Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Wrangler vs Toyota Camry
How the JEEP Wrangler 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 Wrangler vs Toyota Camry: The Wrangler averages 759 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Camry averages 214 complaints per year and has 31 recalls. Both have safety-related issues, but the Wrangler's electrical and steering problems are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Wrangler or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a lifestyle SUV that demands more owner attention than average. Over 10 years, it has 7,590 complaints (about 759 per year) and 102 recalls, with electrical and steering issues dominating. Owners frequently report 12-volt battery failures, sudden power loss, and unexpected shifting into park, which can leave you stranded or create safety hazards.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a generally lower complaint rate: 2,143 complaints over 10 years (about 214 per year) and 31 recalls. However, owners still report serious issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. The lower volume doesn't mean trouble-free, but the pattern is less frequent than the Wrangler's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Wrangler | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,590 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 155 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 759.0 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 96 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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,738
- 02STEERING2,421
- 03ENGINE2,069
- 04POWER TRAIN1,155
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,054
Owners of 2025 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly discharges after sitting plugged in, causing electrical failures. This can leave you unable to start the vehicle or use essential features.
With 2,421 complaints, steering is a major concern. Recalls include hydraulic power assist pump issues, which can make steering suddenly heavy or unresponsive, increasing crash risk.
Engine complaints often involve the same 12-volt battery problem affecting the 4xe, plus odd operational patterns. These can lead to reduced power or stalling, requiring dealer visits.
Owners report the 2025 Wrangler 4xe unexpectedly shifting into PARK while in traffic, a serious safety issue. This can happen at low speeds and may cause a sudden stop.
“The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for sev…”
“While driving my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in normal conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly loses electric drive power. Power is reduced in stages — to approximately 50%, then 25% — then electric mode is disabled and the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Un…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission on acceleration, sometimes requiring replacement. Recalls exist for similar issues, but some VINs are excluded, leaving owners to pay for repairs.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which has led to crashes. Also, coolant valve bypass issues trigger warning codes, but not all are covered by recalls.
Some owners experience a complete loss of brake response when pressing the pedal, especially on slopes. This is a critical safety failure that can lead to collisions.
Recurring HVAC odors (like vinegar or mildew) and AC condenser damage from road debris are common annoyances. These don't usually affect safety but can be costly to fix.
“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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of a problem increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the remote start antenna cable as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number…
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 2019 and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, 2024 Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Contamination in the central vision processing module or improper programming may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the central vision processing module software or replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning July 16, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer servi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The child seat tether welds on the second-row, right-side seat frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row, right-side seat frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 27D. Vehicle Identi…
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 Wrangler or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 214 vs. 759 for the Wrangler) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 102). In practice, this means you're less likely to face frequent repair visits with the Camry, though it still has serious safety-related complaints. The Wrangler demands more tolerance for electrical and steering problems.
Key differences
- The Wrangler has over three times as many complaints per year as the Camry, with electrical and steering issues being the most common.
- Wrangler owners report 12-volt battery failures and sudden power loss, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Wrangler has 102 recalls versus 31 for the Camry, covering systems like traction battery and backover prevention.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the Wrangler has 96 injuries and 0 deaths, while the Camry has 163 injuries and 1 death, though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Check the 12-volt auxiliary battery and charging system, especially on 4xe models—ask if it has been replaced or if there are software updates.
- Test the steering for any heaviness or noise, and verify that any open recalls for the hydraulic power assist pump have been addressed.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test-drive at various speeds; ask for transmission service records.
- Test the brakes on a slope or during hard stops to ensure immediate response, and check for any recall repairs related to brake or acceleration issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system (Wrangler) or transmission (Camry) before purchase.
- Test-drive extensively, including highway, parking lots, and hills, to replicate common complaint scenarios.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for battery, steering, and brake repairs.
- Verify that any recall work has been completed and get documentation.
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 Wrangler | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 119 |
| 2025 | 192 | 153 |
| 2024 | 2275 | 48 |
| 2023 | 342 | 62 |
| 2022 | 383 | 59 |
| 2021 | 909 | 155 |
| 2020 | 606 | 270 |
| 2019 | 734 | 393 |
| 2018 | 1814 | 736 |
| 2017 | 309 | 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 Wrangler or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Wrangler vs Toyota Camry
- JEEP Wrangler total complaints
- 7,590
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 759.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN