Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Chrysler beats Ram on used-car reliability, with a clear edge. Lower repair costs and fewer recalls drive the lead. Both brands rate good and both are trending up, but Ram draws fewer owner complaints per vehicle sold.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Chrysler | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 1448 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $691/yr |
Chrysler vs Ram: The Verdict
The edge goes to Chrysler, and it is a clear one. Federal recall records show 100 recalls for Chrysler against 161 for Ram, and independent repair-cost data puts Chrysler at about $642 a year versus $691. Ram does win on complaint severity, with 1.1 complaints per 1,000 sold against 1.7 for Chrysler.
Problems are spread across systems about evenly. Electrical faults top both lists, and steering shows up in both. Neither brand has a standing problem the other avoids.
Where Chrysler and Ram Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Chrysler outscores by 15 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chrysler vs Ram: 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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $691/year for Ram. 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
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Ram
| Component | Chrysler | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 24%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 15%559 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 11%407 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 9%330 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 6%213 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 4%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%15 | 4%152 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%28 | 4%134 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Ram Model Ranked
Chrysler vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 70/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 68/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 70/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 68/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 63/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 64/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 58/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 66/100(2) | Ram |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Ram?
If you want a minivan or a sedan and the lowest running costs, lean to Chrysler. Target the Voyager, and look for a 2020. Skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. The Pacifica is a fair second choice, but avoid the 2018, which brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The 2024 Pacifica is the site's pick. The 300 sedan also rates good.
If you need a truck, lean to Ram and start with the 1500. Yearly repair costs run below the full-size truck average. Look for a 2024 and skip the 2019. Test the touchscreen for ghost touches, and make sure the power steering does not cut out. Consider the Promaster only if you accept the transmission risk, which means harsh shifts, no reverse, and long waits for back-ordered parts. Check for water leaking past the windshield cowl. Favor the 2018 and avoid 2019 and 2021.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Ram?
Choose Chrysler unless you need a truck. The Voyager is the strongest single model across both lineups, and a 2020 is the year to buy. Chrysler also costs about $49 less a year to repair, which adds up to roughly $245 over five years. For a pickup, the Ram 1500 is the better bet than the Promaster.
Chrysler vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Ram?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Ram?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Ram?
What problems do Chrysler and Ram owners report most?
What is the best used Chrysler or Ram to buy?
Comparing Chrysler vs Ram? 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 Ram 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.