Last updated: 2026-07-26
Hyundai vs Jeep: Reliability Compared
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Jeep
7 models tracked
Comparing Hyundai and Jeep on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Hyundai currently leads with an average score of 70/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Jeep?
| Metric | Hyundai | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 67/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 54 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 2336 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $615/yr |
Hyundai vs Jeep: The Verdict
Hyundai holds a modest reliability advantage over Jeep — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Hyundai scores 70/100 across 10 models, while Jeep comes in at 67/100 across 7 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $615/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $615 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Hyundai owners.
Where Hyundai and Jeep Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Jeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 69/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Hyundai outscores by 8 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Hyundai vs Jeep: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($615/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 210 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Hyundai and Jeep Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Hyundai
Jeep
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai or Jeep?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $615/year for Jeep. That's a difference of $123/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Jeep Repair Cost Range
$498 – $784/yr
Average: $615/yr
Hyundai vs Jeep Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Jeep | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 6 models) | 67/100 | 69/100 | Jeep |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 68/100 | 55/100 | Hyundai |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Jeep
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Hyundai | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 28%4,241 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 18%2,666 |
| STEERING | 3%278 | 21%3,206 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,626 | 8%1,266 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%1,130 | 10%1,451 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%754 | 4%578 |
| SUSPENSION | 2%140 | 3%453 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%299 | 2%234 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%135 | 2%267 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%329 | 0%8 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Hyundai vs Jeep Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Hyundai owners reported 396 crash-related, 126 fire-related, and 328 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Jeep owners reported 536 crash-related, 210 fire-related, and 355 injury-related complaints. Hyundai 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.
Hyundai
396
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
328
Injury reports
Jeep
536
Crash reports
210
Fire reports
355
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Jeep Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Hyundai Models
Jeep Models
Hyundai vs Jeep Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Jeep's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Jeep | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 73/100(4) | Hyundai |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 74/100(6) | Tie |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 66/100(6) | Hyundai |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 65/100(7) | Hyundai |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 62/100(6) | Hyundai |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 65/100(6) | Hyundai |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 68/100(6) | Jeep |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 68/100(5) | Tie |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 62/100(5) | Hyundai |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Hyundai vs Jeep: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Hyundai and Jeep. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Jeep?
The data favors Hyundai, 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 Hyundai Elantra leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Hyundai costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $615/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.
Hyundai vs Jeep: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Jeep?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Hyundai or Jeep?
Which make has more recalls, Hyundai or Jeep?
What are the most reliable models from Hyundai and Jeep?
What are the least reliable models from Hyundai and Jeep?
What are the most common problems with Hyundai and Jeep vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Hyundai or Jeep?
How many Hyundai and Jeep models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Hyundai or Jeep?
Are Hyundai and Jeep getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Hyundai or Jeep?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Hyundai or Jeep?
Comparing Hyundai vs Jeep? 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.