Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
5 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Comparing Dodge and Ram 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 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Dodge | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 57/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 53 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 368 | 1442 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $663/yr | $691/yr |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Ram: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Dodge outperforms Ram on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Dodge averages 72/100 (5 models) and Ram averages 57/100 (3 models).
On the cost front, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at $663/year versus $691/year.
Where Dodge and Ram Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Dodge has a 15-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Dodge vs Ram: 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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Ram Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Ram
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $663/year compared to $691/year for Ram. 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
Common Problems: Dodge vs Ram
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%429 | 25%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%167 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 3%50 | 15%563 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%173 | 11%398 |
| ENGINE | 6%99 | 11%407 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%149 | 4%132 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%66 | 6%213 |
| STRUCTURE | 7%101 | 2%84 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 11%170 | 0%7 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%12 | 3%125 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Ram 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. Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 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
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Ram Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Ram 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. Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years.
| Model Year | Dodge | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 45/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 46/100(3) | Dodge |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 68/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 63/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 61/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(4) | 64/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 72/100(4) | 58/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(4) | 66/100(2) | Dodge |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Ram?
Dodge is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
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 $691/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 Ram: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Ram?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Dodge or Ram?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Ram?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Ram?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Ram?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Ram vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Ram?
How many Dodge and Ram models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Ram?
Are Dodge and Ram getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Ram?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Ram?
Comparing Dodge vs Ram? 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.