Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
6 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
10 models tracked
Dodge beats Mercedes-Benz on reliability by a wide margin. It has far fewer federal recalls and lower yearly repair costs. Both brands stand good, but most Mercedes-Benz sedans rate mixed, and its upkeep runs noticeably higher.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 60/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 192 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 583 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $858/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
The gap is large, and it favors Dodge. Dodge is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact and how widely problems spread across systems. The recall gap is the starkest: 97 for Dodge against 1,923 for Mercedes-Benz. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep near $642 for Dodge and $858 for Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz is not a weak brand. Its standing is good, and its recent trend is improving while Dodge's is stable. Complaints per 1,000 sold are close between the two, and SUVs are an even match. The real differences are recalls, cost and sedans.
Where Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dodge's advantage in recall impact (+19 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: 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
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (60/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($858/year avg)
- 6 of 10 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 79 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Mercedes-Benz
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $858/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $216/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Mercedes-Benz Repair Cost Range
$807 – $908/yr
Average: $858/yr
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 6 models) | 74/100 | 55/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 69/100 | 69/100 | Tie |
Dodge wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz
| Component | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 23%842 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 15%564 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 15%563 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 10%387 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 7%246 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 5%199 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 3%119 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 4%153 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 1%25 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Mercedes-Benz
240
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
251
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 71/100(6) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 62/100(9) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 63/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 59/100(9) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 57/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 56/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 56/100(6) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Mercedes-Benz. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz?
If you want the lowest hassle and the lowest bills, shop Dodge. The Grand-Caravan suits families, and 2020 is the year to favor. Stay away from 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger, Charger, Durango and Journey also rate good. Pass on the Hornet unless you find a 2023. Its electrical faults include failing door latches and drained batteries, and the 2024 has the heaviest recall load.
If you want a luxury badge, stick with Mercedes-Benz SUVs. The GLB, GLC and GLE all rate good. Look for a 2022 or 2023 GLB and skip the 2020. Be choosy with sedans. Only the E-Class rates good, while the C-Class, A-Class, EQS, EQE and CLA rate mixed. If a CLA tempts you, pick a 2020 and avoid 2022. Budget for higher repair bills across the lineup.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
For fewer recalls and lower costs, choose Dodge. Turn to Mercedes-Benz only for a good-rated SUV such as the GLB, GLC or GLE. The strongest single choice across both lineups is the Grand-Caravan, in a 2020 model year. Averaged out, a Mercedes-Benz costs about $216 more each year to keep running, roughly $1,080 across five years.
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
What problems do Dodge and Mercedes-Benz owners report most?
Which Dodge and Mercedes-Benz models should I avoid?
Comparing Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz? 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 Mercedes-Benz 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.