Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Journey vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge Journey 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 Journey vs Toyota Camry: The Journey averaged 195.4 complaints per year with 27 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have similar complaint rates, but the Journey has more electrical issues and the Camry more power train problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Journey or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 195 complaints per year over a decade, with 27 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical problems, especially backup camera failures, and engine issues like faulty coil packs. These recurring faults suggest that living with a Journey may involve ongoing repairs, particularly to electronics and ignition systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a similar complaint rate of about 206 per year and 31 recalls. However, its complaints cluster around power train and engine drivability issues, such as hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. Brake system noises and electronic parking brake failures are also noted, indicating a different set of ownership concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Journey | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,954 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 101 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 195.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 125 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 Journey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM482
- 02ENGINE436
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER328
- 04SERVICE BRAKES299
- 05POWER TRAIN260
Owners report the rearview camera intermittently fails or stays off, sometimes requiring replacement. This can hinder visibility when reversing, and a recall was issued for the camera on some models.
Complaints describe faulty coil packs and spark plugs causing engine misfires and performance issues. Multiple repair attempts may be needed, leading to frustration and potential breakdowns.
Brake-related complaints are common, though specific symptoms vary. Buyers should be aware that brake issues could arise, affecting stopping reliability.
Power train complaints exist but are less frequent than electrical or engine issues. Problems may involve transmission or drivability, requiring diagnostic attention.
“Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Issue: Rearview Camera Failure / Malfunction I am reporting an ongoing issue with the factory-installed backup camera in my 2019 Dodge Journey. The camera has been malfunctioning for several years. The camera intermittently display…”
“The rear backup camera will fail often and stay off without any warning I was just pulling into my garage and it stopped halfway. This type of equipment failure seems to be a big issue because if I am around my kids at school or really anywhere where I use my…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, causing a several-second lag before the car moves. This can be a safety concern when merging or pulling out.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing and switch replacement. Some owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple electronic systems, such as stability control and lane keeping, can malfunction simultaneously. This may affect driver assistance features and overall vehicle stability.
“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 Journey — 27 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticip…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed beginning September 30, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticip…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflec…
The risk: A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.
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 Journey or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Dodge Journey has slightly fewer complaints per year (195.4 vs. 205.6) and fewer recalls (27 vs. 31), but the difference is small. In practice, both vehicles have similar overall complaint rates, though the types of problems differ: the Journey leans toward electrical and engine faults, while the Camry has more power train and brake issues.
Key differences
- The Dodge Journey has more electrical system complaints, especially backup camera failures, while the Toyota Camry has more power train complaints like stuck keys and hesitation.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (171 vs. 101) and injuries (158 vs. 125), though these are raw counts and not rates.
- The Journey has 0 reported deaths in the data, while the Camry has 1, but this single difference should not be overinterpreted.
- Both vehicles have similar complaint volumes, but the Journey's issues often involve engine misfires, whereas the Camry's involve drivability and brake noises.
- Test the backup camera thoroughly; ensure it activates reliably in reverse and check for any recall repairs.
- Listen for engine misfires or rough idling, which could indicate faulty coil packs or spark plugs needing replacement.
- Check that the ignition key can be easily removed when the car is in Park; if it sticks, it may require costly repairs.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Journey's backup camera and the Camry's seat and air bag recalls.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting and engine response; note any hesitation or shuddering in the Camry.
- For the Journey, test all electrical components, including the rearview camera, lights, and infotainment system.
- For the Camry, verify that the key can be removed easily and that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages without issue.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brake systems for both models.
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 Journey | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 65 | 274 |
| 2019 | 101 | 395 |
| 2018 | 234 | 744 |
| 2017 | 197 | 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 Journey or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Journey vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge Journey total complaints
- 1,954
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Dodge Journey total recalls
- 27
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge Journey avg complaints/year
- 195.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Journey
- Dodge Journey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN