Is Dodge Reliable? (Dodge Reliability)
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Dodge is a fairly reliable brand with a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal.com, ranking 19th out of 32 major car brands.
Certain factors contribute to Dodge’s reliability ratings; cost of repairs, durability, and much more. However, you should not expect the same level of reliability from all Dodge models. For instance: The Dodge Challenger is more reliable than Dodge Chargers.
Let’s look at some reasons that make Dodge a reliable car.
Table of Contents
Are Dodge Cars Reliable?
Yes. Dodge cars are reliable. The reliability of Dodge cars varies for different models and years of production. Dodge cars are muscle cars, so you should expect a wide surge of strength and power.
However, you shouldn’t expect a Dodge car to match the reliability of a Ford. They have an above-average reliability rating. Dodge cars have a road test score of 77, with an average lifespan of 150,000 – 200,000 miles and an average of 10 years of consistent use.
Dodge cars present excellent reliability benefits such as fuel efficiency, strong chassis, and load capacity.
Although many drivers complain about the high cost of repairs of Dodge cars, we believe that how you maintain your vehicle and the amount of pressure you mount on it will determine how long it will serve you.
If you must buy a Dodge car, we advise that you choose the recent models as Dodge cars dropped in reliability ratings in 2014 before bouncing back in 2019 with the Dodge Challenger and Grand Caravan.
Five Major Reasons why Dodge is Reliable
1. Fuel Economy
Fuel economy varies across different Dodge models. On an overall scale, Dodge cars are very good at fuel economy. Dodge employs the use of different engines that provide the best fuel efficiency.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine delivers impressive fuel efficiency of 24 MPG – 32 MPG. Although there is a torque fuel efficiency system on 5.7L Hemi V8 Engine, you will achieve less fuel economy than the latter.
In conclusion, Dodge cars will help you achieve 15 – 17 mpg city rides and 25 – 30 mpg highway rides. This is a good fuel consumption rating that you can rely on.
2. Engine and Performance
Dodge cars have different engines that provide different powers and performance. The engines in Dodge chargers are the same as those found in Dodge challengers.
The specifications and choice of engine for each vehicle model will differ, but the performance is the same across all classes.
Dodge engines deliver from 303 HP to as high as 807 HP. That is enough power to keep your wheels racing. These engines have a fuel saver MDS technology that switches from eight cylinders to four cylinders to maintain fuel efficiency.
The Dodge company is good at producing “beast” engines, so you have the assurance of speed, long-lasting service, fuel economy, and fewer repairs.
There are five major types of Dodge engines:
- Supercharged 6.2L High Output HEMI V8 Engine
- Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 Engine
- 392 HEMI V8 Engine
- 7L Hemi V8 Engine
- 6L Pentastar V8 Engine
The horsepower and transmission design vary for these engines. The 3.6L Pentastar boasts an incredible 303 horsepower, and an eight-speed automatic transmission while 5.7L Hemi V8 Engine shoots up to 375 cylinders with the ability to switch between 4 to 8 cylinders.
The 392 HEMI V8 Engine and the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine delivers 485 HP and 717 HP, respectively.
Supercharged 6.2L High Output HEMI V8 Engine remains the best engine that Dodge has ever produced. With 797 HP, the SRT super stock shoots up to 807hp; it is the most powerful muscle engine.
3. Maintenance and Repair Cost
Dodge has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $634. Many drivers complain that this is high compared to what is obtainable from other car brands.
The truth is that Dodge’s annual repair cost of $634 is slightly above the average repair cost for cars of different brands.
We wouldn’t say Dodge’s are cheap to maintain, but they are not as costly as many people make them seem. The repairs and maintenance are consistent, but you shouldn’t expect a frequent major breakdown with your Dodge.
You can drive the car for three years, and the only thing you’ll have to deal with is changing filters and oil.
4. Reinforced Body
Dodges always have an aggressive design. The design includes hard steel for the body, strong chassis, low-gloss granite aluminum wheels, an impressive roof strength, a steel frame, and front and rear crumpled zones to absorb impacts and keep you safe during collisions.
This includes safe body designs like active front head restraints that reduce the chances of an injury to a driver or front passengers during a rear-end impact. You can rely on the body of Dodge cars to not only last long but also keep you safe.
5. Brakes and Control: Features and Accessories
Dodge cars are constructed with a safety-inspired design. Your car's greatest reliability relies on keeping you safe at odd times.
Dodge provides four different brake systems that match different needs.
- Sport Brake System
- Performance Brake System
- Brembo Four-Piston Brake System
- Brembo Six-Piston Brake System
These cars are built for different reasons, so the features and accessories are tailored to match the specification of each model.
There are different driving modes in Dodge cars: sport mode, track mode, custom mode, eco and valet mode, and auto mode. You can choose the model that matches your driving needs.
With the race cooldown, launch control, assist, line lock, and SRT power chiller, you can always rely on Dodge cars in any situation.
With the firm lateral grip, wide body to accommodate wide tires, six-piston front, and four-piston rear, adaptive damping suspension, stability, all-speed traction control, hill start assist, and lots more, nobody expects a Dodge to fail in action.
All this comes without compromising the comfort of the car users.
Dodge Reliability: Pros
- Cheap to buy
- Fewer repairs
- Impressive burst of power and performance
- Strong body and muscle car structure.
- Multi-function car: Daily driving, racing, etc
- Longevity
- Quiet and comfortable rides
Dodge Reliability: Cons
- Older Dodge models are unreliable
- Average reliability ratings
- Models with high horsepower are challenging to drive. (Strictly not for beginners or amateurs)
Final Verdict
Dodge Cars are relatively reliable, but you shouldn’t expect them to provide maximum reliability as Toyota and Ford cars. The reliability of Dodge cars varies across different years and models, but you must avoid older Dodge models.
