Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge Charger vs Hyundai Sonata: Reliability Compared
Dodge Charger
Hyundai Sonata
Choosing between the Dodge Charger and the Hyundai Sonata? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Dodge Charger currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Dodge Charger and Hyundai Sonata Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Dodge Charger is more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata, scoring 73/100 vs 67/100.
The Dodge Charger edges out the Hyundai Sonata in reliability with a higher average reliability score of 73/100 compared to 67/100 for the Sonata. While the Charger has more recalls, its owner complaint rate per 10,000 sold is lower at 2.2 compared to the Sonata's 3.7, indicating fewer issues relative to the number of units sold. Additionally, independent repair cost estimates show the Charger has an annual repair cost of $652, providing a clearer picture of potential maintenance expenses that the Sonata lacks. Overall, the Charger presents a slightly more reliable option, particularly in terms of complaint rates and the availability of cost data.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Charger scores 6 points higher in reliability
- 2Hyundai Sonata has 5 fewer total recalls
- 3Dodge Charger has 1.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Charger vs Hyundai Sonata: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Charger | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 73/100 | 67/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 25 | 20 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 2.2 | 3.7 |
| Year Wins | 5 (2 tied) | 1 (2 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Charger and Hyundai Sonata?
The Hyundai Sonata shows a significant concentration of complaints in the engine category, with 239 complaints, including 2 crash-linked incidents, compared to the Dodge Charger's 13 engine-related complaints. The Sonata also has a notable number of complaints in the electrical system, totaling 161, with 2 linked to crashes, whereas the Charger has 85 complaints in the same category without any crash links. On the other hand, the Dodge Charger exhibits a higher incidence of airbag complaints, with 98 reports and 19 linked to crashes, which is a severe safety concern not mirrored in the Sonata's problem profile. Additionally, the Sonata's vehicle speed control issues are notable with 9 crash-linked complaints, highlighting a critical difference in safety-related problems between these models.
| Component | Dodge Charger | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.5Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | 0.8Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.6Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.2Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.1Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge Charger or Hyundai Sonata?
How Does Dodge Charger vs Hyundai Sonata Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Charger | Hyundai Sonata | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/1002R / 10C | 76/1000R / 16C | Hyundai Sonata |
| 2024 | 73/1002R / 4C | 73/1001R / 41C | Tie |
| 2023 | 76/1002R / 22C | 62/1002R / 87C | Dodge Charger |
| 2022 | 74/1003R / 11C | 65/1003R / 95C | Dodge Charger |
| 2021 | 76/1002R / 29C | 64/1004R / 151C | Dodge Charger |
| 2020 | 75/1003R / 54C | 62/1005R / 163C | Dodge Charger |
| 2019 | 71/1005R / 118C | 71/1000R / 144C | Tie |
| 2018 | 69/1006R / 121C | 61/1003R / 353C | Dodge Charger |
| 2026(predicted) | 73/100(predicted) | 70/100(predicted) | Dodge Charger |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Dodge Charger scored 76/100 and the 2025 Hyundai Sonata scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Dodge Charger vs the Hyundai Sonata?
Dodge Charger vs Hyundai Sonata: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Charger more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata?
- Based on our data, the Dodge Charger is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Charger or the Hyundai Sonata?
- The Dodge Charger has more recalls (25) compared to the Hyundai Sonata (20). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Charger or the Hyundai Sonata?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Charger has a lower complaint rate at 2.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 3.7 for the Hyundai Sonata. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Dodge Charger and Hyundai Sonata? Run a VIN check 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.
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