Last updated: 2026-07-17
Chrysler vs GMC: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
GMC
5 models tracked
Comparing Chrysler and GMC on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
GMC currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 70/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than GMC?
| Metric | Chrysler | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 71/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 29 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 1164 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $647/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Chrysler vs GMC: The Verdict
The numbers favor GMC here, but Chrysler isn't far behind. We scored 8 models between the two makes: Chrysler at 70/100 and GMC at 71/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $647/year.
Where Chrysler and GMC Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | GMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 81/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
GMC's advantage in recall impact (+8 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Chrysler vs GMC: 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
- 32 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chrysler and GMC Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
GMC
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or GMC?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $647/year for GMC. 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
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Common Problems: Chrysler vs GMC
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chrysler | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 26%597 | 22%1,163 |
| ENGINE | 14%316 | 27%1,443 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%648 | 14%742 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%154 | 7%372 |
| STEERING | 10%226 | 5%287 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 8%410 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0%5 | 5%245 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0%4 | 3%169 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 1%72 |
| 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 GMC 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. GMC owners reported 128 crash-related, 34 fire-related, and 138 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
GMC
128
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
138
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and GMC Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs GMC 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 78/100, up from earlier years. GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Interestingly, both Chrysler and GMC show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chrysler | GMC | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 80/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 76/100(5) | GMC |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 75/100(5) | GMC |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 67/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 67/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 66/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 68/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 69/100(4) | GMC |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 68/100(5) | GMC |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or GMC?
GMC 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 Chrysler Voyager leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chrysler costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $647/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 GMC: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than GMC?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chrysler or GMC?
Which make has more recalls, Chrysler or GMC?
What are the most reliable models from Chrysler and GMC?
What are the least reliable models from Chrysler and GMC?
What are the most common problems with Chrysler and GMC vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chrysler or GMC?
How many Chrysler and GMC models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chrysler or GMC?
Are Chrysler and GMC getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chrysler or GMC?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chrysler or GMC?
Comparing Chrysler vs GMC? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Chrysler comparisons
More GMC comparisons
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.