Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Renegade vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Renegade 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 Renegade vs Toyota Camry: The Renegade averages 244 complaints per year, with engine and electrical issues dominating, while the Camry averages 214, with powertrain and brake problems. Both have recalls, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Renegade or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that, in ownership terms, has a higher-than-average complaint rate, with engine and electrical issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe sudden, jarring events like loud bangs from underneath during acceleration or deceleration, as well as hesitation and shuddering, which can be unsettling and potentially dangerous. Electrical gremlins, such as false LaneSense warnings and headlight failures, add to the sense of unpredictability. While not all vehicles will experience these problems, the pattern suggests a need for careful inspection and a willingness to address intermittent issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, while having a slightly lower complaint rate per year, still shows significant issues, particularly in the powertrain and brakes. Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sudden unintended acceleration, and brake failures, which are serious safety concerns. There are also complaints about air conditioning odors and condenser damage, which are more nuisance than safety. The Camry's higher crash and injury numbers may reflect its popularity and exposure, but the reported failures warrant attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Renegade | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,196 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 244.0 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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 Renegade
- 01ENGINE847
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM615
- 03POWER TRAIN423
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER417
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM286
Owners report loud bangs from underneath during acceleration or deceleration, especially in turns, and difficulty starting with shuddering and hesitation. These symptoms suggest possible engine or drivetrain mounting issues, fuel delivery problems, or transmission-related noises that could be costly to diagnose.
False LaneSense warnings and blind spot alerts trigger frequently, and headlights and daytime running lights fail intermittently. These electrical gremlins can be distracting and compromise visibility, making the vehicle unpredictable to drive.
Complaints include strong fuel vapor odors inside and outside, and the vehicle shutting down while driving, which is a serious safety risk. These issues point to potential fuel system leaks or electronic control failures that could leave you stranded.
“First NO WARNINGS Signs of Any Kind were shown at time of 1st & 3rd issues, 1st under hard acceleration or deceleration and sometimes while in turns under acceleration & deceleration you get a Large Bang from underneath the vehicle and it’s not only the sound…”
“The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty starting. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered, lurched, and hesitated to res…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration have led to transmission replacements, and there are reports of sudden unintended acceleration that caused a crash. These are critical safety issues that could lead to loss of control.
Brake pedal goes to the floor with no response, and there are instances where braking is ineffective on slopes. This suggests possible master cylinder or brake booster failures, which are dangerous and require immediate attention.
Engine maintenance lights come on with codes related to coolant valve bypass, and there are reports of sudden acceleration. While some issues may be covered by recalls, not all VINs are included, leaving owners with potential safety defects.
“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 Renegade — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Renegade vehicles. The incorrect bumper reverse light assembly may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, an…
The risk: The incorrect reverse lights may have reduced visibility, and not alert pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle is backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bumper reverse light assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this rec…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat air bag from deploying as intended.
The risk: A front seat air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair the connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning August 27, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 82B.
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 Renegade or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Jeep Renegade has a slightly higher complaint rate (244 per year) compared to the Toyota Camry (214 per year), but the difference is small. However, the nature of the complaints differs: Renegade issues are more electrical and engine-related, while Camry issues involve serious powertrain and brake failures. In practice, the Camry's problems may be more safety-critical, but the Renegade's higher frequency suggests a more unreliable ownership experience overall.
Key differences
- Renegade has more engine and electrical complaints, including loud bangs and false warnings, while Camry has more powertrain and brake complaints, including grinding and sudden acceleration.
- Renegade has fewer crash-related complaints (79) compared to Camry (181), but Camry's higher numbers may reflect its larger sales volume.
- Renegade has 24 recalls, Camry has 31, but recall subjects differ: Renegade focuses on lighting and airbags, Camry on airbag sensors and seats.
- Renegade owners report fuel vapor odors and shutdowns, while Camry owners report AC odors and condenser damage.
- Inspect the engine and drivetrain for any signs of loose mounts or exhaust components that could cause bangs during acceleration.
- Test all electrical features, including LaneSense, blind spot monitoring, and headlights, to ensure they work consistently without false alerts.
- Check the transmission for any grinding noises during a test drive, especially under acceleration, and verify if any recalls apply to the VIN.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a slope, to ensure the pedal feels firm and responsive, and look for any warning lights.
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, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles on varied roads, including hills and turns, to feel for any unusual noises or hesitation.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if any major repairs have been done.
- Check online forums for common issues specific to the model year you're 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 Renegade | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 | 62 |
| 2022 | 25 | 59 |
| 2021 | 66 | 155 |
| 2020 | 62 | 270 |
| 2019 | 79 | 393 |
| 2018 | 441 | 736 |
| 2017 | 563 | 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 Renegade or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Renegade vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Renegade total complaints
- 2,196
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- JEEP Renegade total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Renegade avg complaints/year
- 244.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- JEEP Renegade top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN