Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Hornet vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Hornet 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 Hornet vs Toyota Camry: The Hornet has 50 complaints over 3 years (about 17 per year) and 15 recalls, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (about 214 per year) and 31 recalls. The Hornet reports 0 injuries, the Camry 163 injuries and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Hornet or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet is a compact SUV that has been on the road for about three years. In that time, owners have filed 50 complaints, averaging about 17 per year, with electrical system and forward collision avoidance issues being the most common. There have been 15 recalls, including for backover prevention and seat belt problems. While the number of complaints is relatively low, the types of problems reported—like steering failure and unintended braking—can be serious and frustrating for a new owner.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a long history and a large number of owners. Over ten years, it has accumulated 2,143 complaints, averaging about 214 per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues leading the list. There have been 31 recalls, and complaints include crashes, injuries, and one death. While many Camrys run reliably, the volume of complaints suggests that some owners experience significant problems, especially with transmissions and sudden acceleration.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Hornet | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 50 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| 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 Hornet
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION6
- 05SERVICE BRAKES6
Owners report sudden steering failure and multiple dashboard warnings like 'Service Power steering' and 'Drive mode unavailable.' These electrical glitches can leave you without power steering, making the car hard to control, and often require dealer visits.
The advanced safety sensors sometimes malfunction, causing warning lights or the car to slam on the brakes unexpectedly. This can happen even when nothing is in front of you, creating a risk of being rear-ended or losing control.
Complaints include brake pedal failure while reversing, leading to unintended rolling, and recalls for camera and warning systems. A backup camera or sensor that doesn't work can increase the chance of hitting a person or object behind you.
Some owners report the brake pedal being depressed but the vehicle failing to stop as intended, especially at low speeds. This can result in the car rolling forward or backward unexpectedly, which is dangerous in parking lots or traffic.
“Date: April 1, 2026 Subject: FINAL NOTICE: Repeated Safety Failures and Demand for Buyback – 2024 Dodge Hornet (VIN: [XXX] ) To [XXX] Autoland, Management and Stellantis Customer Care, I am writing to formally document a persistent and life-threatening safe…”
“We Purchased the Dodge Hornet GT on 04/17/2024 drove it home and parked it. My Husband tried to drive it on 04/18/2024 and the steering failed and the dash board lit up with: Service Power steering, Drive mode unavailable, Park sense disabled, Service Engine,…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission and sudden acceleration, sometimes leading to crashes. Transmission replacement is sometimes needed, and parts can be on backorder, leaving you without your car for weeks.
Reports include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve issues that trigger warning lights. These problems can cause loss of control or engine damage, and some owners say their VIN isn't covered by recalls for the same issue.
Some drivers experience no response from the brake pedal, such as when going down a hill or slowing in a parking lot. This can lead to a crash if you can't stop the car, and it's a serious safety concern.
Complaints include air conditioning malfunctions and persistent mildew odors from the vents. While not always safety-related, these issues can be costly to fix and make the car unpleasant to drive.
“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 Hornet — 15 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly, which can overheat the electrical connections and result in a fi…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and tighten the cable connections as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The pedestrian alert siren may be missing or disconnected and fail to alert pedestrians when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of F…
The risk: Failure to alert pedestrians when backing up increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear pedestrian siren connection and, if necessary, secure and/or replace the connector or siren, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer se…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label is incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tir…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will add an overlay label to the tire placard information, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this reca…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles. The display module may not show the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software or replace the display as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 13, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this r…
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 Hornet or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Hornet has far fewer complaints per year (about 17) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Hornet's issues often involve electrical and safety systems that can be disabling. The Camry's higher volume means more owners report problems, including serious ones like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the Hornet may have fewer overall complaints, but the Camry's issues are more widespread and sometimes more severe.
Key differences
- The Dodge Hornet has 50 complaints over 3 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 over 10 years, but the Hornet's complaints often involve electrical and forward collision avoidance failures that can happen suddenly.
- The Camry has 163 injuries and 1 death reported in complaints, whereas the Hornet has 0 injuries and 0 deaths, though the Hornet's issues like steering failure could also be dangerous.
- The Hornet has 15 recalls in 3 years, including for backover prevention and seat belts, while the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, covering air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Camry owners frequently report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, while Hornet owners report steering failure and unintended braking, showing different but serious safety concerns.
- Check for any signs of electrical problems: test the power steering, ensure all dashboard warnings are off, and verify that the forward collision avoidance system doesn't randomly brake.
- Inspect the backup camera and sensors, and confirm that all recalls (especially for backover prevention) have been performed, as parts may have been unavailable.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test drive at various speeds; also check for any delay or hesitation in acceleration.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills or in parking lots, and look for any signs of sudden acceleration or unintended movement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including power steering and advanced safety features, on the Hornet.
- For the Camry, have the transmission and brakes inspected by a specialist, and test drive to replicate grinding or sudden acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes a road test on various road types to uncover intermittent 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 Hornet | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 22 | 48 |
| 2023 | 26 | 62 |
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 Hornet or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Hornet vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Hornet total complaints
- 50
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Dodge Hornet total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Hornet avg complaints/year
- 16.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Hornet
- Dodge Hornet top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN