Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Hyundai: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Dodge edges Hyundai on reliability, but only slightly. Dodge has less severe complaints and lighter recall impact, while Hyundai is cheaper to repair. Both brands hold a good standing and draw complaints at the same rate per vehicle sold.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Hyundai?
| Metric | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 1001 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $492/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Hyundai: The Verdict
Reliability gives Dodge a slight edge. Complaint severity and recall impact both favor it, and Hyundai has more recalls, 232 against 97, across a larger lineup. The two brands tie on complaints per 1,000 sold, on how widely problems spread across systems, and on sedans.
Hyundai wins on what ownership costs. Its yearly repair estimate is well under Dodge's. Its recent trend is improving, while Dodge's is stable. Electrical trouble tops both brands' complaint lists, but it makes up a bigger share of Dodge's. Hyundai adds engine and power train problems.
Where Dodge and Hyundai Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: complaint severity. Dodge has a 6-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Dodge vs Hyundai: 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
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Hyundai Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Hyundai
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Hyundai?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $642/year for Dodge. That's a difference of $150/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Dodge vs Hyundai Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Hyundai | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 74/100 | 75/100 | Hyundai |
| SUVs(3 vs 6 models) | 69/100 | 67/100 | Dodge |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Hyundai
| Component | Dodge | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 20%1,751 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 18%1,597 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 15%1,289 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 12%1,095 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 8%745 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 2%180 |
| SEAT BELTS | 0%8 | 4%330 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 2%135 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%22 | 3%272 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%10 | 3%260 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Hyundai Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Hyundai Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Hyundai Models
Dodge vs Hyundai Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Hyundai | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 76/100(10) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 74/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 72/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 67/100(10) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 64/100(9) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 69/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 66/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 68/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 67/100(5) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Hyundai: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Hyundai. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Hyundai?
If you want a minivan, look at the Grand-Caravan and target the 2020 model year. Stay away from 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. Check that the sliding doors lock and unlock with the fob, the button, and the handles. Skip the Hornet unless you find a 2023. The 2024 has the heaviest recall and complaint load, and the 2025 is too new to judge.
If you want a sedan on a tight budget, the Elantra is the pick. Favor the 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022, because sudden engine failure is the main risk. Ask for oil change records and look for signs of oil burning. Venue, Tucson, and Santa-FE also sit at a good standing. Shoppers considering an electric SUV should treat the Ioniq 5 with caution. The 2024 is the better used pick, and the 2022 and 2023 collect the most complaints about sudden loss of drive power.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Hyundai?
Choose Dodge if milder complaints and fewer recall headaches matter most, and Hyundai if you want lower running costs. Hyundai's estimated repair bill is $150 a year lower, which adds up to about $750 over five years. The strongest model across both lineups is the Hyundai Elantra, rated excellent. Buy the right model year in either brand, because year matters more than badge.
Dodge vs Hyundai: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Hyundai?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Hyundai?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Hyundai?
What goes wrong most often on Dodge and Hyundai vehicles?
What is the best Dodge or Hyundai to buy used?
Comparing Dodge vs Hyundai? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Dodge and Hyundai 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.