Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Avenger vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Avenger 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
Dodge Avenger vs Toyota Camry: The Avenger averages 291 complaints per year over 9 years, while the Camry averages 206 over 10 years. Both have 1 death and similar crash-related complaints. The Camry tends to have fewer complaints per year, but both have safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Avenger or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan that can be affordable to buy but may come with frequent repair needs. Over 9 years, owners filed 2,623 complaints, averaging about 291 per year, with electrical and air bag issues being the most common. Many complaints describe ongoing problems that are hard to diagnose, such as RPM fluctuations and air bag warnings. This suggests that living with an Avenger could mean regular visits to the shop and potential safety concerns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability, but it is not without issues. Over 10 years, there were 2,056 complaints, averaging about 206 per year, with power train and brake problems frequently reported. Some owners report hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises, which can be concerning. Overall, the Camry tends to have fewer complaints per year than the Avenger, but buyers should still be aware of these potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Avenger | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,623 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 151 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 291.4 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 147 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.
Dodge Avenger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM552
- 02AIR BAGS515
- 03ENGINE437
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER418
- 05POWER TRAIN366
Owners report RPMs rising and falling at idle, exhaust rattles, and difficulty starting. Some also experience power windows falling into the door. These issues can be frustrating and expensive to fix, especially if they are intermittent.
The air bag light may come on and off, sometimes with a chime, and owners worry about accidental deployment. One owner pulled the fuse out of concern. This indicates a potential safety system fault that should be addressed before purchase.
Complaints include unexpected acceleration, such as the car revving up and requiring hard braking to stop. This can be dangerous and may point to throttle or sensor problems. Buyers should test drive carefully and check for recalls.
Some owners report the car bogging down between 40-65 mph, and one had a scary incident where the car kept running after the key was removed. These vague but serious issues can be hard to diagnose and may affect safety.
“2009 DODGE AVENGER RPMS WOULD RISE AND FALL 200-300 AT IDLE. EXHAUST/MUFFLER WOULD RATTLE. HAVE BEEN TO MULTIPLE SHOPS AND THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT IS TAKING LONGER TO START UP. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AGO. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED LA…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WHEN IT SUDDENLY SLID DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ROLL THE WINDOW BACK UP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of newer Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause costly repairs.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring may malfunction at once. One owner had several systems fail while driving. This suggests complex electronic problems that can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Some owners report a delayed throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety risk when merging or crossing traffic. It may be related to electronic throttle control.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which is said to be common but still annoying. Brake issues should be inspected before purchase.
“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.
Dodge Avenger — 32 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
The risk: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
The defect: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011,…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler…
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUIL…
The risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
The fix: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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
Dodge Avenger or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Dodge Avenger (about 291), suggesting it may be more reliable overall. However, both have safety-related complaints, so neither is problem-free. In practice, the Camry might mean fewer trips to the mechanic, but you should still check for the specific issues reported.
Key differences
- The Dodge Avenger has more electrical system complaints (552) than the Camry (237), with issues like RPM fluctuations and power window failures.
- The Camry has more power train complaints (385) than the Avenger (366), including key stuck in Park and hesitation.
- Air bag complaints are much higher on the Avenger (515) than the Camry (not in top five), with reports of warning lights and deployment concerns.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171) than the Avenger (151), but both have 1 death reported.
- Check for air bag warning lights that come on intermittently, and listen for chimes; this could indicate a faulty sensor or wiring.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for RPM fluctuations, hesitation, or unexpected acceleration; also inspect power windows for proper operation.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking; if it gets stuck, it could be a power train issue requiring battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it 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 certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, air bags, and engine for both models, focusing on the specific complaints noted.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, brake feel, and any warning lights on the dashboard.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for any repairs related to the reported issues.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes a diagnostic scan for stored trouble codes, even if no warning lights are on.
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 Dodge Avenger or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Avenger vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Avenger total complaints
- 2,623
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Dodge Avenger total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Avenger avg complaints/year
- 291.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Dodge Avenger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN