Head-to-head reliability
RAM 3500 vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM 3500 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
RAM 3500 vs Toyota Camry: The RAM 3500 has 172.7 complaints per year, with brakes and electronics dominating, while the Camry has 214.3 per year, with powertrain and engine issues. The RAM has 86 recalls, the Camry 31. Both have safety concerns, but the Camry's sudden acceleration is particularly alarming. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 3500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 3500
The RAM 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup known for towing and hauling, but owner complaints reveal significant electronic and braking issues. The most frequent problems involve the service brakes, with reports of wheel speed sensor failures that can disable stability control and other safety systems. Electrical system glitches, such as instrument cluster failures and DEF gauge malfunctions, are also common, along with powertrain stalling incidents. These issues suggest that while the truck is capable, its complex systems may be prone to failures that affect daily usability and safety.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan valued for reliability, but the complaint data shows a mix of powertrain, engine, and brake concerns. Owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, which are serious safety issues. Additionally, there are numerous complaints about HVAC odors and AC condenser damage, indicating quality control problems. Despite its reputation, the Camry's reported issues are not negligible, especially the powertrain and brake problems that could lead to costly repairs or accidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 3500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,727 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 86 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 172.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 31 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
RAM 3500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES922
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM294
- 03POWER TRAIN221
- 04HYDRAULIC189
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL159
Owners report rear wheel speed sensor failures on dually models, which can cause the computer to lose communication and potentially disable stability control or ABS. This is a critical safety concern, as braking performance may be compromised.
The digital instrument cluster can completely fail, leaving the driver without vital information. DEF gauge malfunctions and module programming issues are also reported, indicating electrical gremlins that can be frustrating and costly to fix.
There are reports of the vehicle stalling while driving at highway speeds, accompanied by warning lights. This can be dangerous, especially if it happens in traffic, and may require towing and extensive repairs.
“The 2025 and 2026 dually 3500 Ram trucks with the 12" AAM rear axle are having issues with the rear wheel speed sensors (different sensor for each side). They apparently fail or are not able to properly communicate to the computer. When this happens, the foll…”
“The 2025 and 2026 dually 3500 Ram trucks with the 12" AAM rear axle are having issues with the rear wheel speed sensors (different sensor for each side). They apparently fail or are not able to properly communicate to the computer. When this happens, the foll…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar problems on other model years, but their VINs are not included, leaving them with costly repairs.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes suggest potential engine management problems that could affect safety.
Brake failure has been reported, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, particularly on steep hills. This is a severe safety issue that could lead to accidents.
“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.
RAM 3500 — 86 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Ram 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, and 4500, 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine. An electrical short may occur in the heater grid relay with the ignition on or off.
The risk: An electrical short in the relay can result in an engine compartment fire with the ignition on or off, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the relay, free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2023 model year vehicles. FCA US will not…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram 1500, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and 2022-2024 Ram 2500 vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 97A.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, Ram 3500 Classic, 3500 Cab Chassis, 2023-2024 Ram 2500, 4500/5500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 3500 vehicles. The steering column control module may cause the high beams to activate when the turn signal is used or activate the turn signal w…
The risk: Turn signals and/or high beams that do not function as intended may cause confusion or reduced visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the steering column control module (SCCM) software, and inspect and replace the module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer ser…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, R…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-85…
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
RAM 3500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has more complaints per year (214.3) than the RAM 3500 (172.7), but the RAM 3500 has more recalls (86 vs 31) and a higher proportion of brake complaints. In practice, the Camry's issues are more varied and include dangerous sudden acceleration, while the RAM's problems are more concentrated in brakes and electronics. Neither is clearly more reliable, but the nature of the failures differs significantly.
Key differences
- RAM 3500 has a much higher number of brake-related complaints (922) compared to Camry (290), indicating a systemic issue with brake sensors and systems.
- Camry has more engine-related complaints (315) including sudden acceleration, which is a severe safety concern not seen in the RAM data.
- RAM 3500 has more recalls (86) than Camry (31), suggesting more factory-initiated fixes, but also more potential defects.
- Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than RAM (49 and 31), possibly due to higher sales volume but also indicating real-world safety events.
- Inspect the rear wheel speed sensors on dually models for proper function, as failures can disable stability control.
- Check the digital instrument cluster for any flickering or failure, and ensure all electrical systems (DEF gauge, etc.) work correctly.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any open recalls related to transmission.
- Verify the brakes respond properly, especially on hills, and look for any signs of sudden acceleration issues by checking for recalls or service bulletins.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the braking system, including sensors and ABS, on the RAM 3500.
- For the Camry, perform a thorough test drive including acceleration and braking on slopes to detect any transmission or brake issues.
- Check the instrument cluster and all electronic features on the RAM 3500 for proper operation.
- Ask for maintenance records and any previous repair invoices for both vehicles.
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 | RAM 3500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 | 119 |
| 2025 | 41 | 153 |
| 2024 | 41 | 48 |
| 2023 | 17 | 62 |
| 2022 | 188 | 59 |
| 2021 | 62 | 155 |
| 2020 | 114 | 270 |
| 2019 | 134 | 393 |
| 2018 | 797 | 736 |
| 2017 | 308 | 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 RAM 3500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 3500 vs Toyota Camry
- RAM 3500 total complaints
- 1,727
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- RAM 3500 total recalls
- 86
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM 3500 avg complaints/year
- 172.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- RAM 3500
- RAM 3500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN