Last updated: 2026-05-15

Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Dodge Hornet and the Lexus NX? 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 compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus NX currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The Lexus NX is more reliable than the Dodge Hornet, scoring 78/100 vs 59/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1Dodge Hornet has 34 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Lexus NX scores 19 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Lexus NX has 15.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

1Dodge Hornet
2Lexus NX
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX: Which Is More Reliable?

Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricDodge HornetLexus NX
Reliability Score59/10078/100
Years Tracked39
Total Recalls1347
Complaints per 10k Sold21.76.3
Year Wins03

What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Hornet and Lexus NX?

Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX common problem areas comparison
ComponentDodge HornetLexus NX
UNKNOWN OR OTHERNone0.5Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNone0.4Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNone0.4Very Low
FUEL SYSTEMNone0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKESNone0.2Very Low
STRUCTURENone0.2Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPERNone0.1Very Low
POWER TRAINNone0.1Very Low
VISIBILITYNone0.1Very Low
ENGINENoneNone
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNoneNone
AIR BAGSNoneNone
TIRESNoneNone
WHEELSNoneNone
STEERINGNoneNone

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX Reliability Compare by Year?

Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX year-by-year reliability scores
YearDodge HornetLexus NXEdge
202564/1002R / 1C77/1007R / 13CLexus NX
202454/1007R / 60C77/10014R / 129CLexus NX
202359/1004R / 25C77/10010R / 27CLexus NX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Dodge Hornet scored 64/100 and the 2025 Lexus NX scored 77/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Dodge Hornet vs Lexus NX: Common Questions

Is the Dodge Hornet more reliable than the Lexus NX?
Based on our data, the Lexus NX is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 59/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Dodge Hornet or the Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX has more recalls (47) compared to the Dodge Hornet (13). 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 Hornet or the Lexus NX?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus NX has a lower complaint rate at 6.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.7 for the Dodge Hornet. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Decided between Dodge Hornet and Lexus NX? 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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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