Are Dodges expensive to maintain?
Since Dodge is a mainstream brand, you can typically avoid high ownership costs compared with more premium makes, like Audi and BMW. However, routine maintenance and unexpected repairs can lead to high upkeep costs.
Unlike some brands, Dodge does not offer free maintenance with new vehicles. That means you can expect to pay full price for maintenance, no matter your vehicle’s age. You may find deals at your local dealership or shop, but it’s unlikely they’ll be a part of your purchase.
How Dodge compares with other automakers
Although Dodge owners take their vehicles to repair shops less often, required repairs tend to be more severe than normal.
Dodge maintenance and repair costs by model
While the above numbers serve as a decent ballpark range for expected costs, your vehicle’s model, age and condition can affect its upkeep costs. Environmental factors, terrain and your normal speed can also influence how often your Dodge needs maintenance. While the guidance on this page can be a helpful framework, you should personalize all recommendations based on what your specific vehicle needs.
Because there are so many variants, Dodge repair costs can be tricky to gauge. For example, the Dodge Caliber averages just $501 per year in automotive maintenance and repairs, whereas the Dodge Durango typically costs over $150 more in upkeep.
| Model | Average annual repair costs |
|---|---|
| Grand Caravan | $673 |
| Durango | $675 |
| Caliber | $501 |
| Dart | $597 |
| Charger | $652 |
| Challenger | $650 |
| Nitro | $582 |
| Journey | $562 |
Author’s note
These yearly cost figures combine maintenance and repairs, which are actually distinct categories. Maintenance refers to routine checkups, such as oil changes and tire rotations. Repair services are needed when your car breaks down or malfunctions. It's better to look at them individually if you’re actually trying to budget and plan ahead. We’ll take a closer look at Dodge maintenance and repair costs to help you understand why.
Dodge maintenance schedule
It’s vital for your vehicle’s health to stay up to date with required maintenance. While you should always check your car’s owners manual for specific plans, here’s what you can generally expect from Dodge:
- Every 10,000 miles or one year: Oil and oil filter changes and tire rotations
- Every 20,000 miles or two years: Air filter replacement and front suspension and brake inspections
- Every 30,000 miles or three years: Engine air filter replacement and joints and transfer case fluid inspections
- Every 100,000 miles or 10 years: Spark plug replacements, coolant flushed and replaced and PCV valve replaced
Routine checkup costs can add up over time, but keeping your vehicle in good shape is almost always worth it. Car maintenance costs are fairly easy to budget for since you know what services will be needed and when. All you really have to do is find a local Dodge service center or dealership.
Average Dodge maintenance costs
Your car’s model, age, mileage and location will determine its maintenance costs. Remember that your vehicle service pricing might be different.
| Service | 2021 Dodge Challenger | 2022 Dodge Charger | 2023 Dodge Durango |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | $49 to $72 | $49 to $72 | $49 to $72 |
| Air filter replacement | $98 to $265 | $76 to $115 | $97 to $148 |
| Oil change | $52 to $395 | $152 to $377 | $152 to $461 |
| Spark plug replacement | $422 to $1,206 | $435 to $1,044 | $410 to $1,206 |
| Brake pad replacement | $353 to $2,000 | $210 to $2,000 | $315 to $1,747 |
Dodge repair costs
While Dodges are fairly dependable these days, that hasn’t been universally consistent across its entire lineup or history.
“Fifteen years ago, you’d be lucky if a Dodge transmission would make it out of warranty,” Steven Sunkel, a mechanic with 30 years of experience working on cars and trucks, told us. “They used to make a damn good diesel truck, but the engines on those are outlasting the bodies and Dodge didn’t actually make the engine — Cummins did.”
Scheduled maintenance will help you avoid larger crises later on.
Some consumer reviews also mention reliability struggles that don’t line up with the brand’s overall standing. “I purchased a 2009 Dodge Journey with around 71,000 miles on it and it just keeps breaking down,” wrote Lavenus, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Washington. “I get it fixed and then another issue pops up. I haven't even had the chance to enjoy it because I just keep pouring money into fixing it.”
Common mechanical issues for Dodge vehicles include problems with the transmission, engine or electrical system. Preventative maintenance can help to minimize how much you end up spending on transmission repairs, brake services and other upkeep requirements.
It’s hard to predict what you’ll spend on repairs because they are, by nature, unexpected, and your individual circumstances might vary significantly from Dodge’s average costs.
