Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge Charger vs Tesla Model 3: Reliability Compared
Dodge Charger
Tesla Model 3
Choosing between the Dodge Charger and the Tesla Model 3? 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 54/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Dodge Charger and Tesla Model 3 Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Dodge Charger is more reliable than the Tesla Model 3, scoring 73/100 vs 54/100.
The Dodge Charger outperforms the Tesla Model 3 in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 73/100 compared to the Model 3's 54/100. The Charger has significantly fewer recalls, with only 25 over nine years, while the Model 3 has experienced 113 in the same timeframe. Additionally, the Charger has a much lower owner complaint rate of 2.2 per 10,000 sold versus the Model 3's 28.7, alongside an estimated annual repair cost of $652. While both vehicles have issues with their electrical systems, the Model 3's frequent problems with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control are notable downsides.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Charger has 88 fewer total recalls
- 2Dodge Charger has 26.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Dodge Charger scores 19 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Charger vs Tesla Model 3: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Charger | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 73/100 | 54/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 25 | 113 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 2.2 | 28.7 |
| Year Wins | 8 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Charger and Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 and Dodge Charger exhibit distinctive problem profiles based on user complaints. The Tesla Model 3 has a significantly higher volume of complaints, particularly in forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, with 33 and 67 crash-linked incidents respectively, highlighting potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Dodge Charger, with fewer overall complaints, shows a concentration in airbag issues, comprising over a quarter of its total complaints and including 19 crash-linked incidents. While both vehicles report issues with their electrical systems, the Tesla Model 3's steering and service brakes also present notable safety concerns, unlike the Charger's more distributed problem set.
| Component | Dodge Charger | Tesla Model 3 |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 6.1Average |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 3.7Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.5Very Low | 3Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.2Very Low | 2.8Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 2.6Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.6Very Low | 1.7Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | 2.1Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 1.6Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.1Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —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 Tesla Model 3?
How Does Dodge Charger vs Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Charger | Tesla Model 3 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/1002R / 10C | 67/1003R / 87C | Dodge Charger |
| 2024 | 73/1002R / 4C | 62/1004R / 183C | Dodge Charger |
| 2023 | 76/1002R / 22C | 57/10010R / 386C | Dodge Charger |
| 2022 | 74/1003R / 11C | 50/10016R / 729C | Dodge Charger |
| 2021 | 76/1002R / 29C | 48/10020R / 626C | Dodge Charger |
| 2020 | 75/1003R / 54C | 54/10020R / 416C | Dodge Charger |
| 2019 | 71/1005R / 118C | 49/10021R / 569C | Dodge Charger |
| 2018 | 69/1006R / 121C | 46/10018R / 951C | Dodge Charger |
| 2026(predicted) | 73/100(predicted) | 62/100(predicted) | Dodge Charger |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Dodge Charger scored 76/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model 3 scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Dodge Charger vs the Tesla Model 3?
Dodge Charger vs Tesla Model 3: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Charger more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?
- Based on our data, the Dodge Charger is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 54/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Charger or the Tesla Model 3?
- The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Dodge Charger (25). 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 Tesla Model 3?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Charger has a lower complaint rate at 2.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 28.7 for the Tesla Model 3. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Dodge Charger and Tesla Model 3? 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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