Last updated: 2026-05-15
Chrysler vs Ford: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Ford
12 models tracked
Comparing Chrysler and Ford on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Chrysler currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Ford?
| Metric | Chrysler | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 69/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 64 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 1735 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $705/yr |
Chrysler vs Ford: The Verdict
Between these two, Chrysler comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Chrysler averages 69/100 (3 models) and Ford averages 65/100 (12 models).
On the cost front, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $705/year. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where Chrysler and Ford Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Ford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 70/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Chrysler has a 11-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chrysler vs Ford: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 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
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 10 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 163 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Ford Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Ford
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Ford?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $705/year for Ford. 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
Ford Repair Cost Range
$600 – $788/yr
Average: $705/yr
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Ford
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chrysler | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 26%597 | 29%4,864 |
| ENGINE | 14%316 | 16%2,698 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%648 | 13%2,272 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%154 | 10%1,660 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%13 | 8%1,376 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 5%876 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0%5 | 5%814 |
| STEERING | 10%226 | 3%452 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 1%196 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chrysler vs Ford Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chrysler owners reported 78 crash-related, 32 fire-related, and 55 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 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.
Chrysler
78
Crash reports
32
Fire reports
55
Injury reports
Ford
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Ford Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chrysler Models
Ford Models
Chrysler vs Ford Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100.
Interestingly, both Chrysler and Ford show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Ford | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 71/100(10) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 70/100(11) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 66/100(12) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 60/100(11) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 60/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 63/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 66/100(7) | Tie |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 62/100(6) | Ford |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Chrysler vs Ford: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Ford. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Ford?
Chrysler has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chrysler Voyager leads both lineups with a score of 73/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chrysler costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $705/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.
Chrysler vs Ford: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Ford?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chrysler or Ford?
Which make has more recalls, Chrysler or Ford?
What are the most reliable models from Chrysler and Ford?
What are the least reliable models from Chrysler and Ford?
What are the most common problems with Chrysler and Ford vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chrysler or Ford?
How many Chrysler and Ford models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chrysler or Ford?
Are Chrysler and Ford getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chrysler or Ford?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chrysler or Ford?
Comparing Chrysler vs Ford? 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.