Example: 2019 Dodge Charger repair costs
To give you an idea of what repairs might cost you, we’ve included estimates for common repair services on a 2019 Dodge Charger.
| Average total cost | Labor cost percentage | Parts cost percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake caliper replacement | $255 to $3,116 | 34% | 66% |
| Brake pad replacement | $210 to $1,476 | 53% | 47% |
| Alternator replacement | $615 to $1,195 | 18% | 82% |
| Starter replacement | $336 to $879 | 18% | 82% |
| Catalytic converter replacement | $448 to $10,976 | 17% | 83% |
| Fuel injector replacement | $292 to $1,285 | 59% | 41% |
| Fuel pump replacement | $945 to $3,715 | 12% | 88% |
| Fuel tank replacement | $2,218 to $2,390 | 17% | 83% |
| Head gasket replacement | $1,396 to $4,420 | 35% | 65% |
| Radiator replacement | $1,434 to $2,009 | 12% | 88% |
| Water pump replacement | $971 to $2,496 | 23% | 77% |
Do Dodge cars come with a warranty?
The good news is that your manufacturer’s warranty can save you a significant amount of money on repairs during the first few years of your vehicle’s life. As of 2026, Dodge vehicles come with a powertrain warranty that lasts up to five years or 60,000 miles and bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles.
The downside is that these coverages won’t last forever, and once they’re gone, you’re responsible for paying to fix your Dodge when it breaks down. There is something you can do to avoid paying for surprise repair bills, though.
Dodge is part of the Mopar brand, which offers owner resources and tools to help schedule service, find dealerships and locate model-specific maintenance guidance. You can use Mopar’s services to easily find the warranty information for your Dodge vehicle and schedule maintenance or repairs, if needed.
Prepaid maintenance plans
One potentially money-saving option is a prepaid maintenance plan. Although Dodge’s plans require you to have preventative services done through your dealership, they can help you avoid future price spikes and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your maintenance is already paid for.
Prepaid maintenance plans offer ease and convenience when it’s time for routine Dodge maintenance. Select dealerships offer express check-in, same-day service and mobile service. Prepaid maintenance plans normally cover oil and filter changes, tire rotations and regular inspections.
Can an extended warranty help?
In the same way that a factory warranty can help you avoid paying for repairs when your vehicle is new, purchasing an extended auto warranty can keep your older Dodge from taking a toll on your finances when it breaks down.
The pros and cons of extended car warranties vary, and you should be aware of them before you buy. However, it is possible for you to come out ahead financially with one if you have the right coverage and your Dodge requires significant repairs.
If you’re interested in this kind of coverage, Dodge’s official extended warranties are a relatively decent option. Just be aware that when we looked into them in greater detail, we were able to get some considerably cheaper quotes by shopping around with different sellers and warranty companies.
» MORE: Car warranty vs. car insurance
FAQ
Are Dodge cars reliable?
According to RepairPal, Dodges visit the mechanic for unscheduled repairs half as often as the industry average, but a Dodge has a 15% likelihood of a given issue turning into a major repair, compared with a 12% average for all other brands.
What if I am often in severe driving conditions?
Severe driving conditions may include frequent short trips, extensive idling, driving in dusty, rough, muddy or sandy conditions, driving in extreme temperatures, towing a trailer or consistent driving in stop-and-go traffic.
You might need to schedule service more often. For example, your Dodge service advisor may suggest oil and filter changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles instead of the standard 7,500 miles.
Do I have to get a warranty?
No, a car warranty is not required by law in any state.
Are Dodge cars worth it?
Dodge seems to be mostly producing “just-OK” midsized SUVs and “reboots of muscle cars,” according to Sunkel. “Muscle cars are relatively simple to maintain, but as Dodge is one of the only brands left producing true muscle cars now and the way things are going, it might be the last chance to buy a new one,” Sunkel said.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- RepairPal, “Get a free car repair estimate.” Accessed June 1, 2026.
- RepairPal, “Dodge Reliability Rating.” Accessed June 1, 2026.
- Endurance, “Are Dodge Vehicles Expensive to Maintain?” Accessed June 1, 2026.
- Mopar, “Your Warranty Information.” Accessed June 1, 2026.
- Mopar, “Mopar Vehicle Protection Prepaid Oil Plans.” Accessed June 1, 2026.
