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 54.1 complaints per year with 31 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Charger's issues often involve electrical and air bag failures, whereas the Camry's complaints frequently concern power train and brakes. 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 54 complaints per year over the past decade, with electrical and air bag issues dominating owner reports. Owners frequently describe air conditioning failures, unexpected air bag deployments, and sudden engine shutdowns that can cause loss of power and steering. While the overall complaint count is lower than some rivals, the severity of reported problems—including crashes and injuries—means a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year—but the issues tend to cluster around power train, brakes, and engine problems. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failures, along with air conditioning odors and condenser damage. Despite the higher number of complaints, the Camry's problems are often less immediately dangerous than the Charger's electrical and air bag failures, though brake and acceleration issues are serious.
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 | 541 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 163 |
| 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 SYSTEM164
- 02AIR BAGS117
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER107
- 04ENGINE60
- 05POWER TRAIN56
Owners report A/C evaporator core failures that cause the air conditioning to suddenly stop blowing cold air, sometimes multiple times. Others mention ongoing electrical issues that dealers acknowledge as known problems but without a safety recall, leaving owners frustrated.
There are reports of air bags deploying unexpectedly while the vehicle is parked and unoccupied, as well as air bag-related loss of control while driving. These failures can cause injuries and costly repairs, and they raise concerns about the reliability of the air bag system.
Some owners experience sudden loss of engine power and steering wheel seizure while driving, sometimes requiring a restart. In one case, the vehicle shut down completely at highway speed, eliminating throttle, power steering, and lights—a dangerous situation.
Power train complaints often involve transmission issues, though specific details are limited in the sample. Given the recall for the automatic transmission park pawl, buyers should be aware of potential shifting or parking problems.
“The A/C evaporator core in my 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat has failed twice within a short period of ownership. The first failure occurred at approximately 20K miles in 2022, when the air conditioning suddenly stopped blowing cold air. The dealership diagnosed…”
“Through conversations with a Dodge Certified Tech, this is ongoing and known issue with Dodge (RAM) trucks, dodge chargers etc. Curious as to why a safety recall has not been issued, with reports and complaints found online spanning back 2-3 years now. My car…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which dealers have diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some note that transmissions are on backorder, leading to long repair waits.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration has been reported multiple times, in one case leading to a crash that totaled the vehicle. Another owner cited a coolant valve bypass code and a recall for 2022 Camrys, but their VIN was not covered, leaving them without a fix.
There are reports of brake pedal failure, such as no response when braking on a steep hill, forcing the driver to take emergency action. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to accidents.
Electrical complaints include A/C condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents when the air conditioning is used. These issues affect comfort and can be expensive to repair.
“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 Charger — 31 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger electric vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Refl…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 14, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 39D. Vehicle Identification…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Charger vehicles. The amplifier may be missing software, which can prevent the amplifier from emitting exterior sound, including pedestrian warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Saf…
The risk: A vehicle that does not emit sound may fail to alert pedestrians of a moving vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the amplifier software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicles. An incorrectly installed spring may cause the loss of the park function when the vehicle’s gear selector is placed in the park (P) position, which can result in a vehicle rollaway. As such, th…
The risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric drive module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 63C. Vehicle Iden…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer s…
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 Charger or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Charger has far fewer complaints per year (54 vs. 214), but its issues often involve sudden electrical failures, unexpected air bag deployments, and engine shutdowns that can be immediately dangerous. The Toyota Camry's higher complaint volume includes serious brake and acceleration problems, but many complaints are about less critical issues like A/C odors. In practice, the Charger may have fewer problems overall, but the ones it has can be more severe.
Key differences
- The Dodge Charger has about one-quarter the annual complaint rate of the Toyota Camry, but its complaints include air bags deploying while parked and engine shutdowns at speed.
- Toyota Camry owners frequently report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, while Charger owners more often report A/C failures and electrical gremlins.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 36) and injuries (163 vs. 31), but the Charger's lower numbers still include one death and serious air bag incidents.
- Both have 31 recalls, but the Charger's recalls cover electrical, power train, and visibility items, while the Camry's recalls focus on air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Check the air conditioning system for cold air output and any signs of evaporator core replacement, as multiple owners report repeated failures.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for sudden engine shutdowns or loss of power steering; also inspect for any air bag warning lights or unusual deployment history.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during hard stops to ensure immediate response, and check for any history of sudden acceleration or coolant valve issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN, as both models have had recalls that may not be completed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the air conditioning system, transmission, and brakes, focusing on the specific failure patterns reported for each model.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for transmission slipping or grinding (Camry) and test electrical components like A/C and lights (Charger).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the components with high complaint counts.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, and confirm that any pending recalls are scheduled for repair before purchase.
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 | 119 |
| 2025 | 35 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 26 | 62 |
| 2022 | 14 | 59 |
| 2021 | 33 | 155 |
| 2020 | 57 | 270 |
| 2019 | 120 | 393 |
| 2018 | 122 | 736 |
| 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
- 541
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Dodge Charger total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Charger avg complaints/year
- 54.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Charger top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN