Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 1500 vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM Promaster 1500 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 Promaster 1500 vs Toyota Camry: The Promaster has only 5 complaints over 10 years (0.5/yr) and no recalls, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) and 31 recalls. Owners report serious Camry issues like sudden acceleration and brake failure, but Promaster issues are minor. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 1500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 1500
The RAM Promaster 1500 is a workhorse van often converted into camper vans or used for commercial duty. Over a decade, it has generated very few complaints—about 0.5 per year—and no recalls. The issues that do surface are scattered, from a misaligned backup camera to trim blocking the mirror, and one owner mentioned a recall for the powertrain that wasn't yet available. Overall, it's a low-drama vehicle in terms of reported problems, but the few complaints hint at quality-control quirks that could affect daily usability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—over 214 per year—and 31 recalls. Owners report serious issues like sudden acceleration, transmission failures, brake loss, and engine problems, some leading to crashes and injuries. While the Camry's popularity inflates raw numbers, the nature of the complaints suggests that some model years may have significant reliability and safety concerns that a buyer should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 1500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Promaster 1500
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03EQUIPMENT1
- 04VISIBILITY1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report propane system leaks in camper conversions due to Teflon tape on connections, and a backup camera that shows the floor instead of the obstacle, with missing grid lines—both safety-relevant for a vehicle used for travel or parking.
One owner noted a recall for the powertrain (NHTSA 23V301000) but the repair part wasn't available, leaving the vehicle potentially at risk until the fix is done.
A solar panel fractured and detached while driving, which could become a road hazard or cause damage—an unusual but concerning failure for converted vans.
The driver's side A-pillar trim blocks the side view mirror, limiting visibility and creating a hazard—a design flaw that could affect safe lane changes.
“This vehicle was transformed into a Solis Pocket 36A motorhome by Winnebago in 2022. This, as well as many others converted by Winnebago in 2023 abs 2024 as well, contains a propane tank, heater, and 2 burner stovetop. They used Teflon tape on propane connect…”
“The rear backup camera does not work correctly. The picture is of the floor and not the obstacle directly behind the vehicle. Also, the grid lines that assist in parking no longer appear. Yes - this vehicle is available for inspection. It is a safety issue be…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end, with dealers confirming transmission issues that require replacement. Some mention recalls for the same problem, but parts are on backorder, leaving cars undrivable or unsafe.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss. Another owner got a code for a coolant valve bypass recall, but their VIN wasn't included, causing confusion about safety.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, which is terrifying and can cause accidents. Another owner had to apply more force to stop, suggesting brake system issues.
Air conditioning problems include a condenser damaged by a rock, and a recurring vinegar/mildew smell from vents, which affects comfort and could indicate mold or other issues.
“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 Promaster 1500
No recalls on record.
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 Promaster 1500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 1500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's higher volume may reflect its popularity, but the severity of some complaints (sudden acceleration, brake failure) is more alarming. In practice, the Promaster appears to have fewer reliability headaches, but the Camry's issues are more safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Promaster has almost no complaints (5 in 10 years) while the Camry has thousands (2143), but the Camry's numbers are inflated by its sales volume.
- The Promaster's issues are mostly minor (camera, trim, solar panel) while the Camry has reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure that led to crashes.
- The Camry has 31 recalls, including for air bags and seats, while the Promaster has none on record.
- The Promaster's complaints often relate to camper conversions, not the base vehicle, whereas the Camry's issues are in core systems like engine and transmission.
- Check the backup camera for proper alignment and grid lines, as owners report it showing the floor.
- Inspect any aftermarket additions (like solar panels) for secure mounting, and verify that propane connections use proper sealant, not just Teflon tape.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration.
- Check for any open recalls, particularly for the powertrain or air bags, and ensure the VIN is covered for known issues like the coolant valve bypass.
Before you buy
- For the Promaster, have a mechanic inspect the propane system if it's a camper conversion, and test the backup camera and mirror visibility.
- For the Camry, get a vehicle history report to see if any recalls were performed, and ask about transmission or brake repairs.
- Take both on a test drive that includes hills and highway speeds to feel for any hesitation or brake issues.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific model year you're considering to see if there are open recalls or investigations.
- Consider an independent pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic familiar with each brand.
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 Promaster 1500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 1 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 4 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Promaster 1500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 1500 vs Toyota Camry
- RAM Promaster 1500 total complaints
- 5
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- RAM Promaster 1500 total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM Promaster 1500 avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 1500
- RAM Promaster 1500 top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN