Head-to-head reliability
RAM 4500 vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM 4500 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 4500 vs Toyota Camry: The RAM 4500 has 27 complaints over 10 years (2.7/yr) but 57 recalls, including an unresolved brake HCU issue. The Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) but 31 recalls, with transmission and engine problems. Both have safety concerns, but the RAM's issues are more severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 4500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 4500
The RAM 4500 is a heavy-duty work truck, and its complaint history reflects the stresses of demanding use. Owners report serious issues with the braking system, including a recall for the hydraulic control unit that can cause loss of ABS and brake control, with no remedy yet available. There are also reports of sudden loss of motive power while driving, often linked to the fuel system, and a notorious 'death wobble' at highway speeds. These are major safety concerns that could leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan, and its high complaint volume (214 per year) is partly due to its large sales numbers. Owners frequently report transmission problems, including grinding noises and the need for replacement, as well as engine issues like sudden acceleration and coolant valve failures. Brake problems, such as a complete loss of braking on a hill, are also reported. While many complaints are about comfort issues like AC odors, the powertrain and brake issues are serious and could affect safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 4500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 27 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
RAM 4500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES12
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03HYDRAULIC7
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05STEERING3
Owners report a recall for the brake HCU (hydraulic control unit) that can fail, causing loss of ABS and brake control. Some also describe a loss of motive power while driving, which may be related to the braking system or other components.
The 'death wobble' is a common complaint, where the vehicle shakes violently at highway speeds, sometimes causing loss of control. This is a serious safety issue that can occur suddenly.
The hydraulic system, particularly the brake HCU, is a major concern. Owners report that the recall repair part is not available, leaving them with a known defect and no fix.
The CP4 fuel pump is a known weak point, with reports of the truck shutting off while driving and refusing to restart, especially when towing. Fuel pump leaks are also reported, posing a fire hazard.
“The contact owns a 2018 Ram 4500. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed t…”
“The vehicle has an active recall open on it (confirmed by local dealership, NHTSA webform, and directly with Ram/Stellantis) that was opened in 2024 and currently has no remedy available. The vehicles brake HCU fails causing loss of ABS/brake control, this un…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some models have recalls for this, but parts may be on backorder.
Sudden acceleration is a terrifying issue reported by some owners, leading to crashes. Also, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass recalls are noted, but some VINs are not covered.
Some owners report a complete loss of braking response, such as when going down a hill, which is extremely dangerous. This may be related to the brake system's electronic controls.
Many complaints are about non-safety issues like AC odors and rock damage to the condenser, but these can be costly to fix and affect comfort.
“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 4500 — 57 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine. The engine calibration software may not warn about low oil volume.
The risk: Low oil can damage the engine, causing an oil leak or a punctured engine block, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y21.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, 5500 Cab Chassis and 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs. The windshield wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to…
The risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2022. This recall is an expansion of recall number 20V-208. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US,…
The defect: Excellance, Inc (Excellance) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Excellance-modified RAM 4500/5500 vehicles to be equipped with CLASS Suspension Systems. In the affected suspension systems, the rear brake caliper flexible line may have been routed so that it contacts a suspension component, possibly cau…
The risk: A worn rear brake caliper flexible line may cause brake fluid leakage which may result in a partial or complete loss of the rear brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Excellance will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit to remedy any damage and to prevent any future damage, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Excellance cu…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) may fail, resulting in a sudden engine stall without warning.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, and inspect and replace additional fuel system components as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety r…
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 4500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM 4500 has far fewer complaints per year (2.7) compared to the Camry (214.3), but the nature of the issues is more severe, involving brake failure and loss of power. The Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but the transmission and engine problems are still concerning. In practice, the RAM 4500 may have a lower risk of frequent issues, but the ones it has are more likely to be critical.
Key differences
- RAM 4500 has a recall for brake HCU failure with no remedy, while Camry has recalls for airbags and seats, which are less critical.
- RAM 4500 owners report 'death wobble' and fuel pump failure, which can cause loss of control or stalling, whereas Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- Camry has a much higher complaint rate, but many are about non-safety issues like AC odors, while RAM complaints are mostly safety-related.
- RAM 4500 is a work truck with higher severity issues, while Camry is a sedan with a mix of minor and major problems.
- Check if the brake HCU recall (24V896000) has been performed; if not, be aware that the part may be unavailable.
- Test drive at highway speeds to see if you experience the 'death wobble' (shaking) and listen for any fuel pump leaks.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check if any transmission recall applies to the VIN.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration.
Before you buy
- For the RAM 4500, verify the open recall status and ask the dealer for a loaner if the part is unavailable.
- For the Camry, check the VIN for open recalls and ask for service records, especially for transmission or engine work.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system on the RAM for leaks or signs of CP4 pump failure.
- On the Camry, test the air conditioning for odors and check the condenser for damage.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive that includes highway speeds to feel for vibrations or unusual noises.
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 4500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 3 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 3 | 270 |
| 2019 | 6 | 393 |
| 2018 | 9 | 736 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 4500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 4500 vs Toyota Camry
- RAM 4500 total complaints
- 27
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- RAM 4500 total recalls
- 57
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM 4500 avg complaints/year
- 2.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- RAM 4500
- RAM 4500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN