The average annual maintenance cost of a Dodge is $634, which puts it above the national average for similar makes and models. Even as one of the most recognizable American brands, Dodge’s can be expensive to maintain overall. Are Dodge parts expensive? Keep reading further to determine if Dodge parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts?
Are Dodge Parts Expensive?
Essentially, Dodge parts, or Mopar parts, are more expensive when compared to aftermarket varieties from other providers. For instance, OEM axles from Mopar cost $671.00; a Duralast Gold would be $97.99. It is not uncommon for Mopar parts to be more expensive than aftermarket parts.
Who Supplies Parts to Mopar?
Like any other automaker, the Dodge brand has manufacturers that provide their parts. Mopar provides OEM parts for FIAT Chrysler Automobiles; FCA brands include Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, FIAT, and Ram.
While it’s easy to believe aftermarket parts could be cheaper and better, they may not be under warranty if they fail prematurely.
Brake Pads
Brake Pads stop the vehicle’s motion by using hydraulic pressure to clamp down the rotors. This action creates heat and friction, which slows the car. Brake pads are made of organic material, semi-metallic compounds, or ceramic.
Brake pads should be replaced every 30,000-70,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions.
The table below describes how much brake pads cost.
| OEM | Carquest Premium Gold | Wagner | Akebono ProAct | |
| (NEW) | $140.00 | $61.99 | $35.00 | $94.99 |
| (USED) | $70.00 | $30.99 | $17.50 | $47.49 |
I choose Wagner brake pads since they are high-quality parts; also, this variety is made of Ceramic, which is best for commuting and city driving. If you are looking to haul or tow trailers, best to choose other options.
Mechanics will typically charge $80 to replace the brakes for you. However, I recommend changing the brakes on your own.
Also read: 8 Cars that Look Like Mustangs (But are Cheaper)
Filters
Your Dodge uses a method of combustion to create engine power, but it needs a clean mixture of fuel and air to do so. That is where filters come into play.
- Air Filters – These filters can come in various shapes and sizes of cotton, foam, or synthetic paper. The pleated material in the filters keeps dust, insects, or other debris from entering the engine. Dodge recommends checking them every 10,000 but replacing them every 15,000-30,000 miles.
- Oil Filters – These filters keep a continuous flow of oil throughout the engine and filter out the dust and metallic particles. It’s safe to replace these every 7,000 miles.
- Fuel Filters – These filters remove harmful impurities like dust, grit, and rust from the fuel you add to your vehicle. It’s common for the fuel filters to last the car’s life. For example, it’s a good idea to change them every 10,000-25,000 miles in Dodge diesel trucks.
The table below describes how much you should expect to pay for each of these filters. I don’t recommend buying used parts because of their diminished quality.
| OEM | Fram Drive | Purolator One | Carquest Standard | Carquest Premium | |
| Air Filters | $63.25 | $34.99 | $38.49 | $32.99 | $38.49 |
| Oil Filters | $28.22 | 5.99 | $10.99 | $5.99 | $10.99 |
| Fuel Filters | $120.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $18.59 |
I would purchase Mopar parts for the fuel filters, but aftermarket parts for the rest. Usually, aftermarket air filters and oil filters are sufficient replacements. Mechanics will charge you $25 to change your air filter, approximately $56 for oil changes, and $80 to replace your fuel filter.
You can do most of these independently, although I would hire a mechanic to work on the fuel filter so that you can prevent unnecessary damage to the fuel lines.
Battery
The car battery starts the engine and provides power to various electronics such as lights and radio. There are two types of batteries:
- Standard wet-cell – these batteries are known as conventional batteries. They can vent gas and leak acid. These batteries usually have caps to add fluid.
- Absorbed Glass Mat – these batteries are best known for short recharge periods and handling harsher climates. However, they can go for more extended periods of disuse as well.
Trending Video: How to Easily Bring Back to Life any Old Car Battery and Save Tons of Money (click to watch)
I’ve included a table below that describes the pricing for batteries. Before buying a used battery, do some research, but many companies offer used batteries with warranties.
| Optima | Diehard Gold | Diehard Plat. AGM | Diehard Plat. | |
| (NEW) | $341.99 | $211.99 | $231.99 | $221.99 |
| (USED) | $170.99 | $105.99 | $115.99 | $110.99 |
Car batteries usually only last about three to five years; I would go with the Diehard Platinum AGM since these types of batteries could last longer in a Dodge. A mechanic will charge $33 to replace your battery; I advise doing this yourself.
Also read: Are Ford Parts Expensive? (All You Need to Know)
Starter and Alternator
Your Starter is an electrical motor that requires a fully charged battery to start your car. The Alternator regulates the electrical energy flowing through the engine and charges the battery.
These parts work in sync and are tricky to diagnose. I’ve included a table below describing the costs.
| OEM | Carquest Premium | Bosch | Denso | |
| (NEW) Starter | $243.00 | $129.99 | $242.02 | N/A |
| (USED) Starter | $121.50 | $64.99 | $121.01 | N/A |
| (NEW) Alternator | $410.99 | $404.99 | $429.97 | $411.92 |
| (USED) Alternator | $294.87 | $162.49 | $214.98 | $205.96 |
Alternators and Starters can last approximately 150,000 miles on your Dodge. A mechanic will typically charge $104 to replace your Starter and $150 for the Alternator. I would hire a mechanic to perform these repairs.
Also read: Are Junkyard Alternators Good? What Should You Look for?
Spark Plugs
Essentially, spark plugs supply a spark of electricity that causes the air/fuel mixture to ignite. The spark plugs must be up to your vehicle’s specifications because they operate continuously.
I have included a table below describing the cost of spark plugs. Don’t buy used spark plugs as the conditions vary, and new ones are not expensive.
| Per plug | OEM (Mopar) | Autolite Iridium | Champion Iridium | NGK Laser Iridium |
| (NEW) | $18.00 | $8.79 | $9.29 | $18.99 |
I recommend changing your spark plugs every 30,000 miles, especially if you notice rough idling or engine misfires. Bad spark plugs can drain your battery as well. However, higher-grade spark plugs may not need to be changed as often.
You don’t need a mechanic to charge you $140 to change your spark plugs; it’s a safe job anyone can do as long as you select the correct plugs for your Dodge.
Engine Oil
Synthetic oil cleans and lubricates engine parts, reduces acid build-up, and keeps the engine cool, which reduces the wear and tear on your engine components.
The automaker recommends using 5W-20 synthetic oil for your Dodge. Below is a table that describes oil pricing. I suggest choosing aftermarket synthetic varieties because they are readily available and meet manufacturer specifications.
I do not recommend buying used oil for your vehicle because of its contaminants.
| 5QT | OEM (Mopar) | Liqui Moly | Pennzoil Plat. | Mobil 1 |
| Cost | $24.24 | $28.99 | $34.99 | $34.99 |
In this case, I would purchase the Mopar or Mobil 1 because they are reliable options. Also, save yourself $40 and change your oil at home.
Tires
Car tires are a cushion of rubber constructed to fit over the metal wheel of Dodge vehicles. They create traction and allow the car to drive safely on the road. The table below describes the brands available for Dodge.
| Per Tire | Hankook Vents | Goodyear Eagle AS | Goodyear Eagle RS-A | Firestone All Season |
| (NEW) | $206.99 | $225.00 | $210.00 | $193.00 |
| (USED) | $103.49 | $112.50 | $105.00 | $96.50 |
Many tire options are available for Dodge. Generally, I choose tires based on quality-tested reliability and go with Goodyear tires.
I suggest replacing your tires every 70,000 miles, but regular rotations will prolong the life of your tires. When buying used tires, thoroughly inspect them for dry rot, nails, or holes before purchasing them.
It’s best to take your vehicle to the shop to have your tires professionally changed, as most DIY garages do not have the necessary equipment.
Also read: Are Cheap Tires Worth it? Are They Safe?
Water Pump
Usually, this is a belt-driven pump that receives power from the crankshaft. When the car is in motion, the pump draws cooled antifreeze from the radiator, through the engine, and eventually back into the cooling system.
Below I’ve included a table for various pricing on water pumps.
| OEM | Carquest Premium | Gates | |
| Cost | $196.00 | $171.99 | $158.63 |
Generally, water pumps last 60,000-100,000 miles before you should replace them. To help save money, replace the water pump while the timing belt is replaced. This will cut costs because many parts will have to be removed for both jobs.
A water pump is an essential part of your Dodge’s engine cooling system; with that in mind, I would only purchase an OEM replacement part.
Conclusion
Dodge Mopar parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts. Although aftermarket parts are more accessible, it would be safest to research thoroughly to ensure fitment and quality. Therefore, I suggest choosing aftermarkets for batteries, brake pads, filters, spark plugs, oil, and tires.
While Dodge costs over the national average to maintain, choosing aftermarket parts should help you save money without compromising quality. In addition, it’s essential to select Mopar parts for starters, alternators, and water pumps because of how crucial these parts are to other systems in your Dodge.
While it would be easy to debate this, choosing OEM parts or aftermarket parts comes down to risk and reward. Often, you are rewarded with reliability and quality when selecting OEM, but the same can be true for quality aftermarket parts. When in doubt, consult a trusted mechanic or another source for advice on properly maintaining your Dodge.
References:
Dodge Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost, 10 Car Brands That Are Notoriously Expensive To Repair, 2015-2021 Dodge Axle Half Shaft, Right 53010748AA | Mopar Factory Parts, Mopar vs Aftermarket Parts | Gupton Motors | Springfield, TN, Dodge Brake Pads, https://www.moparfactoryparts.com/, The Pros and Cons of Ceramic Brake Pads, How often should you change fuel filter on Dodge diesel?, Dodge Fuel Filter Replacement Prices & Cost Estimates | Kelley Blue Book, https://www.moparfactoryparts.com/, https://www.moparfactoryparts.com/, 2014-2021 Mopar Mopar Badge 82214234, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/, Charging Components – Advance Auto Parts, https://www.moparpartsinc.com/, https://www.moparpartsinc.com/, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/, https://www.moparpartsinc.com/, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/, Find Out How Often to Change Spark Plugs | Elm Grove Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Dodge Ram 1500 Spark Plug Replacement Cost Estimate, 2020 Dodge Challenger Motor Oil | Synthetic, Conventional, Racing, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/, Dodge Ram 1500 Oil Change Cost Estimate, https://www.americanmuscle.com/, https://www.goodyear.com/, Tires for 2020 Dodge Challenger GT |, When Should I Replace My Water Pump?, Does My Car Need a New Water Pump? | Kelley Blue Book, 2011-2021 Mopar Water Pump 5184498AM, https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/, The least and the most expensive cars to maintain | Harris Automotive
