Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Cirrus vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler Cirrus 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 Cirrus vs Toyota Camry: The Cirrus averages 53.5 complaints per year, with steering and brake failures common, while the Camry averages 214.3 per year, including transmission and sudden acceleration issues. The Camry has more recalls but also more years of data. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Cirrus or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus, a late-1990s to early-2000s sedan, shows a concentrated pattern of steering and brake failures in owner reports. Many complaints involve sudden loss of power steering, sometimes leading to fires, and brake line collapses that cause rear brakes to stay engaged. These issues are not just nuisances; they can create dangerous driving situations, and parts availability has been a problem for some owners. Overall, the Cirrus demands careful inspection and proactive maintenance, especially in its hydraulic systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher volume of complaints, but spread over a decade and across many systems. Owners report transmission grinding and failures, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, though these are not universal. The Camry also has numerous recalls, but many are for minor issues like labels or seat components. While the Camry has more reported problems, its higher sales volume and longer production run mean the per-year rate is still lower than the Cirrus, and many issues are isolated rather than systemic.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Cirrus | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 107 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Cirrus
- 01STEERING30
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04HYDRAULIC15
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report sudden loss of power steering, often at low speeds, and some cases have led to engine fires. A recall addressed a high-pressure hose, but failures persisted, sometimes causing belts to slip or the vehicle to catch fire.
Brake lines are prone to collapsing, causing rear brakes to stay engaged, leading to premature pad and caliper wear. Some owners report complete brake failure, including the emergency brake, resulting in accidents.
The car may stall on the highway and restart on its own, especially at higher RPMs, creating a serious hazard. In one case, an electrical issue led to a fire that destroyed the engine compartment.
Brake fluid leaks and line failures are common, often tied to the brake system. Owners have experienced brake failure while driving, leading to crashes.
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM CHRYSLER. THE RECALL WAS FOR A HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. SMITH CHRYSLER MADE THE REPAIR ON 07-06-06. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE BELTS WERE SLIPPING AND MAKING A STRANGE SOUND. LATER THA…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RAISED THE HOOD, AND A FIRE IGNITED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND A REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO PICK UP HIS…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are frequent, with grinding noises and failures that require replacement. Some owners report sudden acceleration when applying the brake, which can lead to crashes.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration has been reported multiple times, sometimes resulting in total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine warning lights and coolant valve problems have been noted, with some recalls not covering all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Air conditioning condenser damage from rocks is common, and recurring mildew odors from the AC system are a nuisance. Electrical issues may also contribute to other system failures.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 Cirrus — 9 recalls
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SO…
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO…
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
The risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Chrysler Cirrus or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Cirrus has fewer complaints per year (53.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Cirrus's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical systems like steering and brakes. The Camry's higher volume is spread over more years and models, but its problems include serious incidents like sudden acceleration. In practice, the Cirrus may pose a higher risk of sudden failure, while the Camry's issues are more varied but still warrant attention.
Key differences
- The Cirrus has a higher rate of steering and brake failures, including fires, while the Camry has more transmission and engine issues.
- The Camry has a much higher total complaint count but over a longer period, resulting in a lower per-year rate.
- The Cirrus's brake line collapses are a unique and dangerous issue, while the Camry's sudden acceleration is a standout concern.
- The Camry has more recalls, but many are for minor issues, whereas the Cirrus's recalls target critical steering components.
- Inspect the power steering hose and connections for leaks or wear, as failures can lead to fires.
- Check rear brake lines for corrosion or collapse, and look for signs of dragging brakes or premature pad wear.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding noises, especially during acceleration.
- Check for any history of sudden acceleration incidents and ensure all recalls, especially those for engine or transmission, have been performed.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system on the Cirrus, including hoses and fluid levels.
- On the Camry, ask for service records showing transmission fluid changes and any transmission repairs.
- For both, check for open recalls and ensure they are completed before purchase.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to brake response and any unusual noises.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the specific problem areas listed.
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 Cirrus or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Cirrus vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler Cirrus total complaints
- 107
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chrysler Cirrus total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler Cirrus avg complaints/year
- 53.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Cirrus
- Chrysler Cirrus top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN