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: The Promaster 3500 has 3 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries; the Promaster has none. 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 hauling. Over 10 years, it has only 3 complaints and no recalls, which suggests very few owners have reported problems to NHTSA. The complaints that do exist mention engine cooling fans running after shutdown, a fractured radiator tube joint causing coolant leaks, and an engine compartment fire in a rental van. Overall, the data shows a low reported complaint rate, but the few issues can be serious if they occur.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher reported complaint volume: 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. Owners report a wide range of issues, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and air conditioning problems. The data also shows 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death, indicating that some reported problems have been linked to crashes. This suggests that while many Camrys may be reliable, a notable number of owners have experienced significant safety and mechanical issues.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 3500
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the engine fan continuing to run for hours after the vehicle is turned off, which can drain the battery and prevent starting the next day. Another complaint describes a fractured radiator tube joint that caused coolant to leak without warning. These issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
One reported incident involved a fire originating in the engine compartment of a parked rental van, causing severe damage. This is a rare but serious event that buyers should be aware of, especially in used commercial vans with unknown history.
The same fire incident was also categorized as 'unknown or other,' highlighting that some problems may not be easily classified. For a buyer, this means that not all issues are captured under standard component categories, so a thorough inspection is still important.
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the radiator tube joint was fractured. The contact became aware there was coolant leaking from the radiator. There was no warning light…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which dealers have diagnosed as transmission problems requiring replacement. Another complaint describes sudden acceleration while braking in a parking lot, leading to a crash. These power train issues can be dangerous and expensive.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that resulted in a crash, and an engine maintenance code pointing to a coolant valve bypass issue that was not covered by a recall for that specific VIN. These reports suggest potential safety and reliability concerns.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill with curves, requiring emergency action. Another described needing extra brake force in a parking lot. Brake failures are critical safety issues that should be addressed immediately.
Owners report air conditioning problems, including a condenser damaged by a rock and a recurring mildew or vinegar odor from the vents. While not safety-critical, these issues affect comfort and can be costly to fix.
“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 3500
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 3500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), and no recalls versus 31 for the Camry. In practice, this means a buyer is much less likely to find a reported problem history with the Promaster, but the few issues that exist can be serious. The Camry's higher complaint volume suggests that many owners have experienced problems, though not every Camry will have them.
Key differences
- The RAM Promaster 3500 has 3 complaints and 0 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 complaints and 31 recalls.
- Camry complaints include serious safety issues like sudden acceleration, brake failure, and transmission grinding; Promaster complaints include engine fan running after shutdown, coolant leaks, and one engine fire.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints, 163 injuries, and 1 death; the Promaster has 0 in all these categories.
- The Promaster's top components are engine cooling and electrical; the Camry's top components are power train, engine, and service brakes.
- Check that the engine cooling fan stops running shortly after the vehicle is turned off; if it runs for hours, it could drain the battery and indicate a relay or sensor problem.
- Inspect the radiator and coolant hoses for cracks, leaks, or a fractured tube joint, as owners reported coolant leaks without warning.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope or in a parking lot to ensure they respond immediately; any delay or lack of response is a serious safety concern.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the RAM Promaster's cooling system, including the fan operation and radiator joints.
- For the Camry, ask a mechanic to check transmission fluid condition and scan for any stored trouble codes related to the power train or brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions: accelerate, brake hard, and use the air conditioning to check for odors or weak cooling.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed on the Camry by checking the VIN with a Toyota dealer.
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 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 2 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 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 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
- 2,143
- RAM Promaster 3500 total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM Promaster 3500 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 3500
- RAM Promaster 3500 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN