Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Dodge
5 models tracked
Toyota
16 models tracked
Comparing Dodge and Toyota on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Toyota currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 16 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 18 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 368 | 690 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $663/yr | $473/yr |
Dodge Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Toyota: The Verdict
The numbers favor Toyota here, but Dodge isn't far behind. We scored 21 models between the two makes: Dodge at 72/100 and Toyota at 75/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at $473/year versus $663/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $950 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, Toyota's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Dodge and Toyota Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Toyota's advantage in repair costs (+10 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Dodge vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($473/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 16 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $473/year compared to $663/year for Dodge. That's a difference of $190/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$650 – $675/yr
Average: $663/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $606/yr
Average: $473/yr
Dodge vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 5 models) | 74/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
| SUVs(2 vs 7 models) | 65/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
| Minivans(1 vs 1 models) | 78/100 | 73/100 | Dodge |
Toyota wins 2 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Toyota
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Dodge | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 11%167 | 17%1,593 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%429 | 13%1,214 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%173 | 14%1,321 |
| ENGINE | 6%99 | 10%965 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%149 | 9%890 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%66 | 8%792 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%12 | 8%740 |
| STEERING | 3%50 | 6%555 |
| STRUCTURE | 7%101 | 4%355 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 11%170 | 1%126 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Dodge vs Toyota 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. Toyota owners reported 672 crash-related, 93 fire-related, and 611 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
Toyota
672
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
611
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Toyota Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Dodge Models
Toyota Models
Dodge vs Toyota 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. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 77/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 78/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 75/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 75/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 76/100(11) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 77/100(4) | 73/100(10) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 72/100(4) | 70/100(9) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(4) | 71/100(9) | Toyota |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Dodge vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Toyota?
The data favors Toyota, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Toyota Crown leads both lineups with a score of 84/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Toyota costs less to maintain — $473/year vs $663/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $950 in savings.
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 Toyota: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Toyota?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Dodge or Toyota?
Which make has more recalls, Dodge or Toyota?
What are the most reliable models from Dodge and Toyota?
What are the least reliable models from Dodge and Toyota?
What are the most common problems with Dodge and Toyota vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Dodge or Toyota?
How many Dodge and Toyota models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Dodge or Toyota?
Are Dodge and Toyota getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Dodge or Toyota?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Dodge or Toyota?
Comparing Dodge vs Toyota? 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.