The Gas-Guzzler Reputation Lives On
As fuel prices keep rising, Dodge still has an affair with thirsty V8 engines. Admittedly, the V8 engines in the Charger and Challenger sound glorious, but prepare for your wallet to feel the pain.
Reliability Is a Dice Roll
Dodge cars can feel like mechanical roulette. Some of them run great for years, and others throw tantrums at just 40,000 miles. If you don’t want surprise repair bills, it's best to avoid this brand, as it will stretch your patience and your bank account.
Interior Quality That’s Okay-Ish
Dodge has improved its interiors, but many models still feel one generation behind. Modern luxury does not include cheap plastics, clunky infotainment, and squeaky panels. You might get speed and attitude, but you’ll also get the interior of a 2014 rental car.
Resale Value That Tanks Fast
Drive a new Dodge off the lot, and watch the value fall faster than a bad crypto coin. Their resale values do not hold up to competitors like Toyota and Honda. Buyers love them for performance, but used car buyers? Not so much.
Outdated Tech in a High-Tech World
In 2025, a car’s technology is everything. Unfortunately, Dodge still feels like 2016, with infotainment systems and driver aids that are outdated. Apple CarPlay and heated seats are nice, but where’s the advanced driver assist or EV innovation?
The Electric Game Is Lacking
As Chevrolet and Ford speed into the EV future, Dodge is still revving its gas-powered past. The Charger Daytona EV looks impressive, but wait times and iffy answers to range questions leave buyers somewhat uneasy.
Heavyweight Handling
Dodge cars are fun in a straight line, but on corners? Not so much. Many models feel powerful but clumsy. Their weight makes parking, turning, and braking less graceful than rivals. Unless you love understeer, maybe look elsewhere.
Insurance Premiums That Pack a Punch
Thinking of buying that beefy Charger or Challenger? Your insurance agent is already smiling. High theft rates, accident claims, and repair costs make Dodges expensive to insure. That low monthly payment might look good until your insurance bill doubles it.
Cabin Noise That Won’t Quit
If you like peace and quiet, maybe don’t buy a Dodge. Between the roaring engine, road noise, and less-than-stellar sound insulation, you’ll hear everything, and that includes your tires humming and your coins rattling in the cup holder. It’s a “muscle car experience,” but not the luxury kind.
Build Quality That’s Hit or Miss
Many Dodge owners have experienced panel gaps, rattles, and trim pieces that have a hard time staying put. Recent models seem to be getting better. However, they are still somewhat inconsistent.
Poor Fuel Economy Ratings
If protecting the environment is important to you, then a Dodge isn’t a vehicle you’d want to drive. Even their so-called efficient V6 engines wouldn’t be able to stand up to the hybrids and electrics taking over in 2025. The EPA estimates are rough, and every time you stop at the gas station, you realize that fun comes with a price tag.
Limited Model Variety
Dodge’s lineup is slimmer than ever. With the Challenger gone and the Charger transitioning to electric, you’re left with muscle or minivan. There’s no in-between. The brand’s refusal to diversify leaves buyers craving something practical but still cool completely out of luck.
Transmission Troubles
Some Dodge models have developed reputations for quirky transmissions that jerk, hesitate, or just give up. Reports of rough shifts plague certain years of the Charger, Journey, and Durango. You don’t want your daily drive to feel like a mechanical mood swing.
That “Rental Car” Image
Let’s be honest, Dodge cars are a rental lot staple. When people see a Charger pull up, they’re not thinking “Wow, nice ride.” They’re thinking, “Is my flight delayed?” That perception sticks, making Dodges feel less exclusive.
Questionable Long-Term Durability
Dodge owners often gush about early performance, but by 80,000 miles? Things start rattling. Electrical glitches, worn-out suspensions, and finicky sensors pop up faster than you can say “extended warranty.” If you’re planning to keep your car for years, you might want a sturdier partner.
Customer Service That Tests Your Patience
Dodge dealerships have an inconsistent reputation in regard to service. Some owners report waiting a long time for an answer, getting vague answers to their questions, and slow warranty claims. If your patience runs thin, the service department might push it to the limit before your car even gets fixed.
Not Exactly Family-Friendly
The Durango looks like a family SUV, but that muscle-car DNA doesn’t always mix with kids and carpools. The ride can feel stiff, the gas bills are scary, and the interior space trails behind competitors. There are better ways to haul the family in 2025.
