Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge vs Jeep: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
5 models tracked
Jeep
5 models tracked
Comparing Dodge and Jeep on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Dodge currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Jeep?
| Metric | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 67 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 368 | 3067 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $663/yr | $602/yr |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Jeep Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Jeep: The Verdict
The numbers favor Dodge here, but Jeep isn't far behind. We scored 10 models between the two makes: Dodge at 72/100 and Jeep at 66/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Jeep is cheaper to maintain at $602/year versus $663/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Jeep's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Dodge and Jeep Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 58/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 69/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dodge's advantage in recall impact (+12 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Dodge vs Jeep: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($602/year avg)
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 199 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Jeep Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Jeep
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Jeep?
Based on independent repair cost data, Jeep is cheaper to maintain at an average of $602/year compared to $663/year for Dodge. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$650 – $675/yr
Average: $663/yr
Jeep Repair Cost Range
$520 – $694/yr
Average: $602/yr
Dodge vs Jeep Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Jeep | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(2 vs 4 models) | 65/100 | 68/100 | Jeep |
Jeep wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Jeep
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%429 | 28%3,939 |
| STEERING | 3%50 | 22%3,149 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%167 | 18%2,536 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%173 | 9%1,329 |
| ENGINE | 6%99 | 8%1,109 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%66 | 4%550 |
| SUSPENSION | 1%18 | 3%444 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%149 | 2%236 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 11%170 | 0%52 |
| STRUCTURE | 7%101 | 0%67 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Jeep Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Dodge owners reported 84 crash-related, 20 fire-related, and 88 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Jeep owners reported 484 crash-related, 199 fire-related, and 320 injury-related complaints. Dodge 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.
Dodge
84
Crash reports
20
Fire reports
88
Injury reports
Jeep
484
Crash reports
199
Fire reports
320
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Jeep Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Jeep Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Jeep's reliability has been stable.
Interestingly, both Dodge and Jeep show stable reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Dodge | Jeep | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 74/100(5) | Jeep |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 66/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 64/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 61/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 63/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(4) | 67/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 72/100(4) | 67/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(4) | 61/100(4) | Dodge |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Dodge vs Jeep: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Jeep. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Jeep?
Dodge 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 Dodge Grand-Caravan leads both lineups with a score of 78/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Jeep costs less to maintain — $602/year vs $663/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.
Dodge vs Jeep: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Jeep?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Dodge or Jeep?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Jeep?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Jeep?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Jeep?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Jeep vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Jeep?
How many Dodge and Jeep models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Jeep?
Are Dodge and Jeep getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Jeep?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Jeep?
Comparing Dodge vs Jeep? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Dodge comparisons
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.