Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Concorde vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler Concorde 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 Concorde vs Toyota Camry: The Concorde averages 115.6 complaints per year, with engine issues dominating, while the Camry averages 214.3, with powertrain and brake problems. The Concorde has 14 recalls, the Camry 31. Both have safety concerns, but the Camry's higher complaint rate is offset by its reputation. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Concorde or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Concorde
The Chrysler Concorde, a late-90s to mid-2000s full-size sedan, shows a heavy concentration of engine and cooling complaints, with owners describing sudden shutdowns, power loss, and stalling at speed. These issues are not isolated incidents but recurring patterns that can leave you stranded. Steering and air bag problems add to the concern, with reports of clunking tie rods and unexpected air bag deployments. Structural complaints, such as a trunk lid that slams shut, also appear, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a perennial midsize sedan, has a higher total complaint count but spans a longer period, averaging about 214 complaints per year. The issues are spread across powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, with owners reporting transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and HVAC odors. While some problems are serious, the Camry's reputation for reliability is tempered by these real-world reports, suggesting that even popular models have their share of defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Concorde | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 578 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 27 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 115.6 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 32 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Concorde
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING326
- 02STEERING38
- 03AIR BAGS37
- 04STRUCTURE37
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
Owners report the engine suddenly shutting off while driving, losing power, and stalling at various speeds. Some have gone through multiple engines with the same issue, and the check engine light often comes on without a clear diagnosis.
There are complaints of clunking and grinding noises when turning, attributed to worn tie rods. This can affect steering control and safety if not addressed.
The air bag light may illuminate intermittently, and in one case, the passenger air bag deployed without any impact, startling the driver and nearly causing an accident.
The trunk lid can silently slam shut when open, posing a risk of head injury to anyone leaning in. Other structural issues may arise from collisions, but this specific defect is notable.
“MY 2003 CONCORDE SHUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON 695 EXPRESSWAY. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARED TO LOSE POWER. ON 06/30/08 QUICKLY I PUT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED BACK UP AND CONTINUE TO WORK BUT WOULD NOT GO PASS 60 MPH. LUCKY FOR ME…”
“ON OUR SECOND ENGINE NOW. THE SECOND ENGINE IS NOW DOING THE SAME AS THE FIRST BEFORE IT QUIT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO TELL ME WHY THE CAR KEEPS STALLING WHILE DRIVING AT A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND CONDITIONS. WHEN IT ST…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar problems on newer models.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes. Additionally, engine maintenance lights may come on due to a coolant valve bypass issue that isn't covered by a recall for all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the sample, electrical issues are a top complaint area, potentially affecting various systems and causing intermittent problems.
“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 Concorde — 14 recalls
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERNAL HOOD LATCH COMPONENT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A CRACK, WHICH COULD PROPAGATE AND BREAK, ALLOWING THE PRIMARY/SECONDARY LATCH SPRING TO DISENGAGE.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY HOOD LATCH FUNCTION, ALLOWING THE HOOD TO OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LATCH ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.
The risk: IF THE SEAT BACK UNEXPECTEDLY RECLINES WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD C…
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 Concorde or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Concorde has fewer complaints per year (115.6) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Concorde's issues are more concentrated in engine reliability, which can be catastrophic. The Camry's higher count is spread over more years and components, but includes serious safety issues like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the Concorde may be cheaper to buy but riskier to own due to engine failures, while the Camry might have more frequent but varied problems.
Key differences
- The Concorde's engine problems are more likely to leave you stranded, with reports of sudden shutdowns and stalling, while the Camry's issues include transmission failures and sudden acceleration.
- The Concorde has fewer complaints per year, but its top issue (engine) is more severe, whereas the Camry's complaints are more evenly distributed across systems.
- Air bag deployment without impact is a unique and dangerous issue reported on the Concorde, while the Camry has brake failure reports that are equally critical.
- The Concorde's trunk lid slamming shut is a quirky but real hazard, while the Camry's HVAC odor is a comfort issue rather than a safety one.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or shutdown, and have a mechanic perform a compression test and scan for codes related to the engine control module.
- Inspect the tie rods for play and listen for clunking when turning, and verify the air bag light is off and the system has no pending codes.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding noises, especially during acceleration, and check for any service bulletins or recalls related to the transmission.
- Have the brake system inspected, including the master cylinder and ABS, and test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any reported accidents or previous complaints.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and air bag system.
- Check for open recalls and ensure all have been addressed by the manufacturer.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and on inclines to assess engine performance and braking.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for engine and transmission services.
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 Concorde or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Concorde vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler Concorde total complaints
- 578
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chrysler Concorde total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler Concorde avg complaints/year
- 115.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Concorde
- Chrysler Concorde top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN