Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Dodge: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Dodge
6 models tracked
Dodge edges out Chrysler on reliability, with fewer owner complaints per car sold. Both brands rate good, so the gap is small. Chrysler is improving and Dodge is steady, and both lose ground mainly to electrical trouble. Your choice of model and year matters more than the badge.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Dodge?
| Metric | Chrysler | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 369 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $642/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Chrysler vs Dodge: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Dodge. Owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 cars sold (1.4 against 1.7), and Dodge comes out stronger on recall impact and complaint severity. Repair costs are even at $642 a year, and the spread of problems across systems is also even.
Electrical faults top both brands' complaint lists. Chrysler's recent trend is improving while Dodge's is stable. Dodge also carries the weakest model in either lineup, the Hornet, which rates mixed.
Where Chrysler and Dodge Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Dodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 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% | 73/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: complaint severity. Dodge has a 8-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chrysler vs Dodge: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
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 Chrysler and Dodge Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Dodge
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Dodge?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/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.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Chrysler vs Dodge Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Dodge | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 74/100 | Dodge |
| Minivans(2 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 78/100 | Dodge |
Dodge wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Dodge
| Component | Chrysler | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 29%553 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 10%194 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 6%121 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 11%212 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 4%69 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 9%166 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0%4 | 10%196 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 5%93 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%28 | 6%109 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Dodge Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Dodge Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs Dodge Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Dodge's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Dodge | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 82/100(2) | Tie |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 71/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 68/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 71/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 73/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 72/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 77/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 73/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 70/100(5) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chrysler vs Dodge: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Dodge. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Dodge?
If you want a minivan, look at the Chrysler Voyager or the Dodge Grand-Caravan first. Both rate good and sit above average for minivans. Target the 2020 model year of each. Skip the 2023 Voyager, which collected six recalls, and the 2018 and 2019 Grand-Caravan, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Pacifica rates good but ranks below average among minivans. If you pick one, avoid 2018, which brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6.
If you want a sedan, Dodge gives you two choices, the Challenger and the Charger, and both rate good. Chrysler offers only the 300, which also rates good. For an SUV, Dodge is the only brand of the two with tracked models. The Journey and Durango rate good. Pass on the Hornet, where door latches fail and batteries drain. If a Hornet tempts you, the 2023 is the year to buy.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Dodge?
Lean toward Dodge if you are undecided, but treat the edge as slight. The Chrysler Voyager, in 2020, is the strongest single pick across both lineups. Repair costs do not separate the brands, so cost should not drive the choice. Avoid the Dodge Hornet and any year flagged for heavy recalls.
Chrysler vs Dodge: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Dodge?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Dodge?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Dodge?
What goes wrong most often on Chrysler and Dodge vehicles?
Which minivan is better, the Chrysler Voyager or the Dodge Grand-Caravan?
Comparing Chrysler 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 Chrysler 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.