Last updated: 2026-03-14

Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN: Reliability Compared

More ReliableDodge Grand-Caravan reliability comparison

Dodge Grand-Caravan

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN reliability comparison

Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

Choosing between the Dodge Grand-Caravan and the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN? 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 midsize minivans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Dodge Grand-Caravan currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Dodge Grand-Caravan and Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Dodge Grand Caravan is in its fifth generation, which commenced in 2008 and had a mid-cycle refresh in 2011. This long-running generation concluded in 2023, marking it as a mature platform known for having well-sorted reliability due to its extended production period. Buyers considering this model benefit from a vehicle that has had time to refine and address earlier issues commonly associated with new platforms. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van is in its third generation, which started in 2016. A significant facelift was introduced in 2024, placing the current model early in its post-refresh cycle. Typically, newer platforms might face initial challenges, but the Metris's recent facelift suggests improvements and updates that could enhance its reliability moving forward.

Verdict

The Dodge Grand-Caravan is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN, scoring 78/100 vs 58/100.

The Dodge Grand-Caravan exhibits higher reliability with an average score of 78/100 compared to the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN's 58/100. Despite the Grand-Caravan's higher recall count of 10 over three years, its owner complaint rate is significantly lower at 7.1 per 10,000 sold versus the Metris's 0.5, indicating better customer satisfaction. The Grand-Caravan's estimated annual repair cost of $673 further underscores its advantage, as there is no available cost estimate for the Metris. Key differentiators include the Grand-Caravan's issues with the electrical system and power train, while the Metris frequently encounters problems with the fuel system and steering.

Key Differences

  1. 1Dodge Grand-Caravan has 22 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Dodge Grand-Caravan scores 20 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has 6.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Dodge Grand-Caravan
—
1Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN: Which Is More Reliable?

Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricDodge Grand-CaravanMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
Reliability Score78/10058/100
Years Tracked35
Total Recalls1032
Complaints per 10k Sold7.10.5
Year Wins20

What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Grand-Caravan and Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?

The Dodge Grand-Caravan exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in the electrical system, with 132 issues reported, compared to only 2 in the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN. Notably, the Grand-Caravan also faces significant concerns in the power train and air bags categories, with 4 crash-linked complaints each, indicating potential safety risks. In contrast, the Metris-Passenger-VAN's complaints are more evenly distributed across less severe categories such as the fuel system and wheels, with no crash-linked incidents reported. This suggests that while the Grand-Caravan has a broader range of issues, the Metris-Passenger-VAN maintains a lower incidence of severe problems.

Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN common problem areas comparison
ComponentDodge Grand-CaravanMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.8Low—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1Very Low—None
POWER TRAIN1Very Low—None
STRUCTURE0.9Very Low—None
ENGINE0.6Very Low—None
SEATS0.4Very Low—None
AIR BAGS0.3Very Low—None
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES0.2Very Low—None
SERVICE BRAKES0.1Very Low—None
STEERING0.1Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.1Very Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
WHEELS—None0.1Very Low
TIRES—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None—None

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge Grand-Caravan or Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?

The Dodge Grand-Caravan incurs an average annual repair cost of $673, with owners visiting the repair shop approximately 0.3 times per year. Additionally, there is an 11% risk of encountering a major repair. While specific cost data for the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN is unavailable, the Grand-Caravan's figures offer a baseline for comparison. With such data, cost-conscious buyers might find the Grand-Caravan a more predictable option, particularly in terms of repair frequency and major repair risk. Over five years, the expected repair expenses for the Grand-Caravan would total around $3,365, assuming consistent costs. This predictability makes it a potentially better value for those prioritizing maintenance affordability.

How Does Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN Reliability Compare by Year?

Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN year-by-year reliability scores
YearDodge Grand-CaravanMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VANEdge
202083/1001R / 15C54/1008R / 7CDodge Grand-Caravan
201976/1005R / 247C52/10012R / 8CDodge Grand-Caravan

Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan scored 83/100 and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN scored 54/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Dodge Grand-Caravan vs the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Dodge Grand-Caravan is a better choice with a reliability score of 78/100. It has fewer recalls (10) compared to the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN's 32, and an estimated annual repair cost of $673. With a relatively low repair frequency of 0.3 per year and a major repair risk of 11%, the Grand-Caravan offers peace of mind for those who want a dependable vehicle. However, be aware of potential issues with the electrical system and power train. On the other hand, if you value fewer owner complaints, consider the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN, which has only 0.5 complaints per 10,000 sold. Despite a lower reliability score of 58/100, this model might appeal to those who encounter fewer common issues, albeit with concerns in the fuel system and steering. Choose this option if you prioritize customer satisfaction metrics over repair costs and recall frequency.

Dodge Grand-Caravan vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN: Common Questions

Is the Dodge Grand-Caravan more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
Based on our data, the Dodge Grand-Caravan is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 58/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Dodge Grand-Caravan or the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
The Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has more recalls (32) compared to the Dodge Grand-Caravan (10). 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 Grand-Caravan or the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has a lower complaint rate at 0.5 per 10,000 sold versus 7.1 for the Dodge Grand-Caravan. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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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