Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Grand Caravan vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Grand Caravan 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 Grand Caravan vs Toyota Camry: The Grand Caravan averages 254.8 complaints per year and 27 recalls, with frequent sliding-door and electrical failures. The Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year and 31 recalls, often citing power train and brake issues. Both have 1 death reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Grand Caravan or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan that owners often rely on for family hauling, but NHTSA data shows a high volume of complaints—254.8 per year on average—with electrical and structural issues frequently reported. Many complaints center on automatic sliding doors that fail to open or unlock, sometimes trapping children inside, and on power loss or steering problems while driving. With 27 recalls and 93 injuries reported over a decade, a used Grand Caravan demands careful inspection of doors, wiring, and transmission.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a lower complaint rate—205.6 per year—but still notable issues in the power train and engine. Owners report intermittent problems like a stuck ignition key, delayed acceleration, and shuddering with check engine lights, often requiring dealer diagnosis. Brake issues such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage and ABS noise also appear. With 31 recalls and 158 injuries, the Camry is not trouble-free, but its complaints are more often drivability annoyances than safety-critical door failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Grand Caravan | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,548 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 74 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 254.8 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 93 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 Grand Caravan
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM766
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER513
- 03STRUCTURE435
- 04POWER TRAIN427
- 05ENGINE318
Owners report automatic sliding doors that won't unlock or open by any method, and instances of the vehicle losing power and swaying while driving. These failures can trap children and compromise control, making electrical checks critical.
Complaints include the same sliding door failures and a case where a front driver's headrest exploded outward. Structural issues like these affect safety and daily usability, especially for families.
One owner experienced a catastrophic transmission failure at 86,000 miles, requiring a tow. Another reported the fuel door opening on its own after refueling. Transmission health is a key concern for high-mileage vans.
While fewer complaints appear here, engine issues can include stalling or power loss as noted in electrical complaints. Buyers should check for rough running or warning lights.
“Automatic sliding doors will not unlock or open at all- not manually, not with the inside door buttons, not with my key fob, and not with the automatic buttons on the front ceiling of the van. I have 3 young children all 5 and under. This is an EXTREMELY dang…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to steer as intended, with the front of the vehicle swaying. The ve…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an ignition key that gets stuck and can't be removed unless the battery is disconnected, plus hesitation and shuddering with check engine lights. These can leave you stranded or require costly repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the ABS system. Brake problems affect safety and can be expensive to fix.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic vulnerabilities that may be hard to diagnose.
“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 Grand Caravan — 27 recalls
The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…
The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The welds on the outboard rear seat strikers for the second row bench and second row bucket seats may fail during a front impact crash. The front outboard seat strikers for the third row bench seats may fail in the event…
The risk: If the seat strikers fail, the seat or seat belt may not adequately restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a striker reinforcement bracket on the second and third row outboard seat strikers, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
The defect: Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9…
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 Grand Caravan or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (205.6 vs. 254.8) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 27, though the Grand Caravan has slightly more recalls per year). In practice, the Camry's issues tend to be drivability and brake problems, while the Grand Caravan's often involve doors that won't open or power loss, which can be more immediately hazardous for families.
Key differences
- The Grand Caravan has more complaints per year (254.8) than the Camry (205.6), with electrical and structural issues often involving sliding doors that fail to open or unlock.
- Camry complaints frequently involve power train and engine problems like stuck ignition keys and delayed acceleration, which are drivability concerns rather than entrapment risks.
- The Grand Caravan has 27 recalls and 93 injuries reported, while the Camry has 31 recalls and 158 injuries, showing both have safety-related recalls but different failure patterns.
- Owner reports for the Grand Caravan include catastrophic transmission failure at 86,000 miles, while Camry owners report electronic parking brake failures requiring tows.
- Test every automatic sliding door multiple times—from the fob, inside buttons, and manually—to ensure they unlock and open reliably, as failures are a top complaint.
- Check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or any history of transmission repairs, especially around 80,000–90,000 miles, and scan for stored codes.
- Try removing the ignition key in various positions and after driving; if it sticks, it may need a costly repair.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that could indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints: for the Grand Caravan, focus on sliding doors, wiring, and transmission; for the Camry, focus on ignition, throttle response, and brakes.
- During a test drive, simulate family use: for the Grand Caravan, operate all doors and seats; for the Camry, test acceleration from a stop and brake feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs, and be wary of recently cleared codes.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealer or independent shop familiar with the model's common issues.
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 Grand Caravan | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 20 | 274 |
| 2019 | 46 | 395 |
| 2018 | 270 | 744 |
| 2017 | 414 | 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 Grand Caravan or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Grand Caravan vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Grand Caravan total complaints
- 2,548
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Dodge Grand Caravan total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Grand Caravan avg complaints/year
- 254.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Dodge Grand Caravan top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN