Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Honda: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Honda
9 models tracked
Honda edges out Chrysler on used-car reliability, mainly on lower yearly repair costs. The gap is slight, and both brands rate good. Chrysler's minivans beat Honda's Odyssey, while Honda's sedans and its HR-V pull ahead elsewhere. Both brands show an improving recent trend.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Honda?
| Metric | Chrysler | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 74/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 38 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 2118 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $441/yr |
Chrysler vs Honda: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Honda. It is stronger on complaint severity and on repair costs, at about $441 a year against $642 for Chrysler. Recall impact and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Chrysler has fewer complaints per 1,000 sold, at 1.7 against 1.9, but that does not change the overall call.
The split by body style matters more than the brand label. Honda wins in sedans. Chrysler wins in minivans, where the Voyager and Pacifica both beat the Odyssey on this comparison. Chrysler is also a small lineup of three models, so your choice is narrow.
Where Chrysler and Honda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Honda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 74/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Honda scores 14 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Chrysler vs Honda: 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
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Honda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Honda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Honda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. That's a difference of $201/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Chrysler vs Honda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Honda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 77/100 | Honda |
| Minivans(2 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 66/100 | Chrysler |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Honda
| Component | Chrysler | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 18%2,940 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 19%3,164 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 9%1,523 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 7%1,149 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%5 | 10%1,664 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 8%1,404 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 7%1,142 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 5%876 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 2%410 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Honda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Honda Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Honda Models
Chrysler vs Honda Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Honda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 84/100(9) | Honda |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 79/100(9) | Honda |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 78/100(9) | Honda |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 75/100(8) | Honda |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 70/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 65/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 66/100(7) | Honda |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Honda?
For a minivan, lean Chrysler. Target a Voyager, ideally a 2020, and skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. A Pacifica works too, with the 2024 as the site's pick. Avoid the 2018, where owners report electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6.
For a sedan or SUV, lean Honda. It comes out stronger in sedans, so a Civic or Accord is the safer pick over the Chrysler 300. The HR-V is the strongest choice, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Be careful with the 2019, where the instrument display can go blank in cold weather, and the 2023, where rear hatch glass has shattered with no impact. Skip the 2025 Prologue, which holds every owner complaint on file, including front axle clunks and a "Service High Voltage System" warning. Whatever you buy, test the steering. It is a top complaint area for both brands.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Honda?
Choose Honda if you want the lower running cost and the wider choice of body styles. Choose Chrysler only for a minivan, preferably a 2020 Voyager. The single strongest model across both lineups is the Honda HR-V, the only one rated excellent. Honda's cost edge is about $201 a year, which adds up to roughly $1,005 over five years.
Chrysler vs Honda: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Honda?
Which has more recalls, Chrysler or Honda?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Honda?
What problems do Chrysler and Honda owners complain about most?
Which minivan is more reliable, the Chrysler Voyager or the Honda Odyssey?
Comparing Chrysler vs Honda? 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 score Chrysler and Honda 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.