Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs GMC: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
GMC
5 models tracked
GMC edges out Chrysler on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. Owners file fewer complaints per vehicle sold, while Chrysler is cheaper to repair. Both brands rate good and both are improving.
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
Reliability is close, with GMC slightly ahead. The gap comes from how often owners complain and how serious those complaints are. GMC draws 0.8 complaints per 1,000 sold against 1.7 for Chrysler, and its recall impact and complaint severity both rate stronger.
Chrysler wins on repair costs, but barely: $642 a year against $647. Problems spread across systems about evenly for both. GMC has more total recalls, 146 to 100, yet it still comes out better on recall impact.
Where Chrysler and GMC Differ Most
| 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
- 33 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
| Component | Chrysler | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 22%1,163 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 27%1,443 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 14%742 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 7%388 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 5%280 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 8%408 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | — | 4%241 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0%4 | 3%174 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 1%72 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs GMC Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and GMC Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs GMC Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs GMC?
If you want a minivan, lean Chrysler and look at the Voyager first. Aim for a 2020 and skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. The Pacifica is the harder call. The 2024 is the site's pick, but avoid the 2018, which brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6, and test any year for power steering that cuts out.
If you want a truck or a larger SUV, lean GMC. The Canyon is the sensible pick, with repair costs in line with other midsize trucks. Skip the 2023, where the forward collision system brakes hard with nothing ahead, and ask about 8-speed automatic shudder on any year. Yukon shoppers should target the 2020 and avoid the 2021. Listen for engine ticking, since lifter and camshaft failure can arrive with no warning light. GMC repair costs vary widely by model, so price the exact one you want.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or GMC?
Choose GMC if you want the slightly better record on complaints and recalls, and Chrysler if you want a minivan. The strongest single pick across both lineups is the 2020 Voyager, which rates good and sits above most minivans. Cost should not decide this. The $5 yearly gap comes to about $25 over five years.
Chrysler vs GMC: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than GMC?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or GMC?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or GMC?
What are the most common problems on Chrysler vehicles?
What are the most common problems on GMC vehicles?
Comparing Chrysler vs GMC? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Chrysler comparisons
More GMC comparisons
How we score Chrysler and GMC 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.