Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Compass vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Compass 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 Compass vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Compass averaged 113 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Compass has more electrical and power train complaints that can cause sudden power loss, whereas the Camry's issues often involve stuck keys and brake noises. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Compass or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over 10 years, it has averaged 113 complaints per year, with electrical and engine issues dominating. Owners report sudden power loss, hesitation, and drivetrain failures, which can leave you stranded. While it has fewer total complaints than the Camry, the frequency relative to its likely lower sales volume suggests a higher rate of problems per vehicle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a reputation for reliability, but NHTSA data shows it's not immune to issues. It averages 205.6 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake problems being common. Owners describe stuck ignition keys, hesitation, and brake noises. Despite more complaints overall, the Camry's higher sales volume means the per-vehicle complaint rate may be lower than the Compass.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Compass | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,130 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 55 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 113.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 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.
JEEP Compass
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 02ENGINE381
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER258
- 04POWER TRAIN148
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE109
Owners report intermittent roaring noises, hesitation, and sudden power loss while driving. The electrical gremlins can cause the car to shut off completely, which is dangerous. Recalls for instrument cluster and camera systems add to the frustration.
Complaints include vibration and hesitation under acceleration, often noticed shortly after purchase. Some owners describe a roaring noise that develops over time. These symptoms can indicate deeper mechanical issues that may be costly to fix.
The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) can fail suddenly at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle unable to transfer power. This is a critical drivetrain component that can cause a loss of propulsion. Additionally, safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking may malfunction.
Owners report that safety systems such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking often don't work as intended. The lane departure icon may stay unlit when veering out of lane, and automatic braking may not engage. These failures undermine confidence in the car's safety tech.
“The vehicle was purchased in Dec of 2023. It had a slight vibration and hesitation under acceleration a few miles after leaving the dealership, just assumed everything needed to “break in”. About a month later, we had noticed an intermittent roaring noise com…”
“To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and sa…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park. Another common issue is hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light. These problems can leave you unable to start or drive the car reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. Hesitation and shuddering are also reported, pointing to potential engine management issues.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. While not always a safety risk, these issues are annoying and can be expensive to diagnose.
Multiple systems can malfunction at once, including smart stop, vehicle stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. One owner reported all these failing simultaneously, which could make the car unsafe to drive. Such widespread electrical failures are a major concern.
“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.
JEEP Compass — 20 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness level of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) may not be adjustable due to incorrect software in the body control module (BCM). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: An IPC display that is not bright enough may not clearly show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rear…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, L…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
The risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front seat head restraints were not welded properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk: Improperly welded head restraints can result in an increased risk of injury to seat occupants during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat head restraints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z36.
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
JEEP Compass or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jeep Compass has fewer complaints per year (113 vs. 205.6), but its lower sales volume likely means a higher complaint rate per vehicle. The Camry's issues, while more numerous, are on a much more popular car, so the chance of experiencing a problem may be lower. In practice, the Compass seems more prone to severe, sudden failures like power loss, while the Camry's problems are often annoying but less likely to leave you stranded.
Key differences
- The Compass has a higher proportion of electrical and power train complaints that can cause sudden power loss, while the Camry's power train issues often involve stuck keys or hesitation.
- Camry owners report brake problems like EPB failure and ABS noise, whereas Compass owners rarely mention brakes but frequently cite forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- The Compass has recalls for instrument cluster and camera systems, while the Camry has recalls for wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Overall, the Camry has more complaints per year but likely sells in much higher numbers, so the per-vehicle complaint rate may be lower than the Compass.
- During a test drive, listen for intermittent roaring noises and feel for hesitation under acceleration, especially at highway speeds. These could indicate electrical or engine issues.
- Check that all safety features work: lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision alerts. Malfunctions are commonly reported.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it doesn't get stuck. Also, check for delayed throttle response when pressing the gas pedal from a stop.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and ensure the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific trouble areas: electrical and power train for the Compass, and power train and brakes for the Camry.
- During the test drive, simulate various driving conditions: highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and parking maneuvers to check for hesitation, noises, and brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and verify that any recall repairs have been completed.
- For the Compass, test all electronic features including infotainment, cameras, and safety systems. For the Camry, test the key removal and electronic parking brake multiple times.
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 Compass | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025 | 26 | 163 |
| 2024 | 52 | 50 |
| 2023 | 46 | 64 |
| 2022 | 222 | 61 |
| 2021 | 80 | 157 |
| 2020 | 141 | 274 |
| 2019 | 329 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 229 | 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 Compass or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Compass vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Compass total complaints
- 1,130
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- JEEP Compass total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Compass avg complaints/year
- 113.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Compass
- JEEP Compass top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN