Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Prowler vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler Prowler 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 Prowler vs Toyota Camry: The Prowler has 14 complaints over 2 years (7 per year) and no recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3 per year) and 31 recalls. The Camry's higher volume and serious issues like sudden acceleration contrast with the Prowler's suspension and latch problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Prowler or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Prowler
The Chrysler Prowler is a low-volume, niche vehicle with only 14 complaints over 2 years, averaging 7 per year. Owners report suspension issues like lower ball joint failures and rusted strut mounts, plus latch problems such as the tailgate opening while driving and hood struts failing. With no recalls on record, parts availability and aging components are key concerns for buyers.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume vehicle with 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year. Common complaints include power train problems like transmission grinding, engine sudden acceleration, and brake failures. There are 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels, indicating a broad range of safety-related issues over time.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Prowler | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 Better | 163 |
| 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 Prowler
- 01SUSPENSION3
- 02LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05EQUIPMENT1
Owners report lower ball joint failures and rusted strut mounts that can lead to loss of steering. A recall for lower ball joints was issued but parts were unavailable, leaving some drivers waiting.
Complaints include the tailgate opening while driving and hood struts failing, causing the hood to fall. These issues can be dangerous if they occur at speed.
One owner reported a problem with the vehicle's 'brain' (likely the engine control module) causing issues. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
Complaints include cruise control engaging unexpectedly and general concerns. These vague issues may indicate a range of undiagnosed problems.
“TL* - THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL 2W125384-F23 FOR LOWER BALL JOINTS FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH AND CHRYSLER HAS TOLD HER THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY ONLY GET ENOUGH PART…”
“FRAME/STRUCTURE OVER THE RIGHT SIDE STRUT HAS RUSTED. THIS COULD RESULT IN STRUT FAILURE AND VEHICLE LOSING STEERING. *AK THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE UPDATED ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE COMPLAINT. *SCC”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report transmission grinding noises and sudden acceleration. Some say the transmission needs replacement, and parts are on backorder, leading to long waits.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, and coolant valve bypass issues that may not be covered by recalls for certain VINs.
Drivers report brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the HVAC system. These are comfort and reliability annoyances.
“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 Prowler
No recalls on record.
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 Prowler or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Prowler has far fewer complaints per year (7 vs. 214.3), but it is a low-production specialty car, so parts and service may be harder to find. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint volume reflects its much larger sales, but it also has many recalls and serious safety issues like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Prowler has no recalls on record, while the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Prowler complaints often involve suspension and latch failures, whereas Camry complaints frequently cite power train, engine, and brake issues.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate per year (214.3 vs. 7.0), but this is partly due to far higher production numbers.
- Serious safety issues like sudden acceleration and brake failure appear in Camry complaints, while Prowler complaints include structural rust and hood strut failures.
- Inspect the lower ball joints and strut mounts for rust or wear, as failures can cause loss of steering.
- Check the tailgate and hood latches/struts for proper function, as they may open unexpectedly while driving.
- Test drive for transmission grinding or hesitation, especially during acceleration, and check for recalls on the transmission.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and response, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents or coolant valve issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the suspension, brakes, and transmission for both models.
- For the Prowler, verify that any recall work (like lower ball joints) has been completed.
- For the Camry, test the air conditioning and check for odors, and confirm the coolant bypass valve recall status.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary of vehicles with unresolved safety complaints.
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 Prowler or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Prowler vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler Prowler total complaints
- 14
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chrysler Prowler total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler Prowler avg complaints/year
- 7.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Prowler
- Chrysler Prowler top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN