Head-to-head reliability
Dodge RAM vs Toyota Camry
How the Dodge RAM 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 RAM vs Toyota Camry: The RAM has over 10,000 complaints in 10 years, including airbag failures and steering loss, while the Camry has about 2,100, with transmission and brake issues. The Camry averages 214 complaints per year versus 1,013 for the RAM. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge RAM or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge RAM
The Dodge RAM, particularly the 2007 model, shows a high volume of complaints over the past decade, averaging over 1,000 per year. Owners report serious issues like airbag non-deployment in crashes, sudden loss of power steering, and a dangerous 'death wobble' affecting steering control. These patterns suggest that while the truck may be capable, it demands vigilance from owners regarding safety-critical systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with about 214 complaints per year, presents a more moderate reliability picture. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, but these are less frequent. The Camry also has a notable issue with HVAC odors, which, while not safety-critical, affects comfort. Overall, the Camry shows fewer and less severe complaints compared to the RAM.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge RAM | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10,128 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 690 | 181 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1012.8 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 547 | 163 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 21 | 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 RAM
- 01AIR BAGS2,203
- 02STEERING1,978
- 03POWER TRAIN1,924
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,061
- 05SUSPENSION996
Owners report airbags failing to deploy in head-on collisions, and in one case, smoke and flames from under the dashboard. This suggests potential issues with the airbag system's sensors or deployment mechanism, which is critical for crash protection.
Complaints include sudden loss of power steering and a 'death wobble' that causes violent shaking, making the vehicle hard to control. These issues point to problems with the steering linkage or suspension components, posing a significant safety risk.
The driveshaft can pop out and seize the rear wheels, and the vehicle may fail to accelerate or reverse. These transmission and driveline failures can leave owners stranded and are costly to repair.
The vehicle may stall or lose power while driving, and there are reports of electrical issues causing the battery to drain quickly. These problems can lead to unexpected breakdowns and may be difficult to diagnose.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE D…”
“I was in a head on accident going approximately 40 mph. I was wearing my seatbelt. A Chevy Trailblazer Crossed the centerline and hit me head on at approximately 40 mph. The airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt also did not restrain. As a result I hit the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises and the need for full replacement. Some owners also report sudden acceleration, which is a serious safety concern, though it may be related to engine or electronic throttle control.
Engine problems include sudden acceleration and a specific coolant valve bypass issue that triggers a maintenance light. These can affect drivability and may lead to engine damage if not addressed.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal not responding when pressed, especially on slopes. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
Electrical issues are less frequent but include problems with the air conditioning condenser being easily damaged and HVAC odors. These affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
“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 RAM — 46 recalls
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 DODGE RAM TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2009 THROUGH OCTOBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE AND A HYDROBOOST BRAKE SYSTEM MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP WITH EXCESSIVE VENT PRESSURE LEVELS THAT MAY RESULT IN B…
The risk: BRAKE LIGHTS THAT ARE SLOW TO EXTINGUISH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM D2, DJ, AND DS-BODY VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." SOME VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH CERTIFICATION AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABELS PRINTED WITH INCORRECT WEIGHT OR SEATI…
The risk: THE MISINFORMATION ON THESE LABELS COULD LEAD TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS THAT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATION AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION LABELS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, THEY MAY TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A CHRYSLER DEALER FOR INSTALLATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE O…
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEER…
The risk: LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 DODGE RAM 4500 AND 5500 VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WEAKENING AND FRACTURE OF THE LEFT BALL STUD ON THE TIE ROD RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF STEERING.
The risk: LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 RAM or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has significantly fewer complaints per year (214 vs. 1013) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 46). While both have safety concerns, the Camry's issues are less frequent and generally less severe, making it a more reliable choice for most buyers.
Key differences
- The RAM has a much higher rate of airbag non-deployment and steering loss, which are critical safety issues.
- The Camry's transmission and brake problems, while serious, are less frequent than the RAM's driveline and electrical failures.
- The RAM's 'death wobble' is a unique and dangerous steering issue not reported in the Camry.
- The Camry has a notable but non-safety issue with HVAC odors, which is absent in the RAM.
- Inspect the steering and suspension for signs of the 'death wobble,' such as worn tie rods or steering dampers.
- Check the airbag system for any warning lights and ensure all recalls are performed, as non-deployment is a common complaint.
- Test the brakes on a slope to ensure they respond properly, as brake failure has been reported.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, which may indicate the need for replacement.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they've been fixed.
- For the RAM, have a mechanic inspect the steering linkage and suspension for wear.
- For the Camry, test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for the RAM's electrical system and the Camry's brakes.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic for both vehicles.
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 RAM or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge RAM vs Toyota Camry
- Dodge RAM total complaints
- 10,128
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Dodge RAM total recalls
- 46
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Dodge RAM avg complaints/year
- 1012.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Dodge RAM top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN