Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Charger vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Charger 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 Charger vs Toyota Camry: The Charger averages about 55 complaints per year with 32 recalls, while the Camry averages about 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have 1 death reported, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs 36). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Charger or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a large sedan that averages about 55 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 32 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins like turn signals and headlights failing, plus airbag and engine issues. The complaint pattern suggests living with a Charger means staying on top of electrical and safety-system repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that averages about 206 NHTSA complaints per year, with 31 recalls. Owners commonly report power train hesitation, brake noises, and multiple electronic system malfunctions. The higher complaint volume per year indicates more frequent owner-reported problems, though not necessarily more severe.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Charger | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 549 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 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 Charger
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 02AIR BAGS118
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER107
- 04ENGINE61
- 05POWER TRAIN56
Owners report turn signals that fail and headlights that flicker on and off, possibly due to an overheating wiring harness. These are safety concerns because signals and lights are required for safe driving.
Complaints include airbag recalls performed incorrectly, leaving headliners and mirrors hanging, and a case where a vehicle lost control and hit a guardrail. Airbag issues can affect both safety and structural integrity after repairs.
Owners describe surging during mild acceleration and transmission computers needing resets, plus plastic under-engine covers and components falling off. These can lead to drivability problems and unexpected repair costs.
Some report aggressive downshifts that make the car jump, and there are recalls for column shift assembly. Transmission problems can be expensive and affect daily reliability.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring right turn signal malfunction on my 2022 Dodge Charger SXT, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is experiencing a failure involving the right turn signal. This is concerning because the turn signal is required safety eq…”
“1. Headlight low/high beam keeps going out and comes back on. It seems like the wiring harness overheating, bulb is fine but continues to go out and on. 2. Transmission, does a very aggressive down shift at gear 6 it makes the car jump and if it happens too m…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report ignition keys getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and vehicles hesitating and shuddering with check engine lights. These issues can leave you stranded or cause costly diagnostics.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the gas does nothing for several seconds, and repeated hesitating and shuddering. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
Owners describe the electronic parking brake not disengaging, requiring a tow, and clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that dealers call normal. Brake problems directly affect stopping safety.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction at once. Losing several driver aids simultaneously increases crash risk.
“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 Charger — 32 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 2022 Dodge Charger and Durango vehicles. The shifter assembly was not properly heat-treated, which can prevent the shifter from properly engaging in the "drive" position.
The risk: An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the "drive" position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall ZB3.
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…
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 Charger or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Charger has far fewer complaints per year (about 55) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but both have similar recall counts. In practice, the Charger may generate fewer owner complaints, yet the Camry's higher volume means more reported issues overall. Neither is problem-free, so a thorough inspection is key.
Key differences
- The Dodge Charger averages about 55 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206, meaning Camry owners report more issues annually.
- Charger complaints often center on electrical failures like turn signals and headlights, while Camry complaints frequently involve power train hesitation and brake noises.
- Both have 1 death reported, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs 36) and injuries (158 vs 31).
- Recalls are similar in number (32 for Charger, 31 for Camry), but the subjects differ: Charger has tire pressure and airbag inflator recalls, Camry has seat and airbag sensor recalls.
- Check all exterior lights, especially turn signals and headlights, for flickering or failure, as owners report wiring harness overheating.
- Test the transmission for aggressive downshifts or surging during acceleration, and inspect under-engine plastic covers and components for looseness or missing clips.
- Try removing the ignition key in Park to ensure it doesn't stick, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement, and check for any warning lights related to stability control, power steering, or driver-assist systems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially airbag and seat recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, including lights, turn signals, and battery connections.
- Test drive at various speeds to check for transmission hesitation, surging, or delayed throttle response.
- Check the operation of the parking brake, brakes, and all driver-assist features like blind spot monitoring and lane keeping.
- Verify that the ignition key can be easily removed when the car is in Park, and that no warning lights remain on.
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 Charger | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025 | 39 | 163 |
| 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 26 | 64 |
| 2022 | 16 | 61 |
| 2021 | 35 | 157 |
| 2020 | 57 | 274 |
| 2019 | 120 | 395 |
| 2018 | 122 | 744 |
| 2017 | 128 | 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 Charger or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Charger vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Charger total complaints
- 549
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Dodge Charger total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Charger avg complaints/year
- 54.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Charger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN