70/100(5) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chevrolet vs Dodge: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Dodge. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Dodge?
If you want the widest choice, lean Chevrolet. The Silverado-EV and Trax rate excellent, and the Colorado, Equinox, and Tahoe all rate good. For the Silverado-EV, 2024 is the pick, but check the rear door sensors and the front trunk latch. Skip the Bolt and Blazer-EV unless you accept mixed reliability. The Blazer-EV has had sudden power loss after a "Service high voltage system" warning, plus unexpected hard braking.
If you need a minivan, lean Dodge. The Grand-Caravan rates good, and 2020 is the year to favor. Pass on the 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. Test the sliding door locks and the transmission before you buy. For a sedan, the Challenger and Charger both rate good, though Chevrolet is stronger in that body style. Avoid the Hornet if you can, since door latches and batteries fail. If you still want one, buy a 2023, not a 2024.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Dodge?
Buy the specific model, not the badge. The strongest pick across both lineups is the Chevrolet Silverado-EV, which rates excellent, with the Trax close behind. The Dodge Grand-Caravan is the safest Dodge bet. Repair costs differ by about $1 a year, roughly $5 over five years, so cost is no reason to choose one brand over the other.
Chevrolet vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Dodge?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Dodge?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Dodge?
What is the most common Dodge problem?
What is the best used Chevrolet or Dodge to buy?
Comparing Chevrolet vs Dodge? 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 Chevrolet 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.