Safety Ratings That Could Be Better
While some Dodge models score decently, others lag behind in crash tests and safety features. When rivals pack advanced driver assistance as standard, Dodge often charges extra or skips it altogether. In a world obsessed with safety, that’s not a great look.
Rough Ride
Dodge’s suspension loves performance more than comfort. You’ll feel every bump, crack, and pothole. It’s great for drag strips, but not so great for daily commutes. Long road trips in one can turn into endurance challenges instead of smooth cruises.
Limited Fuel-Efficient Options
If saving money at the pump is a priority, Dodge won’t make it easy. With so few hybrid or EV choices, you’re stuck with thirsty engines. Competitors like Toyota and Hyundai are miles ahead in the efficiency game, leaving Dodge drivers watching gas prices nervously.
Frequent Recalls
From airbag issues to electrical gremlins, Dodge vehicles often find themselves on recall lists. While recalls aren’t unique to Dodge, the frequency can be frustrating. Even small problems become time-consuming trips back to the dealership for fixes you didn’t ask for.
Outdated Infotainment Graphics
Uconnect was once praised for being user-friendly, but in 2025, it’s starting to look old-school. The graphics feel dated, and the response time can lag compared to newer systems. It’s like using a smartphone from 2017 while everyone else has the latest tech.
Thirst for Premium Fuel
Many of Dodge’s high-performance engines need premium gasoline to run at their best. That extra cost at every fill-up adds up quickly. With rising fuel prices, you’ll be reminded at every pump that power doesn’t come cheap or efficient.
Poor Visibility From the Driver’s Seat
With large pillars and small rear windows, seeing out of some Dodge models can be challenging. Rear cameras help, but driving a Dodge every day often means craning your neck while trying to change lanes.
Styling That’s Getting Stale
A decade ago, the aggressive, muscle-heavy appearance was really cool. However, in 2025, it’s a little tiring. Although Dodge calls it “heritage,” many buyers call it “dated.” Other brands are evolving their design language, but Dodge seems stuck in the past.
High Theft Rates
If you own a Charger or Challenger, you might want to invest in extra locks. These models top the list for most-stolen vehicles in America. Thieves love their power and resale parts, and insurance companies know it. Your peace of mind might cost a fortune.
Questionable Braking Performance
Dodge enjoys horsepower, but halting all of that muscle can be a different story altogether. Some models take longer to stop compared to rivals. That extra stopping distance means more heart-stopping moments when traffic suddenly slows, and your car’s thinking about it instead of reacting quickly.
Limited Cargo Space
Despite their large size and presence, a lot of Dodge vehicles do not have much cargo space. With the batteries, rear-wheel drive layout, and bulky body, storage gets tight.
Mediocre All-Wheel-Drive Options
Competitor brands have further refined their AWD systems while Dodge seems to be lagging. They improve traction slightly but lack the finesse and efficiency that a Subaru or Audi provides. If you live in a snowy area, this could mean more slip than grip.
It’s Loud, But Not in a Good Way
While that rumble is great to have on a Sunday drive, it gets old when you hear it every day. The cabin makes the road noise and engine noise even louder so that even your playlists become redundant. In a few months, the quiet hybrids will start looking so tempting.
Questionable Environmental Reputation
In a time of clean energy, Dodge's lineup still says, "Gas first, planet later." Critics say the brand is behind the curve due to its slow shift to electrification.
Sparse Dealer Network for EVs
If you are thinking about buying one of Dodge’s new electric options, good luck finding a service location to support them. A lot of dealerships haven’t yet fully outfitted for EV service. This could mean long waits or road trips for something as simple as a software update.
Overpriced Performance Packages
While Dodge thrives at marketing speed, it comes at a cost. Optional performance packs can bump the cost up by thousands without necessarily improving daily usability. You end up paying luxury money for bragging rights that might only matter at stoplights.
Inconsistent Warranty Coverage
Although Dodge's basic warranty looks good on paper, some owners have complained about vague coverage terms and slow claims. If your car breaks down, you could spend more time arguing with customer service than you’d like to.
The Competition Has Simply Moved On
The main reason not to purchase a Dodge in 2025? Everyone else got better. Rivals now effortlessly blend speed, comfort, and innovation. While Dodge still clings to nostalgia, the rest of the industry is speeding into the future.
