Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler Pacifica 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 Pacifica vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Pacifica averaged 375 complaints per year and had 91 recalls, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The Pacifica also had 119 crash-related complaints and 97 injuries, compared to 171 and 158 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that has averaged about 375 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 91 recalls. Owners frequently report serious issues like engine stalling, electrical failures that cause the van to die, and transmission problems that lead to loss of power. These patterns suggest that living with a Pacifica may involve unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, especially in older models.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much lower complaint rate of about 206 per year and only 31 recalls over the same period. Complaints often center on power train quirks like hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems, as well as brake noises and occasional electrical glitches. While not trouble-free, the Camry's issues appear less frequent and less severe than the Pacifica's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Pacifica | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,753 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 91 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 119 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 375.3 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 97 Better | 158 |
| 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 Pacifica
- 01ENGINE1,317
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,134
- 03POWER TRAIN999
- 04STEERING575
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER526
Owners report sudden stalling, loss of power, and dashboard warning lights, sometimes while driving. One complaint describes a 'clunk' sound when turning left, followed by all dashboard lights coming on and the ABS system turning off. These failures can leave you stranded and may require expensive repairs.
Complaints include charging system failures that cause the van to die after plugging in, and repeated loss-of-power events even in wheelchair-accessible models. Such issues can disable the vehicle without warning and are especially dangerous for those relying on mobility adaptations.
Owners describe the van losing the ability to accelerate or maintain speed at highway speeds, with no prior warning. One report notes a beep and a message to pull over. This can create a serious safety risk if it happens in traffic.
Although fewer complaints, steering problems are reported, sometimes accompanied by ABS and dashboard light failures. This can make the vehicle hard to control, particularly at higher speeds.
“[XXX]- bought new 2025 Chrysler Pacifica w/ 29 mi at Troncalli Chrysler Dodge Jeep (TCDJ). [XXX]- 1st time -I was driving the car when it made a “clunk” sound when turning left. All the lights on the dashboard came on and the ABS system turned off.The car saf…”
“The charging system light came on. My wife went to charge at public charging station due to being close to one. After plugging in the van, it said charging failed. She unplugged the charged went to back up and the van died. Had to have it towed to dealer. Dea…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These problems can be frustrating and may indicate deeper transmission or engine management faults.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This lag can be unsettling and potentially hazardous when merging or crossing intersections.
Some owners experience the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow. Others hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. Brake issues can affect stopping confidence and lead to costly repairs.
A few complaints mention multiple systems malfunctioning at once, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. Such electrical glitches can distract the driver and may be difficult to diagnose.
“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 Pacifica — 91 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The vehicles were built with an incorrect radio, which can cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers replaced the radio, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVS…
The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 82C,…
The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
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 Pacifica or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 375) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 91) than the Chrysler Pacifica. In practice, this means Camry owners are less likely to face frequent, serious breakdowns, while Pacifica owners may spend more time and money on repairs.
Key differences
- The Pacifica has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Camry, with many reports of stalling and electrical failures that can strand drivers.
- Camry complaints often involve drivability quirks like hesitation and key removal issues, which are annoying but less likely to cause sudden loss of power.
- The Pacifica has 91 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, including air bag and wheelchair restraint issues, indicating broader safety-related fixes.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Pacifica's higher crash-related complaints (119 vs. 171 for Camry) and injury counts (97 vs. 158) show that crash outcomes can vary; the Camry has more crash complaints but fewer overall complaints.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins: test all charging ports, infotainment, and ensure the van starts reliably and doesn't die after charging (if hybrid).
- Listen for clunking noises when turning and watch for dashboard warning lights, especially ABS and engine lights, during a test drive.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park multiple times; if it sticks, it could be a costly repair.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for outstanding recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds, to replicate conditions where stalling or hesitation might occur.
- For the Pacifica, verify that any wheelchair-accessible modifications are properly installed and not subject to open recalls.
- For the Camry, check the electronic parking brake operation and ensure all driver-assist systems function without error messages.
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 Pacifica | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 0 |
| 2025 | 28 | 163 |
| 2024 | 43 | 50 |
| 2023 | 153 | 64 |
| 2022 | 214 | 61 |
| 2021 | 372 | 157 |
| 2020 | 170 | 274 |
| 2019 | 357 | 395 |
| 2018 | 875 | 744 |
| 2017 | 1524 | 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 Pacifica or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler Pacifica total complaints
- 3,753
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chrysler Pacifica total recalls
- 91
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler Pacifica avg complaints/year
- 375.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chrysler Pacifica top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN