Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler TOWN AND Country vs Toyota Camry
How the Chrysler TOWN AND Country 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 TOWN AND Country vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Chrysler averaged 363 complaints per year and 45 recalls, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints per year and 31 recalls. The Chrysler also had 3 deaths reported versus 1 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler TOWN AND Country or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler TOWN AND Country
The Chrysler Town and Country is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to own as it ages. Over 10 years, it averaged about 363 complaints per year, with the electrical system, engine, and power train drawing the most attention. Owners frequently describe sudden loss of power, transmission problems, and electrical glitches that can leave them stranded. While many minivans serve reliably, the volume and severity of these reports suggest a higher likelihood of costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, according to owner complaints, tends to have fewer reported problems per year than the Chrysler. It averaged about 206 complaints annually over the same period, with power train, engine, and brake issues being the most common. Owners often mention hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake troubles, but the overall complaint rate is lower. This pattern suggests a more predictable ownership experience, though no vehicle is problem-free.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler TOWN AND Country | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,633 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 363.3 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 152 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 TOWN AND Country
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,695
- 02ENGINE598
- 03POWER TRAIN467
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER418
- 05SEATS276
Owners report electrical gremlins that can cause the transmission to enter limp mode, sudden power loss, and various electronic failures. These issues can be dangerous if they occur while driving and often require expensive diagnostics and repairs.
Complaints describe the engine losing propulsion power while driving, sometimes shutting off randomly and leaving the driver unable to steer or accelerate. This can happen at any speed and poses a serious safety risk.
Transmission shuddering, failure to shift properly, and abnormal revving are common. Owners often face costly transmission rebuilds or replacements, which can exceed the vehicle's value.
The front seat active head restraint can spontaneously deploy without a crash, leaving it dangling and potentially causing injury. This unexpected deployment is a safety concern and may be expensive to fix.
“Transmission completely failed and had to be risky rebuilt. I was just driving down the highway and the transmission went into limp mode and I came to a fast slow down as it dropped the gearing. Also have noticed a huge issue with electronics putting me into…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the vehicle is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering, which can affect drivability and lead to dealer visits.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be frustrating and potentially hazardous when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which can indicate ABS issues and may need repair.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver and reduce confidence in the vehicle's reliability.
“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 TOWN AND Country — 45 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
The defect: Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Compan…
The risk: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling ce…
The risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of func…
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control un…
The risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
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 TOWN AND Country or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 363 for the Chrysler) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 45). In practice, this means a used Camry is likely to spend less time in the shop for major repairs, while the Town and Country may require more frequent attention to electrical, engine, and transmission problems.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Town and Country has a much higher complaint rate (363 per year) than the Toyota Camry (206 per year), with electrical and engine issues often causing sudden power loss.
- Transmission problems are a major theme for the Chrysler, including shuddering and failure, while the Camry's power train complaints focus more on key removal and hesitation.
- The Chrysler has more crash-related complaints (79) and injuries (152) reported than the Camry (171 crashes, 158 injuries), though the Camry's higher crash count may reflect different reporting patterns.
- The Camry's brake issues center on the electronic parking brake and ABS noises, whereas the Chrysler's seat head restraints can deploy unexpectedly, a unique safety concern.
- Check for transmission shuddering or delayed engagement during a test drive, as owners report these symptoms before complete failure.
- Inspect the front seat head restraints for any signs of deployment or looseness, as spontaneous deployment has been reported.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it doesn't stick, a reported issue that can leave you stranded.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, electrical, and engine systems.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and test all electronic features including brakes and infotainment.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and electrical repairs.
- For the Chrysler, specifically test the power sliding doors and rear liftgate, as electrical issues often affect these components.
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 TOWN AND Country or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country vs Toyota Camry
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country total complaints
- 3,633
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country total recalls
- 45
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country avg complaints/year
- 363.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN