Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Honda: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Honda
9 models tracked
Honda edges out Dodge on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. Lower repair bills give Honda the lead. Dodge answers with lighter recall impact and less severe complaints, so the better pick depends on the body style you want.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Honda?
| Metric | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 74/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 38 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 2118 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $441/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Honda: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Honda, and the two are effectively tied. Both brands sit in good standing. The deciding difference is cost: independent repair-cost data puts Honda at about $441 a year, against $642 for Dodge. Dodge rates stronger on complaint severity and recall impact. Problems spread across systems about evenly for both.
Body style matters more than the badge. Honda is stronger among sedans and SUVs, while Dodge is stronger among minivans. Honda's recent trend is improving. Dodge's is stable.
Where Dodge and Honda Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 74/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Honda's advantage in repair costs (+15 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Dodge vs Honda: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 24 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Honda Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Honda
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Honda?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $642/year for Dodge. That's a difference of $201/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Dodge vs Honda Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Honda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 77/100 | Honda |
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 69/100 | 73/100 | Honda |
| Minivans(1 vs 1 models) | 78/100 | 66/100 | Dodge |
Honda wins 2 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Honda
| Component | Dodge | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 18%2,940 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 19%3,164 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%6 | 10%1,664 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 9%1,523 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 8%1,404 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 7%1,149 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 7%1,142 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 5%876 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 2%410 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 2%371 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Honda Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Honda Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Honda Models
Dodge vs Honda Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Honda | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 84/100(9) | Honda |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 79/100(9) | Honda |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 78/100(9) | Honda |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 74/100(8) | Honda |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 75/100(8) | Honda |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 70/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 65/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 66/100(7) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Honda: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Honda. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Honda?
If you want low running costs in a sedan or SUV, lean toward Honda. The HR-V is the model to target, and the 2021 is the year to favor. Be careful with the 2019, which shows an instrument display that goes blank in cold weather, and the 2023, where rear hatch glass shatters with no impact. The Civic and Accord are solid sedan choices. Skip the 2025 Prologue, which holds every owner complaint on file, including clicking front axles and a "Service High Voltage System" warning. Dealers often return those cars unrepaired. The 2024 is the better year.
If you need a minivan, lean toward Dodge. The Grand-Caravan beats the Honda Odyssey in this comparison, and the 2020 is the year to favor. Avoid the 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. Test the sliding door locks before you buy. Steer clear of the Hornet, the only mixed-rated Dodge. Its electrical system causes door latch failures and drained batteries. If you still want one, pick the 2023 over the 2024.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Honda?
Pick Honda for most used-car searches, especially if yearly upkeep matters. The gap is about $201 a year, or roughly $1,005 over five years. The HR-V is the strongest model in either lineup, and the 2021 is the one to buy. Shoppers who need a minivan should look at a 2020 Grand-Caravan. Dodge also looks better on recall impact and complaint severity.
Dodge vs Honda: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Honda?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Honda?
Is Honda or Dodge cheaper to repair?
What problems do Dodge and Honda owners report most?
Which is the better used minivan, Dodge Grand-Caravan or Honda Odyssey?
Comparing Dodge vs Honda? 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 Dodge and Honda 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.