Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Toyota: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Toyota
19 models tracked
Toyota comes out ahead of Chrysler on reliability, and the edge is clear. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and repairs cost less each year. Both brands rate good, so Chrysler is not a bad pick, but Toyota is the safer one.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Chrysler | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 19 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 25 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 616 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $482/yr |
Chrysler vs Toyota: The Verdict
The edge goes to Toyota, and it is a clear one. Both brands hold a good reliability standing, and both are trending up. The gap shows in the details. Toyota draws fewer owner complaints for every car sold, 0.9 per 1,000 against 1.7 for Chrysler. It also costs less to keep running, at about $482 a year in independent repair-cost data versus $642. Toyota is stronger on complaint severity and recall impact too.
Toyota's raw recall count is higher, 474 against 100, but that comes from a lineup of 19 models against 3. Problems are spread across systems about evenly at both brands.
Where Chrysler and Toyota Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 77/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 73/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and complaint severity stands out — Toyota outscores by 8 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chrysler vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($482/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 19 of 19 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $482/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. That's a difference of $160/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $642/yr
Average: $482/yr
Chrysler vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 6 models) | 72/100 | 78/100 | Toyota |
| Minivans(2 vs 1 models) | 70/100 | 74/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Toyota
| Component | Chrysler | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 19%1,909 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 12%1,271 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 13%1,350 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 9%963 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 9%911 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 8%780 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%15 | 8%796 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 5%532 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Toyota
699
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
633
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Toyota Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Toyota Models
Chrysler vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, up from earlier years. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 86/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 78/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 75/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 76/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 76/100(14) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 73/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 70/100(12) | Toyota |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 71/100(12) | Toyota |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Toyota?
If you want the lowest risk, shop Toyota. The Corolla, Corolla Cross, 4Runner and Venza all rate excellent. The Crown sedan rates excellent as well, and the 2024 is the year to favor because it has had time to build a record. If you want a truck, the Tacoma is sound, but skip the 2018 and 2019 and look for a 2021. Test drive for a transmission that shudders at light throttle.
Chrysler makes sense if you need a minivan and want to compare. The Voyager rates good and sits above most minivans, with the 2020 the year to buy and the 2023 the one to avoid. The Pacifica ranks below average among minivans. Skip the 2018 for electrical fires and head gasket failures, and look at the 2024. On either van, check that the steering does not stick or cut out. Toyota's Sienna is the other minivan to cross-shop.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Toyota?
Start with Toyota unless a specific Chrysler van catches your eye. The strongest model across both lineups is the Toyota Crown, which rates excellent, though its record is short, so favor the 2024. Toyota should also cost you less to maintain. At about $160 less per year, that adds up to roughly $800 over five years. If you pick a Voyager, aim for the 2020.
Chrysler vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Toyota?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Toyota?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Toyota?
What problems do Chrysler owners report most?
What are the common problems with the Toyota Tacoma?
Comparing Chrysler vs Toyota? 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 Toyota 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.