Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Dakota vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Dakota 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 Dakota vs Toyota Camry: The Dakota has 162.4 complaints per year and 53 recalls, with serious suspension and air bag issues. The Camry has 214.3 complaints per year but fewer recalls (31), yet reports sudden acceleration and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Dakota or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup that, in ownership terms, demands attention to safety-critical systems. Owner complaints over the past decade center on air bag recalls (especially Takata inflators), suspension and steering parts that wear out or fail outright, and brake/powertrain issues that can affect stopping. The high complaint volume and multiple recalls suggest a truck that may be inexpensive to buy but potentially costly to maintain and keep safe.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan that, in ownership terms, is generally reliable but has notable trouble spots. Complaints focus on the powertrain (including transmission noise and replacement needs), engine issues such as sudden acceleration and coolant valve problems, and brake failures that have led to crashes. While the Camry has fewer recalls than the Dakota, the sheer number of complaints and the severity of some incidents mean buyers should not assume it is problem-free.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Dakota | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,624 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 53 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 111 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 162.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Dakota
- 01AIR BAGS440
- 02SUSPENSION244
- 03POWER TRAIN236
- 04STEERING221
- 05SERVICE BRAKES209
Owners report Takata recall notices with parts unavailable, and air bag warning lights staying on. This means the air bag system may not deploy in a crash, a critical safety concern.
At around 60,000 miles, owners report complete failure of tie rods and ball joints while driving, which can cause loss of steering control. This is a serious safety issue that needs immediate inspection.
Some owners describe the truck not stopping safely in emergency situations, and brake issues are often dismissed as normal ABS behavior. This suggests potential brake system problems that affect stopping ability.
With 221 complaints, steering issues are common, often linked to suspension components like tie rods. Failure here can make the vehicle hard to control, especially at speed.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V352000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMO…”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V3…”
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 transmission problems and recommending replacement. This is a costly repair that may happen even on relatively new Camrys.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes, as well as engine warning lights and coolant valve issues that may not be covered by recall for all VINs. These can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Several owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills, leading to near-misses or crashes. This is a critical safety defect that requires immediate attention.
While not detailed in the samples, the high number of electrical complaints suggests issues with sensors, warning lights, or other electronic components that can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
“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 Dakota — 53 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2…
The risk: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occur…
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger front…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may…
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 Dakota or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3 vs 162.4) but that is still a high number, and its issues include dangerous sudden acceleration and brake failures. The Dodge Dakota has more recalls and serious suspension/steering failures. Neither is clearly 'safer,' but the Camry's lower annual complaint rate and fewer recalls may make it a slightly less risky choice, though both require thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Dakota has far more air bag complaints (440) and recalls (53) than the Camry (31 recalls), with Takata inflators being a major issue.
- The Dakota's suspension and steering failures (tie rods, ball joints) are more prevalent and can cause loss of control, while the Camry's issues are more about transmission and engine sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has more complaints overall but fewer per year, and its brake failures are described as sudden and complete, whereas Dakota brake issues are often tied to ABS and stopping distance.
- The Dakota is a truck with body-on-frame construction, while the Camry is a unibody sedan, which affects handling and repair costs.
- Inspect the front suspension and steering: check for play in tie rods and ball joints, and look for uneven tire wear.
- Verify that all air bag recalls have been completed, especially the Takata inflator recall, and check for any air bag warning lights.
- Test the brakes at various speeds, especially on a hill, to ensure the pedal feels firm and stops the car promptly.
- Listen for grinding or whining noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any engine warning lights related to coolant or acceleration.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's website to check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Dakota's tie rods, ball joints, and steering linkage for wear or damage.
- On the Camry, ask for service records showing transmission fluid changes and any transmission repairs.
- Test drive both vehicles and perform a hard brake test from 30 mph in a safe area to feel for any brake fade or pedal issues.
- Check for any air bag warning lights on the dashboard and confirm that all recalls have been performed.
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 Dakota or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Dakota vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Dakota total complaints
- 1,624
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Dodge Dakota total recalls
- 53
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Dakota avg complaints/year
- 162.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Dakota
- Dodge Dakota top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN