Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Nissan: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Nissan
12 models tracked
Nissan edges out Dodge on reliability, mostly on lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Both brands rate good, so the lead is slight. Dodge has the strong Grand-Caravan, while Nissan's improving trend and larger lineup give shoppers more safe picks.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Nissan?
| Metric | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 77/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 531 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $523/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Nissan: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Nissan. Two differences decide it: upkeep and recalls. Independent repair-cost data puts Nissan at about $523 a year against $642 for Dodge, and Nissan comes out stronger on recall impact. Owners also file fewer complaints per car sold, and Nissan's recent trend is improving while Dodge's is stable.
Other measures do not separate them. Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems are even, and both brands lead their complaint lists with the electrical system. Dodge is not a weak choice. Most of its lineup rates good, and the Hornet is the one clear soft spot.
Where Dodge and Nissan Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Nissan has a 7-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Dodge vs Nissan: 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
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($523/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 41 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Nissan Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Nissan
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Nissan?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $642/year for Dodge. That's a difference of $119/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Dodge vs Nissan Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Nissan | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 74/100 | 75/100 | Nissan |
| SUVs(3 vs 6 models) | 69/100 | 77/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Nissan
| Component | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 23%1,283 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 17%929 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 11%609 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 11%590 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 8%436 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 4%205 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%6 | 6%342 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 5%272 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 1%52 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 2%96 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Nissan Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Nissan Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Nissan Models
Dodge vs Nissan Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Nissan's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Nissan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 83/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 80/100(11) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 79/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 77/100(9) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 77/100(10) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 73/100(10) | Tie |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 73/100(11) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Nissan: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Nissan. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Nissan?
If you want the lowest running costs and the widest choice, lean Nissan. The Frontier is the pick for a truck. The Ariya is the top-rated SUV, but buy a 2024 over a 2023, which has reports of sudden loss of drive power. Skip the Leaf from 2019 and 2020, since battery trouble defines it as a used buy. A 2021 is the safer year, and its upkeep is the highest in the Nissan lineup.
If you need a minivan or a rear-drive sedan, Dodge makes sense. The Grand-Caravan is the strongest Dodge, and 2020 is the year to favor. Avoid 2018 and 2019, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger and Charger both rate good. Be careful with the Hornet. Door latches fail and batteries drain. If you still want one, the 2023 is the year to buy, and the 2024 has the heaviest recall and complaint load.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Nissan?
Choose Nissan if you want the safer overall bet, and choose Dodge if a Grand-Caravan or one of its sedans fits your needs. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Nissan Ariya, though only in 2024 form. Nissan also costs less to keep running. The gap of about $119 a year adds up to roughly $595 over five years.
Dodge vs Nissan: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Nissan?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Nissan?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Nissan?
What goes wrong most often on Dodge and Nissan cars?
Is the Nissan Leaf or Ariya a safe used buy?
Comparing Dodge vs Nissan? 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 Nissan 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.