Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Volvo: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Dodge edges out Volvo on reliability, mainly on lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Both brands stand good, and the gap is slight. Volvo draws fewer complaints per car sold, but it costs more to keep running each year.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Dodge | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 28 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 136 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $831/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Volvo: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Dodge. Its yearly repair cost averages $642, against $831 for Volvo, and its recall impact is lighter even though its raw recall count is lower too (97 versus 141). Complaint severity and the spread of problems across systems come out even. Electrical trouble tops both lists. Sedans favor Dodge, while SUVs split evenly.
Volvo does win one measure. Owners file 1 complaint per 1,000 sold, compared with 1.4 for Dodge. That does not change the overall call, but it makes Volvo a fair choice if you can live with higher upkeep bills.
Where Dodge and Volvo Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dodge's advantage in recall impact (+5 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Dodge vs Volvo: 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
Volvo
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Dodge and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Dodge is cheaper to maintain at an average of $642/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $189/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Dodge vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 70/100 | Dodge |
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 69/100 | 69/100 | Tie |
Dodge wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Volvo
| Component | Dodge | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 13%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 5%26 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 0%2 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 1%4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%93 | 12%62 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 2%13 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 3%18 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 5%28 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 2%45 | 7%39 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Volvo Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Volvo Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Dodge vs Volvo Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
Interestingly, both Dodge and Volvo show stable reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Dodge | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 75/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 74/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 69/100(4) | Volvo |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 65/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 70/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 66/100(4) | Dodge |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 71/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 69/100(5) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 71/100(3) | Volvo |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Volvo: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Volvo. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Volvo?
If low running costs matter most, lean to Dodge. The Grand-Caravan is the model to target, and 2020 is the year to favor. Skip the 2018 and 2019 years, which carry far more complaints and recalls. Test the sliding doors before you buy, since locks that jam shut are the top complaint. Among sedans, the Challenger and Charger both rate good. Pass on the Hornet. Its standing is only mixed because of door latch failures and battery drain, and 2023 is the only year worth considering.
If you want a luxury SUV and can absorb bigger repair bills, look at Volvo. The XC60 is the pick, especially the 2021. Avoid the 2022, which draws the most complaints, and ask whether the engine ever shut off at a stop and refused to restart. Be careful with the XC40. It trails most compact SUVs, and the 2021 and 2023 have camera dropouts and electrical shutdowns. The 2020 is the safer year.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Volvo?
Go with Dodge if you want the lower bill and lighter recall load. The Grand-Caravan is the strongest model across both lineups, and the 2020 is the year to favor. Volvo's higher average repair cost adds up to about $945 more over five years. If you prefer Volvo, buy a 2021 XC60 and avoid the 2022.
Dodge vs Volvo: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Volvo?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Volvo?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Volvo?
What is the most common problem on Dodge and Volvo cars?
Which Dodge and Volvo models should I avoid?
Comparing Dodge vs Volvo? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Dodge and Volvo 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.