Annual Dodge Repair and Maintenance Costs Revealed

Dodge is an auto brand that manufactures trucks, SUVs, sedans, and vans. When you are out on the road, there is a good chance that you will see many different types of Dodge vehicles. If you’re in the market for a new automobile, you may be considering buying a Dodge.

Opting to purchase a Dodge is a good choice. With several makes and models, you’re sure to find what you need. While a brand new vehicle has a bumper-to-bumper warranty, that only lasts for a short amount of time. That is one of the reasons that buying a Dodge extended warranty is highly recommended.

When you have an extended warranty, expensive repairs are covered after the manufacturer’s warranty ends. Understanding the annual cost of maintaining and repairing a Dodge vehicle can show why buying an extended warranty is a good idea.

An extended warranty typically doesn’t cover the cost of maintenance. But you will be happy to have an extended warranty when repairs are required. Continue reading to learn more about the annual maintenance and repair costs of a Dodge vehicle.

Overall Repair and Maintenance Costs for Dodge Vehicles

When accounting for the different types of vehicles that Dodge manufactures, the average annual repair and maintenance costs stand at $634.  Compared to the cost of repairing and maintaining automobiles made by other manufacturers, the annual cost of owning a Dodge vehicle is higher than average.

The actual cost of maintaining and repairing a Dodge vehicle will depend on the age, mileage, and location. Naturally, an older Dodge with high mileage will cost more to repair and maintain than a newer Dodge vehicle.

Reliability Rating of Dodge Vehicles

Dodge automobiles have a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. While this means that Dodge vehicles rank as above average for reliability, Dodge ranks No. 19 out of 32 automobile brands. This means that there are Dodge models that are quite reliable and rank well. But if you buy a Dodge, you will need to be ready to have repairs made as needed.

Most Expensive Dodge Vehicle to Repair and Maintain

The Dodge Ram is one of the most popular pickup trucks on the road. It is also one of the best-selling Dodge vehicles. However, owning a Dodge Ram also comes with a price tag when it comes to repair and maintenance costs. On average, it costs approximately $1,130 annually to maintain a Dodge Ram.

If you own a Dodge Ram, you also need to prepare for high repair costs. Some of the most expensive repairs for a Dodge Ram include replacing the control arm assembly, replacing the VVT solenoid valve, and replacing the oxygen sensor. The price for these repairs will depend on the year that your Dodge Ram was manufactured.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Repairing and Maintaining a Dodge Vehicle

When it comes to the cost of repairing and maintaining a Dodge vehicle, several different factors come into play. The first is where you choose to have your Dodge serviced and repaired. Taking your Dodge to the service center at your local Dodge dealership is the most expensive option. However, mechanics who work at a dealership service center are highly experienced and have advanced training in servicing and maintaining Dodge automobiles.

Independently owned auto repair shops typically have lower prices than dealership service centers, both for repairs and regular maintenance services. If you prefer going to an independently owned auto repair shop instead of a dealership, take the time to find a reputable shop with certified mechanics.

Over the last several years, mobile mechanic services have become increasingly popular. Since a mobile mechanic has less overhead, the prices charged for services and repairs are competitive. However, a mobile mechanic service may not be equipped to make major repairs.

Ways to Reduce Dodge Repair Costs

No one wants to own a vehicle that needs repairs on a regular basis. Luckily, there are things that can be done to reduce the amount of money you have to spend repairing your Dodge vehicle. Firstly, keep up on maintenance. It is so much cheaper to have your transmission serviced according to schedule compared to having to replace it. Consult your Dodge vehicle’s owner’s manual and stick to the recommended service schedule.

If you’re planning on buying a Dodge vehicle, it is a good idea to also purchase an extended warranty. This is especially true if you’re buying a used Dodge that is no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Having an extended warranty will protect you from unexpected and costly repair bills. You can choose to either buy an OEM extended warranty or an aftermarket parts warranty.

You should also make a point of paying attention to how you drive your Dodge vehicle. Avoid slamming on the breaks or accelerating by pressing the gas all the way down to the floor. Simply driving your Dodge vehicle properly can reduce wear and tear, preventing the need for repairs.

Last Words

Dodge has been manufacturing automobiles for decades, and it has long been one of the most popular American automakers. When you are in the market for a vehicle, Dodge offers a variety of models to choose from. Dodge currently manufactures trucks, sports cars, sedans of various sizes, SUVs, and vans. 

However, as a whole, the cost of repairing and maintaining a Dodge vehicle is higher than average. This is something to keep in mind if you purchase a Dodge since you will need to be ready for these costs. With a reliability score of 3.5, you can count on a Dodge to be a good vehicle. However, you can’t count out repairs, some of which are expensive. 

Due to the fact that the cost to maintain and repair Dodge vehicles is higher than average, purchasing an extended warranty is an option to look into. An extended warranty will protect the car for a set period of time or number of miles, so you will not have to pay for repairs out of pocket.