Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Hyundai: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Chrysler and Hyundai finish tied on reliability, and both stand good. Hyundai costs less to repair each year and draws milder complaints. Chrysler tracks only three models, so the choice often comes down to which body style you need and which model year you can find.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Hyundai?
| Metric | Chrysler | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 1001 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $492/yr |
Chrysler vs Hyundai: The Verdict
Neither brand wins outright. Reliability is tied, both stand good, and both show an improving recent trend. The differences sit underneath. Hyundai is stronger on complaint severity and recall impact, and it averages about $492 a year in estimated repair costs against $642 for Chrysler. Owners also file fewer complaints per 1,000 sold on the Hyundai side.
Chrysler's one advantage is consistency. Its three models sit in a narrow cost band, while Hyundai's ten range from cheap Elantra-level bills to a pricier tail. Electrical trouble is the top complaint area for both brands, and problems are spread evenly across systems.
Where Chrysler and Hyundai Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Chrysler vs Hyundai: 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
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Hyundai Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Hyundai
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Hyundai?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. That's a difference of $150/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Chrysler vs Hyundai Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Hyundai | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 3 models) | 72/100 | 75/100 | Hyundai |
Hyundai wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Hyundai
| Component | Chrysler | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 20%1,751 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 18%1,597 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 15%1,289 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 12%1,095 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 8%745 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 3%226 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%3 | 4%330 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%43 | 3%272 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%7 | 3%260 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 2%135 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Hyundai Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Hyundai Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Hyundai Models
Chrysler vs Hyundai Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Hyundai | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 76/100(10) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 74/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 72/100(10) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 67/100(10) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 64/100(9) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 69/100(7) | Hyundai |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 66/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 68/100(5) | Hyundai |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 67/100(5) | Hyundai |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chrysler vs Hyundai: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Hyundai. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Hyundai?
If you want a minivan, Chrysler is the clear pick. Target a Voyager, and look for a 2020. Skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. A Pacifica can work too, but avoid the 2018, where owners report electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The 2024 is the site's pick. On any Pacifica, test for power steering that cuts out and for stalls that leave the van coasting.
If you want a sedan, SUV, or truck, Hyundai gives you far more room to choose. The Elantra is the safest bet, with a 2024 favored and the 2020 and 2022 worth skipping because of sudden engine failure, often with no warning light. Tucson, Santa-FE, and Venue all rate good. Be careful with the Ioniq 5. Its standing is mixed, and owners report sudden loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit. If you still want one, pick a 2024 over a 2022 or 2023.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Hyundai?
Choose by body style first. Pick Chrysler for a Voyager minivan, and pick Hyundai for nearly everything else. The strongest model across both lineups is the Elantra, which rates excellent, provided you buy a 2024 and avoid the 2020 and 2022. Hyundai also averages about $150 less per year in repair costs, roughly $750 over five years of ownership.
Chrysler vs Hyundai: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Hyundai?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Hyundai?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Hyundai?
What goes wrong most often on Chrysler and Hyundai vehicles?
Which Chrysler and Hyundai models should I avoid?
Comparing Chrysler vs Hyundai? 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
How we score Chrysler and Hyundai 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.