Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Lexus: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Lexus
7 models tracked
Lexus beats Chrysler on reliability by a large margin, mainly because owners file far fewer complaints per vehicle sold. Chrysler still rates good, and its minivans give it real appeal. Lexus rates excellent across nearly its whole lineup.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Lexus?
| Metric | Chrysler | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 82/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 186 |
Chrysler vs Lexus: The Verdict
A large reliability gap favors Lexus. Owners filed 0.5 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 1.7 for Chrysler. Lexus is also stronger on complaint severity, repair costs and recall impact. Chrysler's 33 fire complaints compare with 6 for Lexus.
Problems are spread across systems about evenly for both brands. Chrysler owners mostly report electrical and power train trouble. Lexus complaints cluster around air bags and electrical faults. Chrysler is trending up, while Lexus is stable at a higher level. Lexus has more recalls on the books (125 versus 100), but it still wins on recall impact.
Where Chrysler and Lexus Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 73/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 89/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Lexus's advantage in recall impact (+16 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Chrysler vs Lexus: 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
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Lexus Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Lexus
Chrysler vs Lexus Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Lexus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 83/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Lexus
| Component | Chrysler | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 15%87 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 6%35 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 5%26 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 18%102 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 1%4 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 17%100 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 7%42 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%15 | 9%50 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%28 | 6%32 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Lexus Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Lexus Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs Lexus Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Lexus's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Lexus | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 87/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 80/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 81/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 81/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 79/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 80/100(5) | Lexus |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chrysler vs Lexus: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Lexus. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Lexus?
If you want the lowest risk, lean to Lexus. Target the RX, the strongest model in either lineup, and look for a 2022, which has no recalls. Check that the instrument cluster does not dim or go blank. The ES and IS are the better sedan picks over the Chrysler 300. With the NX, choose a 2021 and be wary of 2024, which draws far more complaints than any other year.
Lean to Chrysler if you need a minivan. The Voyager rates good and sits above most minivans, and 2020 is the year to buy. Skip the 2023 Voyager, which collected six recalls. Skip the 2018 Pacifica, where owners report electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. On any Pacifica, test for power steering that cuts out and for sudden stalls.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Lexus?
Buy Lexus unless a minivan is a must. The RX is the single strongest model across both lineups, and the 2022 is the year to find. Independent repair-cost data puts Lexus ahead on upkeep, while Chrysler averages $642 a year in estimated repairs. If you go Chrysler, choose a 2020 Voyager.
Chrysler vs Lexus: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Lexus?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Lexus?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Lexus?
What are the most common Chrysler problems?
What is the best used Lexus to buy?
Comparing Chrysler vs Lexus? 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 Lexus 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.