Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Patriot vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Patriot 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 Patriot vs Toyota Camry: The Patriot averages 264 complaints per year, with engine and transmission failures common, while the Camry averages 214, with fewer severe issues. The Patriot has 6 deaths reported, the Camry 1. For reliability, the Camry is the safer bet. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Patriot or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Patriot
The Jeep Patriot, a compact SUV, shows a high complaint rate of 264 per year, with engine and powertrain issues dominating. Owners report sudden jerking, acceleration, and loss of power, often linked to sensor failures and transmission problems. Electrical gremlins and air bag concerns add to the ownership burden, making it a vehicle that demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a lower complaint rate of 214 per year, but still shows notable powertrain and brake issues. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failures, though these are less frequent than the Patriot's engine woes. Electrical and HVAC complaints are also present, but the overall pattern suggests a more reliable, though not trouble-free, vehicle.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Patriot | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,640 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 123 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 264.0 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 128 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 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 Patriot
- 01ENGINE763
- 02POWER TRAIN420
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM400
- 04AIR BAGS380
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER320
Owners report sudden jerking, acceleration, and stalling, often accompanied by multiple warning lights. Some have experienced complete engine failure, requiring replacement, even at low mileage.
Transmission issues are common, including whining noises, loss of power, and deceleration at highway speeds. Some owners describe the vehicle becoming unsafe due to sudden jolts.
Persistent electrical problems cause warning lights to illuminate, leading to drivability issues. Owners report intermittent failures that are difficult to diagnose and fix.
There are reports of air bag components deploying unexpectedly, causing injuries, and concerns about proper deployment in crashes. This raises safety questions.
“On 10/27/2020, I financed a Jeep Patriot with 43K miles from Quality Chevrolet. Exactly 6 days later 11/02/2020, while I was on the way home from work in the evening; three sensor lights came on causing the vehicle to jolt / jerk / accelerate and become unsaf…”
“I BOUGHT A 2017 JEEP PATRIOT IN FEB 2017 FROM LEE AUTO MALL IN APRIL 2018 THE MOTOR BLEW WITH 48,000 MILES ON IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING OUT OF WORK ON A CITY STREET. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER THE MANUFACTURE WARRANTY APRIL 2018. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN J…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission grinding noises and the need for replacement are reported, especially in newer models. Some owners experience sudden acceleration or hesitation, which can be alarming.
Engine issues include sudden acceleration incidents and coolant valve problems that trigger warning lights. Some owners report engine stalling or loss of power.
Brake failures are reported, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, leading to dangerous situations. Some incidents involve slow-speed parking lot maneuvers.
Electrical problems manifest as HVAC odors and sensor malfunctions, but are less severe than the Patriot's issues. Owners report persistent smells and occasional warning lights.
“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 Patriot — 16 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly r…
The risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
The defect: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or sid…
The risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased r…
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
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 Patriot or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214 vs 264) and its issues, while serious, are less frequent and less catastrophic than the Patriot's engine and transmission failures. In practice, the Camry is likely to be more reliable and cheaper to maintain over time.
Key differences
- The Patriot has more engine complaints (763) than the Camry has total complaints in its top category (395), indicating a higher rate of serious powertrain issues.
- Patriot owners report engine blowouts and transmission failures at highway speeds, while Camry issues are more varied but less frequent.
- Air bag problems are more prominent in the Patriot, with reports of unexpected deployment, while Camry has fewer air bag complaints.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) but they are often for minor issues like labels, while the Patriot's recalls include engine and air bag concerns.
- Check for any history of engine replacement or major engine work, as owners report engine failure at low mileage.
- Inspect the transmission for whining noises or delayed engagement, and test drive at highway speeds to check for loss of power.
- Ask about transmission condition and any grinding noises, especially in 2021 models with known issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
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 engine and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles under varied conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic.
- Check for any warning lights and ensure they are off after a test drive.
- 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 Patriot | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 59 | 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 Patriot or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Patriot vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Patriot total complaints
- 2,640
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- JEEP Patriot total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Patriot avg complaints/year
- 264.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- JEEP Patriot top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN