Last updated: 2026-05-15
Chrysler vs Volkswagen: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Volkswagen
7 models tracked
Comparing Chrysler and Volkswagen 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 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Volkswagen?
| Metric | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 69/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 42 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 796 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $645/yr |
Chrysler vs Volkswagen: The Verdict
Between these two, Chrysler comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Chrysler averages 69/100 (3 models) and Volkswagen averages 65/100 (7 models).
On the cost front, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at $642/year versus $645/year.
Where Chrysler and Volkswagen Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 70/100Good | 71/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Chrysler has a 10-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Chrysler vs Volkswagen: 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
Volkswagen
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($645/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 29 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Chrysler and Volkswagen Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Volkswagen
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Volkswagen?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chrysler is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $645/year for Volkswagen. 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
Volkswagen Repair Cost Range
$609 – $730/yr
Average: $645/yr
Chrysler vs Volkswagen Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Volkswagen | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 74/100 | Volkswagen |
Volkswagen wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Volkswagen
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%648 | 29%1,367 |
| POWER TRAIN | 26%597 | 12%542 |
| ENGINE | 14%316 | 11%512 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%154 | 12%549 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 9%444 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 9%423 |
| STEERING | 10%226 | 4%187 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%5 | 4%178 |
| 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 Volkswagen 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. Volkswagen owners reported 169 crash-related, 29 fire-related, and 157 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
Volkswagen
169
Crash reports
29
Fire reports
157
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Volkswagen Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chrysler Models
Volkswagen Models
Chrysler vs Volkswagen 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. Volkswagen's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Interestingly, both Chrysler and Volkswagen show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chrysler | Volkswagen | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 71/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 67/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 67/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 59/100(6) | Chrysler |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 61/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 69/100(4) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 62/100(5) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 64/100(5) | Volkswagen |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Volkswagen?
Chrysler comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Volkswagen Jetta leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chrysler costs less to maintain — $642/year vs $645/year.
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 Volkswagen: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Volkswagen?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chrysler or Volkswagen?
Which make has more recalls, Chrysler or Volkswagen?
What are the most reliable models from Chrysler and Volkswagen?
What are the least reliable models from Chrysler and Volkswagen?
What are the most common problems with Chrysler and Volkswagen vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chrysler or Volkswagen?
How many Chrysler and Volkswagen models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chrysler or Volkswagen?
Are Chrysler and Volkswagen getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chrysler or Volkswagen?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chrysler or Volkswagen?
Comparing Chrysler vs Volkswagen? 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.