Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Grand 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 Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Grand Cherokee averaged 338 complaints per year and had 99 recalls, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints and 31 recalls. The Grand Cherokee also had 2 deaths and 122 injuries reported, versus 1 death and 158 injuries for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that has averaged about 338 complaints per year over the last decade, with 99 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical and engine problems, including sudden loss of propulsion and hybrid system malfunctions. These issues can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, making it a vehicle that demands careful maintenance and attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a lower complaint rate, averaging about 206 complaints per year over the same period, and only 31 recalls. Reported problems often involve the power train, such as transmission shuddering or key removal issues, and brake system noises. While not trouble-free, the Camry generally presents fewer severe failure patterns than the Grand Cherokee.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,384 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 99 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 338.4 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 122 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,185
- 02ENGINE730
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER700
- 04POWER TRAIN463
- 05SERVICE BRAKES325
Owners report serious malfunctions between hybrid and electric systems, causing loud engine noises and failure of electric modes. These issues can leave the vehicle inoperable and are often tied to warning lights that persist even after refueling.
Complaints include sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds and catastrophic internal engine failures, such as a cylinder knock sensor code. These failures can be dangerous and often require towing and major repairs.
Reports describe hybrid system malfunctions that affect power delivery and cause the engine to make loud noises. Some owners also experience fuel and oil refresh warnings that remain on, indicating potential software or sensor problems.
While less frequent, some owners report brake issues, though specific patterns are not detailed in the sample. Brake problems can compromise stopping ability and should be inspected.
“See attached document for complaint. This letter is to fo rmally notify you of my vehicle's fai lure to conform to the express warranties under the Ill inois Lemon Law, and to demand compensation. The vehicle had a significant defect that was not, and r bel i…”
“There is a serious malfunction between the hybrid and electric systems. The engine is making a loud noise, and neither the hybrid nor electric mode functions properly. In addition, the fuel and oil refresh warning remains on, even after refueling. These issue…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent defects like the ignition key becoming stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety concern in traffic and may indicate electronic throttle issues.
Some owners hear a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. While described as common, it can be unsettling and may require attention if it worsens.
Reports mention multiple system malfunctions, including smart stop, stability control, and lane keeping assistance, all failing simultaneously. Such widespread electrical glitches can affect vehicle safety features.
“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 Grand Cherokee — 99 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the hybrid control processer software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 73C. Veh…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Delayed air bag deployment during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Some owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this rec…
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 Grand Cherokee or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer issues per year (about 206 complaints) compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (about 338 complaints), and far fewer recalls (31 vs. 99). In practice, this means the Camry may require less frequent trips to the shop for major repairs, though both vehicles have their own reported problems.
Key differences
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher annual complaint rate (338 vs. 206) and more than triple the recalls (99 vs. 31).
- Jeep owners frequently report sudden loss of propulsion and hybrid system failures, while Camry complaints often involve transmission shuddering and key removal issues.
- The Grand Cherokee has 2 deaths and 122 injuries reported, compared to 1 death and 158 injuries for the Camry, though these figures are not directly comparable due to different vehicle types and usage.
- Electrical system complaints are the top category for the Grand Cherokee (1185), whereas power train complaints lead for the Camry (385).
- Check for any history of sudden loss of propulsion or engine stalling, especially in hybrid models, and ensure all recalls related to propulsion and electrical systems have been addressed.
- Inspect the hybrid and electric systems for proper function, including mode switching and warning lights, as owners report persistent fuel and oil refresh warnings.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it does not stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues, and verify that all electrical systems (stability control, lane keeping, etc.) function correctly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all outstanding recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned for each model.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, engine response, and any unusual noises or warnings.
- Check for the latest software updates, especially for hybrid and electrical systems in the Jeep and driver-assist features in the Camry.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to identify any recurring issues.
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 Grand Cherokee | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77 | 0 |
| 2025 | 76 | 163 |
| 2024 | 242 | 50 |
| 2023 | 388 | 64 |
| 2022 | 370 | 61 |
| 2021 | 406 | 157 |
| 2020 | 239 | 274 |
| 2019 | 368 | 395 |
| 2018 | 854 | 744 |
| 2017 | 364 | 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 Grand Cherokee or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total complaints
- 3,384
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 99
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 338.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN