Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Gladiator vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Gladiator 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 Gladiator vs Toyota Camry: The Gladiator averages 141.7 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Camry averages 205.6 over 10 years. The Gladiator has 34 recalls and 22 injuries; the Camry has 31 recalls and 158 injuries. Both show serious issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Gladiator or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck that, based on owner complaints, can demand more attention than a typical vehicle. Over 7 years, it has averaged about 142 complaints per year, with steering and electrical issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like power steering pump wiring that can cause fires, and sudden loss of communication across control modules. While it has only 34 recalls, the nature of the complaints suggests a higher likelihood of unexpected repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, despite a higher total number of complaints over 10 years, averages about 206 complaints per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. There are also complaints about multiple safety systems malfunctioning at once. With 31 recalls, the Camry has a similar recall count to the Gladiator but over a longer period.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Gladiator | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 992 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 34 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 141.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Gladiator
- 01STEERING329
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 03POWER TRAIN157
- 04ENGINE130
- 05SUSPENSION106
Owners report power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector failures that can cause high electrical resistance and fire risk, as noted in an active recall. There are also reports of catastrophic CAN bus communication collapse leading to total loss of control module communication.
Complaints include software issues where WiFi remains on after the vehicle is turned off, and the same power steering pump wiring problem that poses a fire risk. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Owners describe erratic acceleration, surging, shuddering, and chugging, as well as complete transfer case and output shaft failures at low mileage. These issues affect drivability and can lead to costly repairs.
There are reports of engine fires under the hood, sometimes resulting in total loss, and instances where the steering wheel becomes firm while warning lights illuminate and temperature rises. These are severe safety concerns.
“-The power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector. The vehicle is subject to active Mopar safety Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) for an un remedied vehicle fire risk caused by high electrical resistance. Yes, the vehicle and affected component…”
“The vehicle suffered a catastrophic, systemic high-speed CAN C data bus loop collapse (Diagnostic Trouble Code U0002-00 "Bus Off"), resulting in an immediate, total loss of communication across almost all primary factory control modules—including the Body Con…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck issues where the key cannot be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Also, hesitation and shuddering with check engine light illumination have been noted.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the accelerator results in several seconds of no movement, and repeated hesitation and shuddering. These can affect acceleration and merging safety.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing and manual release. Additionally, a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is reported, attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple systems such as smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or software vulnerabilities.
“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 Gladiator — 34 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
The risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101…
The risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. 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 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
The risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA…
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 Gladiator or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jeep Gladiator has fewer complaints per year (about 142) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Gladiator's complaints often involve severe safety issues like fires and loss of steering. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes more issues but with fewer immediate life-threatening reports. In practice, the Gladiator may require more urgent attention to critical systems, while the Camry may have more frequent but less catastrophic problems.
Key differences
- The Jeep Gladiator has steering complaints as the top category, including fire risk from power steering pump wiring, while the Toyota Camry's top category is power train with key stuck and hesitation issues.
- The Gladiator has 0 deaths reported in complaints, while the Camry has 1 death, but the Gladiator has 22 injuries versus 158 for the Camry, though these numbers reflect complaint reports only.
- The Gladiator's recalls include steering hydraulic power assist pump and electrical system instrument cluster, while the Camry's recalls include wheels lug nuts and air bag sensor occupant classification.
- Owner complaints for the Gladiator include engine fires and CAN bus collapse, whereas Camry complaints include multiple safety system malfunctions and brake noise.
- Check for any signs of power steering pump wiring harness damage or recall 21D completion, as this can cause fire risk.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for steering noises or warning lights that might indicate CAN bus communication issues.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it does not stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Inspect the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been addressed, especially the Jeep Gladiator's power steering pump recall and the Toyota Camry's air bag sensor recall.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic focusing on the top complaint areas: steering and electrical for the Gladiator, power train and brakes for the Camry.
- Request the vehicle's complete service history to see if recurring issues like transfer case failures or key stuck problems have been repaired.
- During a test drive, simulate various driving conditions: for the Gladiator, check for erratic acceleration and steering firmness; for the Camry, check for delayed throttle response and brake noises.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional complaints or recalls specific to the model year you are considering, as patterns can vary.
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 Gladiator | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 163 |
| 2024 | 23 | 50 |
| 2023 | 56 | 64 |
| 2022 | 120 | 61 |
| 2021 | 292 | 157 |
| 2020 | 483 | 274 |
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 Gladiator or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Gladiator vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Gladiator total complaints
- 992
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- JEEP Gladiator total recalls
- 34
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Gladiator avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Gladiator
- JEEP Gladiator top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN