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: The Compass averages 205 complaints per year, with many electrical and engine issues, while the Camry averages 214, with more powertrain and brake problems. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs 83) but also more recalls (31 vs 20). 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, in ownership terms, is a compact SUV that owners report as having frequent and varied issues, especially in the engine and electrical systems. The complaint pattern suggests that while it may be affordable and stylish, it can be unreliable, with problems appearing early in ownership, such as vibrations, hesitation, and sudden electrical failures. Owners also report drivetrain and brake concerns, indicating that the vehicle may require more visits to the shop than expected.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, shows a different reliability picture. While it has a higher total number of complaints, the rate per year is similar, but the nature of the issues is less about catastrophic failures and more about specific components like the powertrain and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, which are serious but less frequent than the electrical gremlins in the Compass. The Camry's complaints also include more crash-related incidents, suggesting that some issues may be related to driver behavior or specific conditions.
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 | 2,050 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 83 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 205.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 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 Compass
- 01ENGINE849
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM844
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER448
- 04POWER TRAIN297
- 05SERVICE BRAKES161
Owners report vibrations, hesitation under acceleration, and intermittent roaring noises, sometimes accompanied by a black navigation screen. These symptoms suggest potential engine management or sensor issues that could affect drivability and safety.
Sudden electrical malfunctions are reported, such as windshield wipers activating on their own and the car losing all power while driving. These are serious safety concerns that could leave the driver stranded or without control.
The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) can fail suddenly at highway speeds, which is a critical drivetrain component. Also, safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking may not work reliably, increasing the risk of accidents.
“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…”
“What component or system failure or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? When I started my vehicle I noticed that my navigation screen was black, and then when I put the vehicle in drive and slowed down to make a turn, the engine sh…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, sometimes requiring transmission replacement. Owners also report sudden acceleration incidents, which are alarming and could lead to crashes.
Engine problems include a coolant valve bypass issue that triggers a maintenance light, and in some cases, uncontrollable sudden acceleration that has led to total loss of the vehicle. These are serious safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, which is extremely dangerous. Other brake-related complaints involve difficulty stopping in parking lots, suggesting potential brake assist or ABS issues.
“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 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 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
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.
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 Compass or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jeep Compass has slightly fewer complaints per year (205.0) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the difference is small. However, the nature of the Compass's issues, particularly electrical failures that can cause sudden power loss, may be more concerning for safety. The Camry's issues, while serious, are more isolated to specific components like the transmission and brakes.
Key differences
- The Compass has a higher proportion of electrical system complaints (844) compared to the Camry (246), indicating more issues with electronics and sensors.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than the Compass (83 and 41), suggesting that Camry incidents may be more severe or frequent in real-world crashes.
- The Compass's engine complaints (849) are more than double the Camry's (315), but the Camry's powertrain complaints (395) are higher than the Compass's (297), pointing to different failure areas.
- The Compass has fewer recalls (20) than the Camry (31), but the Compass's recalls focus on electrical and visibility systems, while the Camry's include airbags and seats.
- Inspect the electrical system thoroughly: test all dashboard lights, wipers, and infotainment screen for intermittent failures.
- Check for any drivetrain noises or vibrations, especially at highway speeds, as the PTU can fail suddenly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test the brakes on a slope to ensure they respond properly.
- Ask about any recalls for the coolant valve bypass and verify if the VIN is included, as some owners report issues not covered by recall.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles on a variety of roads, including hills and highways, to feel for any hesitation, vibrations, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for service records, especially for any repairs related to the known problem areas.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty if buying either vehicle, given the potential for costly repairs.
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 | 3 | 119 |
| 2025 | 24 | 153 |
| 2024 | 52 | 48 |
| 2023 | 45 | 62 |
| 2022 | 220 | 59 |
| 2021 | 77 | 155 |
| 2020 | 138 | 270 |
| 2019 | 327 | 393 |
| 2018 | 936 | 736 |
| 2017 | 228 | 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
- 2,050
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- JEEP Compass total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Compass avg complaints/year
- 205.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Compass
- JEEP Compass top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN