Head-to-head reliability
Dodge DART vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge DART 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 DART vs Toyota Camry: The Dart has 2,314 complaints over 4 years (579/year) and 16 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214/year) and 31 recalls. The Dart's higher annual complaint rate suggests more frequent issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge DART or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge DART
The Dodge Dart is a compact car that demands more attention than average, with 2,314 complaints over four years—about 579 per year. Owners frequently report power train, engine, brake, and electrical problems, and many complaints involve recalls with no fix available for months. This pattern suggests living with a Dart means staying on top of open recalls and expecting more frequent shop visits.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a lower complaint rate: 2,143 complaints over ten years, or about 214 per year. However, owners still report serious issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure, plus airbag and seat recalls. While less frequent, some problems can be severe, so a thorough inspection is still essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge DART | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,314 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 131 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 578.5 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 85 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 DART
- 01POWER TRAIN906
- 02ENGINE483
- 03SERVICE BRAKES446
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM423
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
Owners report transmission shift cable failures that can cause a loss of PARK function, leading to rollaway risk. Many complaints mention recalls with no remedy available for months, leaving drivers with an unresolved safety defect.
Complaints include unexpected electrical motor noises under the hood after parking and engine-related recall issues. These can indicate electrical or cooling system faults that may lead to breakdowns or costly repairs.
Owners describe brake calipers coming off completely and cars shutting down while driving. Such failures can severely compromise stopping ability and increase crash risk.
Reports include batteries dying, requiring jump starts, and electrical system problems around 105,000 miles. These issues can leave a driver stranded and often require dealer diagnostics and repairs.
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of ti…”
“I am requesting assistance regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2016 Dodge Dart GT. In October 2025, a recall was issued for the transmission shift cable. My vehicle is included in the affected population, and I had been experiencing issues with…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission replacement is needed. Some note that transmissions are on backorder, meaning lengthy waits for repairs.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that led to a crash, and coolant bypass valve failures (code P268115) that some owners say should be covered by recall but are not for their VIN. These can be dangerous and expensive.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill with curves, requiring emergency action. Another described needing extra brake force in a parking lot, suggesting inconsistent brake performance.
Owners report AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These are comfort and potential mold issues that may require repeated repairs.
“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 DART — 16 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 6-speed automatic transmissions. The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the shift cable to detach from the transmission.
The risk: If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver. Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of…
The fix: This recall will be replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V674. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable b…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may…
The risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured April 13, 2015, to June 7, 2016. Due to voltage spikes caused by a problem within the windshield washer pump, the windshield wiper circuit may fail.
The risk: Without functioning windshield wipers, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield washer pumps, free of charge. The recall began on December 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Dart vehicles manufactured July 25, 2015, to December 16, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a manual transmission. Additionally included are certain 2015 Dodge Dart vehicles similarly equipped and brought in for dealer service…
The risk: Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Engine Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall…
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 DART or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 214 vs. 579 for the Dodge Dart), suggesting better overall reliability. However, the Camry still has serious reported issues like sudden acceleration and brake failure, so neither car is trouble-free. In practice, a Camry may need fewer repair visits, but both require careful inspection and recall checks.
Key differences
- The Dodge Dart averages 579 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 214 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the Dart.
- Dart owners frequently report transmission shift cable failures causing loss of PARK, while Camry owners report transmission grinding noises requiring replacement.
- Dart complaints often involve recalls with no available fix, whereas Camry complaints include sudden acceleration and brake failure but fewer recall delays.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 16) but over a longer period (10 years vs. 4 years), so the annual recall rate is similar.
- Check for open recall 25V674000 (power train) and confirm the transmission shift cable has been replaced or inspected; ask for proof of remedy.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any signs of caliper issues or unusual noises, and check for electrical problems like battery drain or warning lights.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope or in a parking lot to ensure consistent response, and check for any sudden acceleration symptoms during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both the Dodge Dart and Toyota Camry, and confirm all recall repairs are completed.
- Take the car to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the transmission or engine, and test brakes at low and higher speeds.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- For the Camry, check the air conditioning system for odors or damage, and for the Dart, check for battery and electrical issues.
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 DART or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge DART vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge DART total complaints
- 2,314
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Dodge DART total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge DART avg complaints/year
- 578.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Dodge DART top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN