Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 200 vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler 200 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chrysler 200 vs Toyota Camry: The Chrysler 200 averaged 596 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Toyota Camry averaged 206 per year over 10 years. The Chrysler 200 had 4,172 total complaints and 24 recalls, versus 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 200 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a high-maintenance used car. Over seven years, it averaged about 596 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the electrical system, engine, and power train. Many owners report stalling, sudden shutdowns, and transmission problems that can be dangerous and expensive to fix. If you're considering one, be prepared for potentially frequent repairs and a higher risk of breakdowns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan known for its reliability, and the complaint data supports that reputation. Over ten years, it averaged about 206 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, engine, and brakes. While no car is perfect, the Camry's problems tend to be less severe and less frequent than the Chrysler 200's. For a first-time buyer, it's generally a safer bet for lower ownership stress.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 200 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,172 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 204 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 596.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 173 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chrysler 200
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,222
- 02ENGINE1,208
- 03POWER TRAIN936
- 04AIR BAGS843
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER544
Owners frequently report the car needing jump starts, shutting off while driving, and electrical components like cruise control acting up. These issues can leave you stranded and are often hard for mechanics to diagnose, leading to repeated repair bills.
Complaints include the engine shutting off while driving, often with warnings about low oil or a safety feature that cuts power. This can cause sudden loss of power and steering assist, which is dangerous in traffic.
Reports of unintended acceleration, pulling, and loss of power while driving are common. These transmission and drivetrain problems can make the car unpredictable and costly to repair.
The airbag warning light often comes on due to defective wiring harnesses under the seats. Fixing it can cost over $1,000, and if ignored, the airbags may not deploy in a crash.
“The car is constantly needs a jump start , and the pedal will not accelerate. I have had multiple diagnosis and they don’t know what it is- the cruise control component comes on at the beginning of the jump start until the car runs. Auto Zone and Midas has ch…”
“The contact owns a 2014 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered before shutting off independently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull to…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Some owners report the ignition key getting stuck, hesitation, and shuddering while driving. These issues can be annoying and may require dealer visits to diagnose and fix.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating. While not usually dangerous, it can be frustrating and may indicate sensor or software problems.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. These issues can lead to unexpected repair costs and inconvenience.
Multiple system malfunctions, such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring, have been reported. These electronic glitches can be confusing and may require expensive diagnostics.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chrysler 200 — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harnes…
The risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. O…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Chrysler 200 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Chrysler 200 (about 596), meaning you're less likely to face frequent repairs. In practice, the Camry's issues tend to be less severe, while the Chrysler 200's problems often involve stalling and electrical failures that can be dangerous and costly.
Key differences
- The Chrysler 200 has nearly three times as many complaints per year as the Toyota Camry, with electrical and engine shutdowns being common.
- Chrysler 200 owners frequently report stalling and sudden power loss, while Camry complaints are more about hesitation and brake noises.
- Airbag wiring defects are a recurring and expensive issue in the Chrysler 200, whereas the Camry has fewer airbag-related complaints.
- The Camry's higher complaint count in some areas like brakes is offset by its overall lower frequency and less severe nature.
- Check for any history of electrical problems, such as needing frequent jump starts or the car shutting off while driving. Ask for maintenance records and have a mechanic test the battery and charging system.
- Inspect the airbag warning light and ask if the passenger seat wiring harness has been replaced. If the light is on, it could cost over $1,000 to fix and may indicate a safety risk.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it doesn't get stuck in the ignition, especially if the car is in Park. This is a reported issue that can leave you unable to remove the key.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly. These are known complaints that may require dealer repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated electrical or engine-related repairs, especially for the Chrysler 200.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system, transmission, and airbag components for the Chrysler 200.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key, brakes, and acceleration response during a test drive to check for hesitation or sticking.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and check if any recalls have been addressed, especially for the Chrysler 200's electrical and airbag recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where stalling or hesitation might occur.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chrysler 200 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 43 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chrysler 200 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 200 vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler 200 total complaints
- 4,172
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chrysler 200 total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler 200 avg complaints/year
- 596.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chrysler 200 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN