Last updated: 2026-05-15
Jeep vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Jeep
5 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Jeep and Tesla on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Jeep currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Jeep More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Jeep | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 67 | 101 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 3067 | 2526 |
Jeep Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Jeep vs Tesla: The Verdict
This isn't a close contest. Jeep outperforms Tesla on nearly every reliability measure we track. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Jeep averages 66/100 (5 models) and Tesla averages 52/100 (5 models).
Where Jeep and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Jeep | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 58/100Mixed | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 64/100Good | 57/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Jeep has a 29-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Jeep vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($602/year avg)
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 199 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Jeep and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Jeep
Tesla
Jeep vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Jeep | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(4 vs 2 models) | 68/100 | 56/100 | Jeep |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 54/100 | 59/100 | Tesla |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Jeep vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Jeep | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%3,939 | 12%1,331 |
| STEERING | 22%3,149 | 12%1,303 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%72 | 25%2,734 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%2,536 | 2%238 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,329 | 13%1,412 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%223 | 14%1,504 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%550 | 8%898 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%444 | 6%708 |
| ENGINE | 8%1,109 | 0%9 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%236 | 4%426 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Jeep vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Jeep owners reported 484 crash-related, 199 fire-related, and 320 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 injury-related complaints. Jeep 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.
Jeep
484
Crash reports
199
Fire reports
320
Injury reports
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Jeep and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Jeep Models
Jeep vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Jeep's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 60/100.
| Model Year | Jeep | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 74/100(5) | 64/100(5) | Jeep |
| 2024 | 66/100(5) | 56/100(5) | Jeep |
| 2023 | 64/100(5) | 47/100(4) | Jeep |
| 2022 | 61/100(4) | 54/100(4) | Jeep |
| 2021 | 63/100(5) | 43/100(4) | Jeep |
| 2020 | 67/100(5) | 47/100(4) | Jeep |
| 2019 | 67/100(4) | 50/100(3) | Jeep |
| 2018 | 61/100(4) | 48/100(3) | Jeep |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Jeep vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Jeep and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Jeep or Tesla?
Jeep is the clear reliability pick here, and the data backs it up across most metrics.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Jeep Compass leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
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.
Jeep vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Jeep more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Jeep or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Jeep and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Jeep and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Jeep and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Jeep or Tesla?
How many Jeep and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Jeep or Tesla?
Are Jeep and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Jeep or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Jeep or Tesla?
Comparing Jeep vs Tesla? 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.