Dodge Maintenance: Cost, Plans and Service Schedule

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). 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, it’s helpful to zoom in on a particular model for more accurate numbers. Basically, your average upkeep costs may soar or plummet depending on which Dodge model you drive.

Car ownership costs more than just the sticker price of a vehicle. There are also ongoing auto repair and maintenance costs, and setting an exact budget for upkeep is tricky to gauge. For example, the Dodge Caliber averages just $501 per year in automotive maintenance and repairs, earning it the 16th spot on RepairPal’s reliability rankings of 36 compact cars.

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 8,000 miles: Oil and oil filter changes and tire rotations
• Every 16,000 miles: Multipoint inspections
• Every 24,000 miles: Constant velocity joint and exhaust system inspections
• Every 32,000 miles: Front suspension inspections and spark plug replacements

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.

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.”

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.

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 2025, 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.

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.

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