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 averaged 53.5 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Cirrus complaints often involve severe steering and brake failures, whereas Camry issues are more varied. 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 is a mid-1990s to early-2000s sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a high-maintenance used car. Over two years, it averaged 53.5 complaints per year, with steering and brake problems dominating the list. Many reports describe power steering failures, brake line collapses, and electrical gremlins that can lead to costly repairs. Buyers should expect to deal with aging components and potential safety recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a perennial best-seller, but even this reliable sedan has its share of issues. Over ten years, it averaged 205.6 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake complaints being most common. Some owners report hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. While the Camry generally has a strong reputation, these complaints show that not every example is trouble-free.
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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 Better | 158 |
| 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 frequently report power steering hose failures, sometimes leading to fires. One complaint describes a recall for a high-pressure power steering hose, and another mentions a fire after power steering failure. This is a critical safety concern that can cause loss of control.
Brake line collapse is a recurring issue, causing rear brakes to stay engaged and leading to repeated brake pad and caliper replacements. Another owner reported total brake failure resulting in an accident. These problems can make the car unsafe to drive if not addressed.
Complaints include stalling at highway speeds and engine compartment fires while parked. One owner noted stalling and restarting on the highway, while another reported a fire that melted the dashboard. Electrical faults can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Hydraulic brake line failures are reported, with rear brake lines collapsing and causing brakes to stay engaged. This overlaps with service brake issues and can lead to premature wear and loss of braking. Owners may face difficulty finding parts due to backorders.
“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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking, hesitation, and shuddering. One complaint describes the key becoming stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Another notes hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can affect drivability and may be costly to diagnose.
Delayed throttle response is a common complaint, with owners experiencing several seconds of lag when pressing the accelerator. This can be a safety risk when merging or pulling out. The problem may be intermittent and hard to replicate for repair.
Electronic parking brake (EPB) failures are reported, where the brake will not disengage and the car must be towed. Another owner noted a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system. These issues can leave the car immobile or cause annoyance.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including smart stop, stability control, and lane keeping assistance failing simultaneously. One owner described several systems malfunctioning while driving home. Such failures can reduce driver assistance and safety features.
“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 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 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 Cirrus or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Cirrus has far fewer complaints per year (53.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Cirrus complaints often involve severe safety issues like fires and brake failures. The Camry's higher complaint volume reflects its much larger sales and longer production span, but its issues are generally less catastrophic. In practice, the Cirrus may require more urgent repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but less severe problems.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Cirrus has reports of power steering hose failures leading to fires, while the Toyota Camry has no such fire reports in the sample.
- Brake line collapse causing rear brakes to stay engaged is a common Cirrus complaint, whereas Camry brake issues often involve electronic parking brake or ABS noise.
- Cirrus electrical complaints include stalling and engine fires, while Camry electrical issues involve multiple driver-assist systems malfunctioning.
- The Camry has a much higher annual complaint rate, but many are for less critical issues like hesitation or infotainment glitches.
- Check for power steering hose leaks or signs of fire damage under the hood, especially near the power steering pump.
- Inspect brake lines for corrosion or collapse, and test the brakes thoroughly for any dragging or failure to release.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it can be removed easily when the car is in Park; sticking may indicate a power train issue.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area during braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially for the Chrysler Cirrus power steering hose and Toyota Camry air bag sensors.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Chrysler Cirrus for power steering and brake line integrity, and the Toyota Camry for transmission and electronic parking brake function.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds, to check for hesitation, stalling, or unusual noises.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake and steering repairs, to gauge how well the car has been cared for.
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
- 2,056
- Chrysler Cirrus total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler Cirrus avg complaints/year
- 53.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Cirrus
- Chrysler Cirrus top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN