Last updated: 2026-05-15

Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Dodge Hornet and the Tesla Model Y? 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 Dodge Hornet currently leads with an average score of 59/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

Verdict

The Dodge Hornet is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 59/100 vs 55/100.

Key Differences

  1. 1Dodge Hornet has 70 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Dodge Hornet scores 4 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Dodge Hornet has 2.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Dodge Hornet
0Tesla Model Y
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?

Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricDodge HornetTesla Model Y
Reliability Score59/10055/100
Years Tracked36
Total Recalls1383
Complaints per 10k Sold21.724.3
Year Wins12

What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Hornet and Tesla Model Y?

Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y common problem areas comparison
ComponentDodge HornetTesla Model Y
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENone6.3Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNone3.1Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNone2.4Low
STEERINGNone2.4Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHERNone2.3Low
SERVICE BRAKESNone1.9Low
SUSPENSIONNone0.9Very Low
AIR BAGSNone0.6Very Low
POWER TRAINNone0.4Very Low
LANE DEPARTURENone0.2Very Low
STRUCTURENone0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNone0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTSNone0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPERNoneNone

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

How Does Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?

Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y year-by-year reliability scores
YearDodge HornetTesla Model YEdge
202564/1002R / 1C70/1002R / 69CTesla Model Y
202454/1007R / 60C63/1005R / 254CTesla Model Y
202359/1004R / 25C53/10015R / 997CDodge Hornet

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Dodge Hornet scored 64/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Dodge Hornet vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions

Is the Dodge Hornet more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?
Based on our data, the Dodge Hornet is more reliable with an average score of 59/100 compared to 55/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Dodge Hornet or the Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) 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 Tesla Model Y?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Hornet has a lower complaint rate at 21.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Decided between Dodge Hornet and Tesla Model Y? 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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