Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Durango vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Durango 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 Durango vs Toyota Camry: The Durango averages 97 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have serious reported issues, but the Durango has fewer annual complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Durango or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a large SUV that averages about 97 complaints per year over the past decade, with 30 recalls. Owner reports frequently mention electrical gremlins, lighting problems, and transmission shifting issues. Many complaints involve brand-new vehicles with low mileage, suggesting that some problems appear early in ownership.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that averages about 206 complaints per year, with 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, including power train hesitation, brake noise, and multiple electronic system malfunctions. The higher complaint volume may reflect the Camry's larger sales volume, but the variety of reported problems is notable.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Durango | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 973 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 Better | 158 |
| 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 Durango
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING333
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM266
- 03ENGINE128
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER116
- 05POWER TRAIN86
Owners report that the transmission can unexpectedly shift into Neutral while driving, which is a serious safety concern. This issue is often linked to the shifter or lighting system, and some complaints mention that the problem occurs without warning.
Multiple owners describe vehicles that fail to start, with only a clicking sound, even at very low mileage. Others report that the air conditioning stops working shortly after purchase, leading to repeated dealership visits and extended downtime.
Some owners report that the air conditioning fails early, and others mention exhaust issues, such as noticing problems with dual exhaust pipes while parked. These issues can be frustrating and may require multiple repairs.
Complaints include missing spare tires or tire inflation kits, leaving owners stranded, and unresolved front-end noises that dealerships cannot diagnose. These problems add inconvenience and uncertainty for buyers.
“2024 Dodge Durango (SXT Plus, GT Plus, RT trims) Update to my prior complaint regarding a dangerous shifter defect. Defect Description: While driving and pressing the accelerator (no brake, no shifter button pressed), the transmission shifts into Neutral with…”
“I am submitting this complaint regarding recurring safety-related defects on my 2023 Dodge Durango RT. 1.Uconnect Failure: The Uconnect infotainment/communication box has repeatedly failed, causing loss of access to critical vehicle functions. These failures…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report that the ignition key can become stuck and cannot be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light.
Multiple electronic safety systems, such as stability control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist, can malfunction simultaneously. Some owners also report issues with the subframe, driveline, and traction control sensors.
A common complaint is a delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which can feel like the car is not moving for several seconds. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
Owners report that the electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which is attributed to the ABS system and described as common for this model.
“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 Durango — 30 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles equipped with an instrument panel mounted shifter. The shifter may experience an interference with the shifter boot and come out of gear while driving, which can result in a sudden loss of drive power.
The risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel mounted shifter boot, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles. The rear spoiler may not be aligned properly with the roof, possibly resulting in damage to the spoiler during liftgate use.
The risk: A damaged rear spoiler may detach and create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair the spoiler and align the liftgate as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 10, 2026. A second notice will be sent onc…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio d…
The risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall bega…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Dodge Durango vehicles. The Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) fastener may be loose or missing.
The risk: A loose or missing fastener may cause the side curtain air bag to deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were sent on May 7, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y16.
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 Durango or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Durango has fewer complaints per year (about 97) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry has a slightly higher number of recalls (31 vs. 30). In practice, the Durango's lower complaint rate may mean fewer individual owner issues, but the Camry's higher volume could be due to more vehicles on the road. Both have serious reported problems, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Dodge Durango has about half the annual complaints of the Toyota Camry, but both have similar recall counts.
- Durango owners frequently report transmission shifting into Neutral and electrical starting problems, while Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake noise.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 38) and injuries (158 vs. 37), though these numbers may reflect sales volume.
- Durango complaints often involve low-mileage vehicles with early failures, whereas Camry complaints cover a broader range of systems including brakes and advanced driver aids.
- Check for transmission shifting issues, especially any unexpected shift into Neutral while driving; test drive at various speeds and listen for unusual noises.
- Inspect the electrical system thoroughly: ensure the vehicle starts reliably, test all infotainment functions, and verify the air conditioning works consistently.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could indicate a power train defect requiring battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly; these are common reported issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway merging, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to feel for hesitation or shifting problems.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, transmission, and brakes, focusing on the specific complaints reported for each model.
- Verify that all safety systems (blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, stability control) function correctly during the test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any previous repairs related to the reported issues were properly completed.
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 Durango | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 0 |
| 2025 | 8 | 163 |
| 2024 | 14 | 50 |
| 2023 | 37 | 64 |
| 2022 | 58 | 61 |
| 2021 | 202 | 157 |
| 2020 | 55 | 274 |
| 2019 | 142 | 395 |
| 2018 | 232 | 744 |
| 2017 | 212 | 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 Durango or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Durango vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Durango total complaints
- 973
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Dodge Durango total recalls
- 30
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Durango avg complaints/year
- 97.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Durango top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN