Last updated: 2026-05-15
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Comparing Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Chrysler currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 69/100 | 58/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 210 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 634 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $807/yr |
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
If reliability is your priority, Chrysler makes a stronger case than Mercedes-Benz by a wide margin. The overall picture: Chrysler scores 69/100 across 3 models, while Mercedes-Benz comes in at 58/100 across 9 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $807/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $825 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Chrysler owners.
Where Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 70/100Good | 52/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Chrysler outscores by 18 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 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
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (58/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($807/year avg)
- 7 of 9 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $807/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $165/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 6 models) | 72/100 | 54/100 | Chrysler |
Chrysler wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%648 | 23%826 |
| POWER TRAIN | 26%597 | 11%381 |
| ENGINE | 14%316 | 15%552 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%154 | 16%559 |
| STEERING | 10%226 | 7%245 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 5%172 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 3%112 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%13 | 4%142 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 3%124 |
| 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 Mercedes-Benz 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. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 234 crash-related, 79 fire-related, and 237 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
Mercedes-Benz
234
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
237
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chrysler Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz 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 73/100, up from earlier years. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 61/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 62/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 56/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 56/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 56/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 56/100(6) | Chrysler |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
The numbers make a strong case for Chrysler — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chrysler Voyager leads both lineups with a score of 73/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chrysler costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $807/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $825 in savings.
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 Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the least reliable models from Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
How many Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz?
Comparing Chrysler vs Mercedes-Benz? 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 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.