Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Challenger vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Challenger 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 Challenger vs Toyota Camry: The Challenger has 622 complaints over 10 years (62.2/yr) with 30 recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) with 31 recalls. Owners report serious issues like steering failure in the Challenger and unintended acceleration in the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Challenger or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is a performance-oriented coupe that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of electrical and engine-related gremlins. Owners report sudden dashboard light shows, steering rack failures, and fuel pump issues that can leave you stranded. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Camry, the nature of the failures—like losing power steering or the engine cutting out—can be alarming and potentially dangerous.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a high volume of complaints, but many are less severe, such as HVAC odors and transmission noises. However, there are serious reports of sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure, which are critical safety concerns. The Camry's higher complaint count is partly due to its popularity, but the presence of these dangerous issues means buyers should not dismiss them.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Challenger | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 622 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 62.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 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 Challenger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM179
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER115
- 03ENGINE103
- 04POWER TRAIN84
- 05AIR BAGS60
Owners report the instrument cluster lights up all at once while accelerating, causing jerking and even a minor accident. Another common issue is the electric steering rack failing without warning, making the car impossible to steer—a serious safety hazard.
There are reports of catastrophic fuel pump failure within the first week and under 1,000 miles, causing the car to lose power and become undrivable. Another owner experienced the engine momentarily shutting off while driving at 30 mph, then restarting on its own.
Some complaints involve the driveshaft being out of alignment right after purchase, leading to near-accidents. Others mention undisclosed prior damage affecting the drivetrain, which can cause vibrations or handling issues.
“The cars light notifications on instrument cluster panel turned on all of them at the same time while accelerating jerking the car on freeway I have video of that happening and can provide it upon request it did caused a minor accident but I settled the accid…”
“While operating my vehicle at road speed the electric steering rack failed. This rendered the steering inoperative. It was impossible to steer the vehicle. Not only is this situation extremely dangerous and deadly, there was no advanced warning. I received no…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming the transmission needs replacement. This is a costly repair and can leave you without a vehicle while parts are on backorder.
There are multiple reports of sudden unintended acceleration, where the car accelerates on its own and can lead to crashes. Also, a specific engine code (P268115) indicates a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as pressing the pedal with no response when descending a hill, which is terrifying and can cause accidents. Another owner described the brakes not engaging properly in a parking lot, leading to a collision with a parking block.
“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.
Dodge Challenger — 30 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Inoperative TPMS sensors will not alert the driver to low tire pressure. In addition, a TPMS warning light that is already illuminated from a failed battery sensor will mask an actual tire pressure failure issue. Either of these scenarios…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z68.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor battery may fail prematurely and cause the sensor to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fede…
The risk: Inoperative TPMS sensors will not alert the driver to low tire pressure. In addition, a TPMS warning light that is already illuminated from a failed battery sensor will mask an actual tire pressure failure issue. Either of these scenarios…
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is ZB5. This…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of…
The risk: A windshield that separates from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will remove and replace the front windshield urethane sealant, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for thi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Challenger vehicles. The affected vehicles do not illuminate their safety system status indicators sufficiently in both daylight and nighttime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: Without visible safety system indicators, a driver may not receive information regarding vehicle safety, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will re-program instrument clusters with the correct software version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-140. FCA US LLC's number…
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
Dodge Challenger or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Challenger has fewer complaints per year (62.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Challenger's issues are more likely to be sudden and dangerous, like steering or engine failure. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor annoyances, but it also has serious safety concerns like unintended acceleration and brake failure. In practice, neither is clearly 'safer,' but the Challenger may have a lower frequency of reported problems.
Key differences
- The Challenger has a higher proportion of electrical system complaints (179) compared to the Camry (246), but the Camry has more power train (395) and brake (290) complaints.
- Challenger owners report sudden steering rack failure and fuel pump failure, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and unintended acceleration.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than the Challenger (69 and 60), but the Camry also has one death reported.
- The Challenger's recalls focus on tire pressure monitoring and windshield visibility, while the Camry's recalls involve air bag sensors and seat components.
- Check the electrical system thoroughly: ask for service records on the steering rack and instrument cluster, and test all dashboard lights for proper function.
- Inspect the fuel pump and engine for any signs of stalling or power loss, especially if the car has low mileage.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during a test drive, especially when accelerating from a stop.
- Test the brakes on a hill and in a parking lot to ensure they respond firmly and without delay.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website and ensure they are completed.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any transmission or electrical repairs.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, and listen for unusual noises.
- Ask about the availability of a spare tire, as the Challenger may not come with one.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Dodge Challenger | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 41 | 62 |
| 2022 | 9 | 59 |
| 2021 | 19 | 155 |
| 2020 | 20 | 270 |
| 2019 | 57 | 393 |
| 2018 | 75 | 736 |
| 2017 | 49 | 148 |
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 Challenger or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Challenger vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Challenger total complaints
- 622
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Dodge Challenger total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Challenger avg complaints/year
- 62.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Challenger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN