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Purchasing a Dodge goes beyond the sticker price. Your annual Dodge maintenance cost and unexpected repair bills also factor into the price of owning a Dodge.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss average annual Dodge maintenance costs in detail. We’ll also go over the factory-recommended maintenance schedule, how much to budget for vehicle repairs and ways to save on your Dodge ownership costs.
Extended car warranties are one way to lower ownership costs. We’ve reviewed the best extended car warranty companies available, and we recommend reaching out to a few of our top choices to save money and get peace of mind after your factory warranty expires.
Average Annual Dodge Maintenance Cost
According to RepairPal, Dodge drivers pay an average of $634 in annual maintenance costs. While this average includes routine maintenance services and unexpected repairs, it’s important to remember that your Dodge maintenance cost may vary depending on your vehicle’s age, mileage, model, location and reliability.
Compared to the industry average of $652, Dodge vehicles are slightly less expensive to maintain. They’re not as costly as luxury vehicles, which can cost upward of $850 for annual upkeep, nor are they as inexpensive as popular commuter brands, like Toyota and Hyundai.
Below, we’ve highlighted a few Dodge models, their reliability ratings and average annual maintenance costs.
| Dodge Model | Reliability Rating | Average Annual Dodge Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Dart | 4.0 out of 5.0 | $597 |
| Dodge Challenger | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $650 |
| Dodge Durango | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $675 |
| Dodge Viper | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $450 |
Dodge maintenance costs also depend on the service performed, so we’ve highlighted typical maintenance services and their respective prices for the Dodge Dart below.
| Maintenance Item | Dodge Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| Oil change | $139 to $148 |
| Tire rotation | $35 to $44 |
| Spark plug replacement | $109 to $135 |
| Air filter replacement | $62 to $69 |
| Cabin air filter replacement | $60 to $67 |
| Brake pad replacement | $202 to $218 |
| Coolant flush/change | $114 to $144 |
Dodge Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Following your Dodge maintenance schedule not only keeps your factory warranty intact, but it also prevents you from paying for more expensive vehicle repairs down the road. Below is a sample Dodge maintenance schedule for the vehicle’s first 40,000 miles, according to Hendrick Chrysler Dodge.
| Dodge Service Interval | Recommended Maintenance Service |
|---|---|
| At 8,000 miles or six months | Oil and filter change, tire rotation |
| At 16,000 miles or 12 months | Oil and filter change, tire rotation, replace air conditioning filter, inspect various systems and components (replace if needed) |
| At 24,000 miles or 18 months | Oil and filter change, tire rotation, constant-velocity (CV) joints inspection, exhaust system inspection |
| At 32,000 miles or 24 months | Oil and filter change, tire rotation, air conditioning filter replacement, engine air cleaner filter replacement, front suspension inspection, spark plugs replacement |
| At 40,000 miles or 30 months | Oil and filter change, tire rotation |
For a vehicle-specific schedule, check your owner’s manual or the Dodge website.
Vehicle Repairs and the Dodge Maintenance Cost
RepairPal gives Dodge a 3.5 out of 5.0-star reliability rating and ranks it 19th out of 32 car brands. This score places it right in the middle of the pack. Dodge vehicles are less likely to visit a repair shop each year – 0.2 times versus the industry average of 0.4 – but they have a greater risk of sustaining a severe repair – 15% compared to 12% across all car models.
On average, Dodge vehicles aren’t expensive to maintain, but some repairs can be costly. We highlighted a few commonly reported Dodge issues and the average cost to repair them, according to RepairPal. Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your location and repair shop.
| Model | Repair | Dodge Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Grand Caravan | Window regulator replacement | $257 to $334 |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | Exhaust manifold gasket replacement | $249 to $305 |
| Dodge Avenger | Air conditioning compressor replacement | $607 to $817 |
| Dodge Avenger | Radiator fan motor replacement | $799 to $815 |
How Can an Extended Warranty Lower the Dodge Maintenance Cost?
Buying an extended auto warranty, also called a vehicle protection plan, is one way to lower your Dodge ownership costs. You can budget for maintenance services, but unexpected repairs can take a toll on your finances. Extended car warranties pay for covered repairs after your factory warranty expires. In turn, you pay for the extended car warranty contract and a predetermined deductible when you take your car to the shop.
An extended warranty reduces your chances of footing the bill for any unexpected mechanical breakdowns, and it lets you plan out your auto budget. In the unfortunate event that your car sustains a severe repair, an extended auto warranty can give you peace of mind.
When you’re looking to purchase an extended warranty, you have two options: manufacturer-backed contracts and independent contracts.
We’ll break down the pros and cons of extended car warranties for each option below.
Dodge Extended Warranty Coverage from the Manufacturer
Mopar® backs the Dodge extended warranty, as the brand is a part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) family. New and pre-owned Dodge owners can choose between two coverage levels: Maximum Care and Added Care Plus. Maximum Care covers over 5,000 vehicle components and can extend up to 8 years/125,000 miles. Added Care Plus protects over 800 components and lasts up to 8 years/150,000 miles.
You can go to Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat dealerships nationwide for covered repair service. Factory-trained technicians will perform the repairs. Be aware that most new Dodge owners can only purchase manufacturer-backed coverage within a few years of the vehicle’s in-service date.
Dodge Extended Warranty Coverage from Independent Providers
Third-party warranties are a more flexible choice to extend your vehicle’s protection, often at a lower price. We’ve researched and reviewed several reputable extended car warranty companies, and they offer a few perks over manufacturer warranties.
The manufacturer warranty requires that you take your Dodge to an authorized dealership for repairs and maintenance services. Many third-party warranty providers let you go to any licensed repair facility for service.
Third-party warranties will also often cover vehicles that the manufacturer warranties deem ineligible, whether they be higher-mileage or older cars. Additionally, independent providers offer multiple coverage options compared to Dodge’s two plans.
You can typically purchase a third-party warranty at any point, whether you’ve had your vehicle for six months or six years. This offers much more flexibility than the manufacturer’s strict opt-in dates and eligibility requirements.
