Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 PT Cruiser vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the PT Cruiser had 261.8 complaints per year and 8 deaths, while the Camry had 205.6 complaints per year and 1 death. The PT Cruiser also had 25 recalls versus 31 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler PT Cruiser or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact wagon that averaged about 262 NHTSA complaints per year over a decade, with 25 recalls. Owners frequently report stalling, engine fires, suspension failures, and air bag problems. The high complaint volume and serious issues like fires and deaths suggest it can be a demanding vehicle to own.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that averaged about 206 complaints per year, with 31 recalls. Owners report power train hesitation, brake noises, and electrical glitches, but fewer crash-related complaints and only 1 death. It appears to have a lower rate of severe safety-related failures than the PT Cruiser.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler PT Cruiser | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,618 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 199 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 261.8 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 219 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 8 | 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 PT Cruiser
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM580
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING259
- 03SUSPENSION240
- 04AIR BAGS234
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING229
Owners report stalling while driving, burning smells, and even engine fires originating from wiring or components under the hood. These issues can leave you stranded or put you at risk of a fire.
Complaints include overheating and head gasket failures, which can lead to costly repairs and potential engine damage. A blown head gasket often means a major repair bill.
Front lower control arm bushings fail, requiring replacement of the entire control arm. This can affect steering and handling, making the car unsafe to drive if neglected.
Owners report air bags failing to deploy in crashes and air bag warning lights staying on. Non-deployment can increase injury risk in an accident.
“THERE ARE A FEW ISSUES WITH MY CAR AND THE LOCAL DEALER SAYS THEY MAY BE RELATED. STALLING WHILE DRIVING: THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS. FIRST TIME I WAS ON A HIGHWAY OFF RAMP SLOWING TO STOP. NOT SURE OF MY SPEED, BUT I NOTICED IT STALLED AS I WA…”
“I DROVE 15 MILES AN PULLED AT 55 MPH INTO OSKALOOSA IA REDUCED SPEED TO 35 DOWN TO 25 AN THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING LIKE WIRES AN ANTIFREEZE ,BLACK SMOKE ROLLED OUT FROM UNDER NEATH MY HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE PUT IN PARK POPPED HOOD OPENED HOOD FLAMES…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and transmission hesitation or shuddering. These issues can leave you unable to secure or start the car reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and engine hesitation with the check engine light on. This can make merging or accelerating unpredictable.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the ABS system. Brake problems directly affect stopping safety.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm a driver with warnings and reduce vehicle control.
“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 PT Cruiser — 25 recalls
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
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 EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE HOSE.
The risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-85…
The defect: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS…
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE B…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
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 PT Cruiser or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 262) and far fewer deaths (1 vs. 8) over the same period. In practice, this means the Camry is less likely to be associated with severe safety outcomes, though both have recalls and owner-reported issues.
Key differences
- The PT Cruiser has 8 deaths and 219 injuries in complaints, while the Camry has 1 death and 158 injuries, indicating a higher severity of outcomes for the PT Cruiser.
- PT Cruiser owners report engine fires and stalling, whereas Camry owners report hesitation and brake issues, which are less immediately life-threatening.
- The PT Cruiser has suspension and air bag complaints that can affect crash safety, while the Camry's top complaints are power train and brakes.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 25) but fewer annual complaints, suggesting recalls may address issues before they become widespread complaints.
- Check for signs of electrical burning or fire damage under the hood, especially near wiring and the passenger side, as owners reported fires.
- Inspect the front lower control arm bushings for wear or cracking, and test drive over bumps to feel for clunks or poor handling.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for transmission shudder or hesitation during a test drive.
- Check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the PT Cruiser for electrical issues, head gasket leaks, and suspension wear.
- For the Camry, test the key removal, transmission behavior, and electronic parking brake operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for timing belt/chain and brake service.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises, check all warning lights, and test all electronic features.
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 PT Cruiser or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler PT Cruiser total complaints
- 2,618
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chrysler PT Cruiser total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler PT Cruiser avg complaints/year
- 261.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chrysler PT Cruiser top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN