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 793 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year and has 31 recalls. Wrangler owners often report electrical and steering failures; Camry owners report key and brake issues. 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 rugged SUV that generates a high volume of owner complaints—averaging nearly 793 per year over the past decade, with 102 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, steering, and engine, often involving the 12-volt auxiliary battery and plug-in hybrid components. Many complaints describe sudden power loss, warning lights, and steering failures, even on brand-new vehicles. This suggests that living with a Wrangler may require frequent dealer visits and a tolerance for electronic gremlins.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much lower complaint rate—about 206 per year over 10 years—and 31 recalls. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. Some owners also report brake noise and electronic parking brake failures. Overall, the Camry appears to have fewer reported problems per year, but it is not free of significant issues.
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 | 7,929 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 163 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 792.9 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,850
- 02STEERING2,455
- 03ENGINE2,155
- 04POWER TRAIN1,209
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,075
Owners of 2025 Wrangler 4xe models report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly discharging after the vehicle sits plugged in, leaving them stranded. Others experience sudden loss of electric drive power, with warnings like 'Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable,' which can reduce power while driving.
Complaints describe electric power steering failures, often accompanied by warnings such as 'Power Steering System Hot' and 'Electric Power Steering Fail.' These can occur at very low mileage, even on the day of purchase, making steering suddenly heavy and difficult.
Engine-related complaints often overlap with electrical issues, such as the 12-volt battery failure affecting hybrid operation. Some owners also report odd operational patterns and warning lights that require dealer diagnosis, potentially leading to repeated repairs.
Power train complaints include unexpected loss of electric drive power and reduced performance in stages, which can disable electric mode entirely. This affects the vehicle's drivability and may require towing or dealer service.
“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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camry report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on.
Engine complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
Some owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems—such as smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This broad electronic failure can leave the driver with reduced safety features and warning lights.
“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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
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…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steel wheels and valve stems, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
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…
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 Wrangler or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Jeep Wrangler (about 793), meaning you are less likely to face frequent repair visits with the Camry. However, the Camry still has notable issues like key removal problems and brake noise, while the Wrangler's electrical and steering failures can be more severe and occur at very low mileage. In practice, the Camry offers a more predictable ownership experience, but neither vehicle is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Jeep Wrangler has nearly four times as many complaints per year as the Toyota Camry, with electrical and steering problems being especially common.
- Wrangler owners report sudden power loss and electric steering failures even on new vehicles, while Camry owners more often report key removal issues and brake noise.
- The Wrangler has 102 recalls over 10 years versus 31 for the Camry, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Camry complaints include delayed throttle response and electronic parking brake failures, which can be dangerous but appear less frequent than Wrangler's electrical gremlins.
- Check the 12-volt auxiliary battery and charging system, especially on 4xe plug-in hybrid models—ask if it has ever failed to hold a charge or needed replacement.
- Test the electric power steering thoroughly: look for any warning messages about steering temperature or failure, and feel for sudden heaviness or assist loss.
- Try removing the key from the ignition multiple times, ensuring it does not stick when the car is in Park—this is a reported defect that may require battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages smoothly without needing a tow.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including the auxiliary battery and charging components, especially on the Wrangler 4xe.
- During a test drive, pay attention to steering feel, any warning lights, and throttle response; note any hesitation or shuddering.
- For the Camry, specifically test the ignition key removal and the electronic parking brake operation multiple times.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any of the reported issues (e.g., battery replacement, steering repairs) have already been addressed.
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 | 30 | 0 |
| 2025 | 225 | 163 |
| 2024 | 2485 | 50 |
| 2023 | 365 | 64 |
| 2022 | 397 | 61 |
| 2021 | 943 | 157 |
| 2020 | 610 | 274 |
| 2019 | 742 | 395 |
| 2018 | 1823 | 744 |
| 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
- 7,929
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 792.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN