Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 2500 vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM Promaster 2500 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 2500 vs Toyota Camry: The ProMaster 2500 has 9 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The ProMaster averages 0.9 complaints per year versus 205.6 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 2500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 2500
The RAM ProMaster 2500 is a full-size commercial van often used for work or conversion. Over 10 years, it has only 9 complaints and no recalls, suggesting a relatively low reported problem rate. However, owner complaints describe serious issues like complete brake failure and unintended parking brake engagement. Power train complaints include accelerator pedal problems and difficulty shifting, which could leave you stranded.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a strong reputation for reliability. Yet NHTSA data shows 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years, far more than the ProMaster. Owners report a wide range of issues, from engine hesitation to brake problems and electrical glitches. While many complaints may be for minor annoyances, some involve safety systems and could be costly to fix.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 2500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
RAM Promaster 2500
- 01POWER TRAIN4
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03VISIBILITY1
- 04SEATS1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report the accelerator pedal failing to respond or sticking, and difficulty shifting into park. These issues can cause loss of control or prevent the vehicle from being secured.
Complaints include the brake pedal going to the floor with no warning, and the parking brake randomly engaging at low speeds. Such failures could lead to a crash or leave you unable to stop.
One owner reported the passenger-side power mirror closing on its own at highway speed, which could create a blind spot and increase crash risk.
A complaint about brakes was also filed under seats, but the text describes brake failure. This suggests possible misclassification, but it highlights that brake issues are a recurring concern.
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal wa…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 5 MPH, the contact felt vibration in the steering wheel. The contact depressed the brake pedal and attempted to shift into park(P). The contact was unable to shift…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common, which some owners find concerning.
Multiple safety systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This could overwhelm a driver with warnings and reduce vehicle safety.
“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.
RAM Promaster 2500
No recalls on record.
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
RAM Promaster 2500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM ProMaster 2500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the ProMaster's issues tend to be severe, like brake failure. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many minor problems, but also some serious ones. In practice, the ProMaster may have fewer problems overall, but when they occur, they can be critical.
Key differences
- The ProMaster 2500 has 9 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years.
- ProMaster complaints often involve total brake failure and parking brake issues, whereas Camry complaints include engine hesitation and electronic parking brake problems.
- The Camry has many complaints about advanced driver-assist systems malfunctioning, which the ProMaster lacks.
- The ProMaster's power train issues include accelerator pedal and shifting problems, while the Camry's include key stuck and transmission shudder.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: press the pedal firmly to check for a spongy feel or going to the floor, and listen for unusual noises.
- Check the parking brake: ensure it engages and releases smoothly without random activation, and test the accelerator pedal for responsiveness.
- Test the electronic parking brake: make sure it disengages properly and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for transmission shudder or hesitation during a test drive, and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if any recalls or major repairs were performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic, focusing on brakes, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for hesitation or brake issues.
- Verify that all safety systems (like stability control and blind spot monitoring on the Camry) are functioning without warning lights.
- Check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN, and confirm they 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 Promaster 2500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 2 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 4 | 157 |
| 2020 | 3 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 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 2500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 2500 vs Toyota Camry
- RAM Promaster 2500 total complaints
- 9
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- RAM Promaster 2500 total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM Promaster 2500 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 2500
- RAM Promaster 2500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN