Head-to-head reliability
RAM 5500 vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM 5500 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 5500 vs Toyota Camry: The RAM 5500 averaged 10.8 complaints per year over 10 years, with 57 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry had 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, compared to the RAM's 5 crashes and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM 5500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM 5500
The RAM 5500 is a heavy-duty commercial truck often used for towing and hauling. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 11 complaints per year, with most issues in brakes, power train, and hydraulics. Owners report serious problems like ABS warnings, transmission failures, and wheels detaching, which can lead to crashes and injuries. Recalls are frequent, but parts may be unavailable, leaving some drivers waiting for fixes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for everyday reliability. However, it has averaged about 214 complaints per year over the past decade, with many reports about power train, engine, and brake issues. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure, sometimes resulting in crashes. While recalls are fewer than the RAM, the high complaint volume suggests that not all problems are covered by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM 5500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 108 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 57 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 5500
- 01SERVICE BRAKES35
- 02POWER TRAIN35
- 03HYDRAULIC17
- 04WHEELS9
- 05STEERING7
Owners report ABS warning lights and loss of braking assist, especially when towing. In some cases, a recall for hydraulic brakes was issued, but parts were not always available, leaving the truck undriveable or unsafe.
Complaints include transmission snap ring failures that cause a sudden loss of forward gears, often at low mileage. This can leave the truck stranded and require a full transmission replacement.
Hydraulic issues often appear as ABS and 4WD disable warnings, sometimes linked to brake recalls. These problems can affect stopping ability and four-wheel drive, which is critical for work trucks.
There are reports of dual wheel tires detaching while driving, even at low speeds. A recall for wheels was issued, but some owners could not get the repair due to parts shortages, posing a serious safety risk.
“The contact owns a 2017 Ram 5500. The contact stated that an unknown warning light appeared on the instrument panel which stated that the ABS function was not available and that the 4WD was disabled. The vehicle was taken a dealer where they kept the vehicle…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram 5500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V759000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a trailer, while attempting to stop the vehicle, the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission and sudden acceleration incidents. Some transmissions need replacement, and parts may be on backorder, leaving cars undriveable for weeks.
Complaints include sudden unintended acceleration and coolant valve issues that trigger engine maintenance lights. Some owners report that their VIN is not covered by a related recall, leaving them to pay for repairs.
Reports include brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills. This can lead to crashes if the driver cannot stop the vehicle.
Electrical problems often involve warning lights and sensor failures, which can be intermittent and hard to diagnose. These issues may affect other systems like brakes or engine management.
“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 5500 — 57 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Ram Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster display to be blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information, such as warning lights or gear selection, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and update the instrument panel software or replace the instrument panel cluster, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 2500 Pickup, 3500 Pickup, 3500 Cab Chassis, 4500 Cab Chassis, and 5500 Cab Chassis trucks. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver's side air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and…
The risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, a driver's side air bag or seat belt pretensioner that does not deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights…
The risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. V…
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 5500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM 5500 has far fewer complaints per year (about 11) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214). However, the RAM's issues tend to be more severe, such as wheels detaching or transmission failure, while the Camry's higher volume includes many nuisance complaints. In practice, the Camry may have more frequent but less catastrophic problems, whereas the RAM's fewer complaints can still involve major safety risks.
Key differences
- The RAM 5500 averages about 11 complaints per year, while the Camry averages about 214, but the RAM's complaints often involve severe safety issues like wheel detachment and transmission failure.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than the RAM (5 crashes, 8 injuries), but the RAM's lower volume may reflect fewer vehicles on the road.
- Both vehicles have recalls for brakes and power train, but the RAM also has recalls for wheels and instrument clusters, while the Camry has recalls for air bags and seats.
- Owner reports for the RAM frequently mention parts unavailability for recalls, while Camry owners report transmission backorders and sudden acceleration incidents.
- Check for any open recalls related to brakes, wheels, and hydraulic systems, and confirm that repairs have been completed, as parts may have been unavailable.
- Test drive and listen for transmission noises or loss of gears, especially in 2022 models, and ask for service records for snap ring or transmission work.
- Inspect for transmission grinding noises or delayed engagement, and check if the transmission has been replaced or is on backorder.
- Test the brakes on a hill or slope to ensure the pedal does not go to the floor, and ask about any sudden acceleration incidents or related repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, transmission, and wheels for signs of failure or incomplete recall work.
- For the RAM 5500, specifically check the dual rear wheels for proper torque and any signs of detachment.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission noises, and check for sudden acceleration by gently accelerating from a stop.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance and recall repair records, and confirm that any outstanding recalls have 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 | RAM 5500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 2 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 26 | 59 |
| 2021 | 4 | 155 |
| 2020 | 8 | 270 |
| 2019 | 12 | 393 |
| 2018 | 37 | 736 |
| 2017 | 19 | 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 5500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM 5500 vs Toyota Camry
- RAM 5500 total complaints
- 108
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- RAM 5500 total recalls
- 57
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM 5500 avg complaints/year
- 10.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- RAM 5500
- RAM 5500 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN