Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Cherokee vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Cherokee 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
JEEP Cherokee vs Toyota Camry: The Cherokee averages 733 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Camry averages 214. The Cherokee has 58 recalls, the Camry 31. Owners report serious powertrain and electrical issues in the Cherokee, whereas Camry issues are less frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Cherokee or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee, in ownership terms, is a compact SUV that has generated a high volume of complaints over the past decade, averaging over 700 per year. The pattern suggests that owners frequently encounter issues with the powertrain, engine, and electrical systems, which can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Living with a Cherokee may involve dealing with sudden power loss, transmission jolts, and electrical gremlins that affect drivability and safety.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a much lower complaint rate, averaging about 214 per year. While it still has issues, they are less frequent and often relate to specific components like the powertrain, brakes, and engine. Owners report problems such as transmission noise, brake failure, and engine codes, but these are less pervasive than in the Cherokee. Overall, the Camry appears to be a more reliable choice for a used vehicle.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Cherokee | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,328 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 58 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 180 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 732.8 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 153 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.
JEEP Cherokee
- 01POWER TRAIN3,635
- 02ENGINE1,617
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,556
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,403
- 05SERVICE BRAKES463
Owners report sudden jolts when accelerating, transmission slipping, and even rolling backward on inclines. Some describe a hard jolt that feels like being rear-ended, indicating potential transmission or drivetrain failures that can be dangerous.
Complaints include significant fuel economy drops, excessive soot from the exhaust, and engine warning lights. These symptoms point to possible engine management or emission control issues that could lead to poor performance and increased emissions.
The vehicle may suddenly stop while driving, accompanied by alarms and flashing lights, or the battery may drain after short periods of inactivity. These electrical problems can cause unexpected stalls and leave owners stranded.
“on May 3 at approx. 4:00 pm I was sitting at a stop light and when it turned green I started to accelerate the jolt was so hard that I thought the car behind me had hit me.When I went to go again it started rolling backwards and I applied the brakes.I could n…”
“On [XXX], we were traveling from Seattle to Portland on [XXX] in my 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the cruise control set at around 75 mph. Suddenly the emergency collision braking system applied and all of the lights on my vehicle lit up. While the brakin…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. This indicates potential transmission defects that can be costly to fix.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration, which is a serious safety concern. Additionally, some owners see engine maintenance lights due to a coolant valve bypass issue, which may not be covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, and also unintended braking when parking. These brake issues can lead to accidents and are critical to address.
“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.
JEEP Cherokee — 58 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact F…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equ…
The risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
The risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 29D. Vehicle Id…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact F…
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
JEEP Cherokee or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has significantly fewer complaints per year (214 vs. 733) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 58), indicating a more reliable used vehicle. In practice, this means Camry owners are less likely to face major repairs and safety-related failures, making it a more dependable choice for a first-time buyer.
Key differences
- The Cherokee has over three times more complaints per year than the Camry, indicating a higher rate of reported problems.
- Cherokee owners report dangerous powertrain issues like sudden jolts and rolling backward, while Camry owners report transmission noise and unintended acceleration.
- Electrical system failures are prominent in the Cherokee, causing sudden stops and battery drain, whereas the Camry's electrical issues are less frequent.
- The Camry has fewer recalls (31 vs. 58), suggesting fewer systemic defects.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping, jolting, or unusual noises, as powertrain complaints are the most common.
- Check the electrical system for any warning lights, battery condition, and ensure the car doesn't stall during a test drive.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles on varied roads, including hills and highways, to assess acceleration and braking.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if any major components have been replaced.
- Research common issues for the specific model year you are considering.
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 | JEEP Cherokee | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| 2023 | 3 | 62 |
| 2022 | 48 | 59 |
| 2021 | 155 | 155 |
| 2020 | 288 | 270 |
| 2019 | 1625 | 393 |
| 2018 | 683 | 736 |
| 2017 | 1332 | 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 JEEP Cherokee or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Cherokee vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Cherokee total complaints
- 7,328
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- JEEP Cherokee total recalls
- 58
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 732.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- JEEP Cherokee top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN