Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 3500 vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM Promaster 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 Promaster 3500 vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Promaster 3500 has 3 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Promaster's few complaints include engine fires and fan issues; the Camry's many complaints cover transmission, brakes, and electronics. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 3500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 3500
The RAM Promaster 3500 is a full-size commercial van often used for work or rental fleets. Over 10 years, it has only 3 complaints and no recalls, which sounds low, but the pattern shows serious issues: two complaints involve engine compartment fires, and two involve the engine fan running after shutdown, leading to a dead battery. These are rare but potentially dangerous or costly failures, so a buyer should focus on electrical and cooling system checks.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,056 over 10 years, plus 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports. Owners report a wide range of problems, from transmission hesitation and stuck ignition keys to brake noises and multiple electronic system malfunctions. While many issues are annoying rather than catastrophic, the sheer number of complaints and recalls means a used Camry needs a thorough inspection and recall check.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 3500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 3500
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report engine compartment fires while parked, and one case where the engine fan kept running for five hours after shutdown, draining the battery. These electrical faults can lead to total vehicle loss or a no-start condition, so a buyer should have the wiring and fan relay inspected.
A 2023 Promaster 3500 had a fractured radiator tube joint causing coolant leaks with no warning light. Another complaint repeats the fan-running issue. Coolant leaks can cause overheating and engine damage if not caught early, so check for leaks and fan operation.
The same fire incident was also filed under this category, suggesting the cause was not immediately clear. This reinforces that electrical fires are a reported concern, and buyers should look for any signs of burnt wiring or previous fire damage.
“On 10/24, a rented van (from Budget Truck Rental) was parked and stationary on private commercial property (a warehouse lot) when a fire originated in the engine compartment area. The fire rapidly escalated, causing severe damage to the van itself, and result…”
“The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the engine fan kept running for approximately five hours. The contact stated that the following morning, the vehicle failed to start. Roadside Assistance was called to th…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and transmission hesitation or shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or lead to costly transmission repairs.
Multiple electronic safety systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—malfunctioned at once in one report. Another complaint lists subframe, driveline, and stability control components. Such failures can affect handling and safety, so a pre-purchase scan for error codes is wise.
Owners describe delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and may indicate a sensor or software problem.
Reports include the electronic parking brake failing to disengage (requiring a tow) and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. Brake problems are safety-critical, so have the EPB and ABS system checked.
“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 3500
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 3500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 205.6) and no recalls, but its complaints include severe fire and cooling failures. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints and recalls, but most are less catastrophic. In practice, the Promaster may have fewer issues overall, yet any single issue could be more dangerous or expensive.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Promaster 3500 has 3 complaints over 10 years; Camry has 2,056, meaning Camry problems are far more commonly reported.
- Recalls: Promaster 3500 has 0 recalls; Camry has 31, so Camry buyers must verify all recall work is done.
- Severity: Promaster complaints include engine fires and fan running after shutdown; Camry complaints include stuck ignition keys, transmission hesitation, and brake noise.
- Crash/injury reports: Promaster has 0 crash-related and 0 injuries; Camry has 171 crash-related and 158 injuries, though these are not necessarily caused by defects.
- Check for any signs of engine compartment fire damage, burnt wiring, or soot, especially around the battery and fuse box.
- Test the engine cooling fan: after turning the van off, listen to see if the fan continues running for an unusually long time, which could drain the battery.
- Try removing the ignition key in Park—if it sticks, that's a reported power train defect that may require battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal, and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the Camry (31 recalls).
- Have a mechanic inspect the Promaster's electrical system, cooling fan operation, and radiator for leaks.
- For the Camry, scan for stored error codes in the transmission, ABS, and electronic safety systems.
- Test drive both vehicles at various speeds, paying attention to transmission hesitation (Camry) and any unusual fan noise (Promaster).
- Check for any aftermarket modifications or prior rental/fleet use, as the Promaster complaint involved a rental van.
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 3500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 2 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 0 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 3500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 3500 vs Toyota Camry
- RAM Promaster 3500 total complaints
- 3
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- RAM Promaster 3500 total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM Promaster 3500 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 3500
- RAM Promaster 3500 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN