Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
5 models tracked
Mercedes-Benz
9 models tracked
Comparing Dodge and Mercedes-Benz 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 58/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Mercedes-Benz?
| Metric | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 58/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 9 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 210 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 368 | 634 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $663/yr | $807/yr |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz: The Verdict
Dodge has a commanding reliability lead over Mercedes-Benz, and it shows across multiple metrics. We scored 14 models between the two makes: Dodge at 72/100 and Mercedes-Benz at 58/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at $663/year versus $807/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $720 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Dodge's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 54/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 52/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dodge's advantage in recall impact (+24 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 (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
Mercedes-Benz
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (58/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($807/year avg)
- 7 of 9 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 $663/year compared to $807/year for Mercedes-Benz. That's a difference of $144/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$650 – $675/yr
Average: $663/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 | 54/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(2 vs 2 models) | 65/100 | 68/100 | Mercedes-Benz |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%429 | 23%826 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%173 | 16%559 |
| ENGINE | 6%99 | 15%552 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%167 | 11%381 |
| STEERING | 3%50 | 7%245 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%149 | 3%112 |
| STRUCTURE | 7%101 | 4%142 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%66 | 5%172 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 11%170 | 1%25 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | — | 3%124 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz 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. Mercedes-Benz owners reported 234 crash-related, 79 fire-related, and 237 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
Mercedes-Benz
234
Crash reports
79
Fire reports
237
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Mercedes-Benz Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Mercedes-Benz Models
Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz 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. Mercedes-Benz's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100 | — | — |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 61/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 62/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 57/100(8) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 56/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(4) | 56/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 72/100(4) | 56/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(4) | 56/100(6) | Dodge |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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:
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
The numbers make a strong case for Dodge — this is one of the larger make-level gaps in our database.
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 Dodge costs less to maintain — $663/year vs $807/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 Mercedes-Benz: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Mercedes-Benz?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
How many Dodge and Mercedes-Benz models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
Are Dodge and Mercedes-Benz getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Mercedes-Benz?
Comparing Dodge vs Mercedes-Benz? 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.