Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Dodge
6 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Dodge comes out ahead of Ram on reliability by a clear margin, mainly on lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Both brands rate good. Ram's trend is improving, while Dodge holds stable, so the gap is real but not huge.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Dodge | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 1448 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $691/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Ram: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Dodge, though both brands rate good. Dodge costs less to keep running, at about $642 a year against $691 for Ram, and its recall impact is lighter. Ram has 161 recalls on record against 97 for Dodge.
The other measures are even. Crash, fire, and injury complaints do not separate the brands in severity, and the electrical system is the top trouble spot for both. Ram does log fewer complaints per 1,000 sold, and its trend is improving while Dodge's is stable, so neither brand is sliding.
Where Dodge and Ram Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
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 (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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/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
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Common Problems: Dodge vs Ram
| Component | Dodge | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 24%912 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 14%530 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 15%559 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 9%330 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 11%407 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 6%213 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 4%132 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 4%134 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 0%13 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0%8 | 4%152 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Ram Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Ram Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 70/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 68/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 70/100(2) | Ram |
| 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(5) | 64/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 58/100(2) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 66/100(2) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Ram?
If you want a low-drama family vehicle, look at a Dodge Grand-Caravan and favor the 2020. The 2018 and 2019 years carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger, Charger, Journey, and Durango also rate good. Skip the Hornet unless you can get a 2023, since its electrical problems include failing door latches and drained batteries, and the 2024 has the heaviest recall load.
If you need a truck, the Ram 1500 is the stronger pick, with yearly repair costs below the full-size truck average. Look for a 2024 and avoid the 2019. Test the touchscreen for ghost touches and watch for steering that cuts out. Be careful with a Promaster. Transmission trouble and cowl leaks that soak wiring are the main worries. If you go that way, favor the 2018 over the 2019 and 2021.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Ram?
Choose Dodge if you want the safer bet on cost and recalls. The Grand-Caravan is the strongest model across both lineups, and the 2020 is the year to favor. Over five years, Dodge's lower average repair cost saves roughly $245 compared with Ram. Go with Ram only when you need a truck, and make it a 1500 from 2024.
Dodge vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Ram?
Which has more recalls, Dodge or Ram?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Ram?
What is the most common problem on Dodge and Ram vehicles?
Which Dodge and Ram years should I avoid?
Comparing Dodge vs Ram? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Dodge comparisons
More Ram comparisons
How we score Dodge and Ram 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.