Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Caravan 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 Caravan vs Toyota Camry: The Caravan has 321 complaints over 2 years (160.5/year) and 18 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. Caravan owners report airbag and electrical failures; Camry owners report power train and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Caravan or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Caravan
The Dodge Caravan is a minivan that owners rely on for family hauling, but the NHTSA data shows a steady stream of complaints over just two years. Air bag, steering, and electrical problems dominate, with many reports of warning lights, stalling after refueling, and sudden electrical failures. With 18 recalls and 13 injuries reported, living with this van means staying on top of safety fixes and expecting occasional breakdowns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much longer complaint history—10 years—so the total numbers are higher, but the yearly rate is only slightly above the Caravan. Power train, engine, and brake issues are common, including hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. With 31 recalls and 158 injuries, it still demands attention to safety campaigns, but the pattern suggests more gradual wear than sudden failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Caravan | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 321 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 160.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 Caravan
- 01AIR BAGS65
- 02STEERING43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
- 04POWER TRAIN33
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING27
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on due to a broken clockspring inside the steering column, which can disable the airbag system. This is a critical safety issue because the airbag may not deploy in a crash.
Many complaints describe stalling or hesitation right after refueling, especially with a full tank, and some link it to steering or fuel system problems. This can leave a driver without power in traffic, increasing crash risk.
The engine control module (ECM) can fail without warning, causing the van to shut down suddenly, and other electrical gremlins like horn or A/C failure appear. These failures can strand a driver and are expensive to diagnose and repair.
Owners report whining noises and vibrations from the steering wheel, often in cold weather, and some experience stalling after refueling. These symptoms point to transmission or fuel system issues that can worsen over time.
“I OWN A 2004 DODGE CARAVAN. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWO DAYS AGO. BROUGHT IT TO THE CHRYSLER DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BROKEN AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WHICH IS HOUSED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN AND ALSO NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTE…”
“THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING CLOCKSPRING. THIS DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS WAS RECALLED ON EARLIER MODEL CARAVANS BUT HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED ON 2001 AND NEWER MODELS WHICH HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMIN…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of newer Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can be unsettling and may indicate transmission problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas and waiting several seconds for the car to move—and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues affect drivability and could lead to costly repairs if ignored.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. A stuck EPB can leave you stranded, and brake noises may signal ABS problems.
Multiple safety systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once, according to one report. Such failures reduce driver assistance and could increase crash risk if not addressed.
“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 Caravan — 18 recalls
The defect: CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE…
The risk: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
The defect: MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 3341103L-AS AND 334-1103R-AS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2007 DODGE CARAVAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECT…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 1-888-286-1188 (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, MT, WY, UT, CO, KS, NM, O…
The defect: EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOWER BEAM PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS,…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
The defect: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDE…
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
The fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT I…
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 Caravan or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Caravan has fewer complaints per year (about 160.5) than the Toyota Camry (about 205.6), but the Caravan's issues often involve sudden safety failures like airbag and electrical shutdowns. The Camry's higher yearly rate reflects a longer history and more gradual problems, but both require vigilance. In practice, the Caravan may leave you stranded more abruptly, while the Camry may need more frequent attention to drivability and brake issues.
Key differences
- The Dodge Caravan has a much shorter complaint period (2 years) but still shows 18 recalls, while the Toyota Camry spans 10 years with 31 recalls—so the Camry's recall count is spread over more time.
- Caravan owners frequently report airbag clockspring failures that disable the airbag, a safety concern; Camry owners more often report power train hesitation and key-stuck issues.
- Caravan complaints include stalling after refueling and sudden ECM failure, which can cause immediate breakdowns; Camry complaints include delayed throttle response and electronic parking brake failures that may strand but often give more warning.
- The Camry has far more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 18) and injuries (158 vs. 13), but these totals are over 10 years versus 2 years for the Caravan.
- Check for an illuminated airbag warning light and ask if the clockspring has been replaced—this is a common failure that disables the airbag.
- Test drive after filling the gas tank to see if the van stalls or hesitates, and listen for whining noises from the steering or transmission, especially when cold.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking to ensure it doesn't stick, and test the electronic parking brake to confirm it disengages properly.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for delayed throttle response or shuddering, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed, especially airbag and brake recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific systems mentioned in complaints: for the Caravan, focus on airbags, steering, and electrical; for the Camry, focus on power train, brakes, and electronics.
- Test drive the vehicle in conditions that mimic your daily routine, including refueling for the Caravan and parking/starting for the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check if the ECM (Caravan) or EPB switch (Camry) has been replaced.
- Budget for potential repairs by researching typical costs for the reported issues, and consider an extended warranty if available.
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 Caravan or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Caravan vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Caravan total complaints
- 321
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Dodge Caravan total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Caravan avg complaints/year
- 160.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Caravan
- Dodge Caravan top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN