Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Chrysler comes out well ahead of Tesla on reliability, with fewer recalls, fewer complaints per car sold and lower repair costs. All three Chrysler models rate good, while all five Tesla models rate mixed. Both brands show an improving recent trend.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Chrysler | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Chrysler vs Tesla: The Verdict
The gap is large, and it favors Chrysler. Owners filed 1.7 complaints per 1,000 sold for Chrysler against 3.9 for Tesla, and federal recall records list 100 recalls against 509. Tesla has two more models, so its raw totals run higher, but the per-sold rate still points the same way.
Severity favors Chrysler too. Its complaints center on electrical faults and power train trouble. Tesla's biggest problem area is forward collision avoidance, and 1,330 of its complaints involve crashes. Chrysler is also stronger on repair costs, recall impact and how widely problems spread across systems.
Where Chrysler and Tesla Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Chrysler has a 30-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chrysler vs Tesla: 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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 72 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Tesla
Chrysler vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 48/100 | Chrysler |
Chrysler wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Tesla
| Component | Chrysler | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%5 | 25%2,730 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 12%1,331 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 12%1,360 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%43 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 8%895 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 2%173 |
| SUSPENSION | 0%11 | 6%683 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 4%416 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Tesla
1,330
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
885
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Tesla Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Chrysler vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Interestingly, both Chrysler and Tesla show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 59/100(2) | Chrysler |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 64/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 56/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 47/100(4) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 54/100(4) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 43/100(4) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 47/100(4) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 50/100(3) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 48/100(3) | Chrysler |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Tesla?
If you want the lowest-risk used purchase, lean toward Chrysler. Target a 2020 Voyager and skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. A Pacifica is a fair second choice, though it ranks below average among minivans. The 2024 is the pick there. Avoid the 2018, which brings electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. On any Pacifica, test for power steering that cuts out and for stalls. The 300 is the sedan option, and it rates good.
Lean toward Tesla only if you specifically want an electric car and can live with a mixed standing. Among sedans, a 2019 Model S is the safer pick, and the 2021 draws the most worry. Ask about phantom braking and sudden acceleration while parking. The Cybertruck is the strongest Tesla on the ranking, but it sits well below other trucks. Skip the 2024 unless trim and door latches check out. The 2025 and 2026 look cleaner mainly because they are new.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Tesla?
Buy Chrysler if reliability and running cost decide it. The Voyager is the strongest single model across both lineups, and the 2020 is the year to target. Chrysler averages $642 a year in estimated repairs and is rated stronger than Tesla on repair costs. Choose Tesla only for the electric driving, and then favor a 2019 Model S over newer, thinly documented years.
Chrysler vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Tesla?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Tesla?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Tesla?
What problems do Tesla owners report most?
What are the common Chrysler problems?
Comparing Chrysler vs Tesla? 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 Tesla 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.