Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster CITY vs Toyota Camry
How the RAM Promaster CITY 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 CITY vs Toyota Camry: The Promaster CITY averages 29 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 206, but the Camry has more crash-related reports (171 vs 5). Both have recalls, but the Camry's higher complaint volume suggests more frequent owner issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster CITY or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster CITY
The RAM Promaster CITY is a compact cargo van, often used for small business or personal hauling. Over 8 years, it has averaged about 29 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the engine, electrical system, and power train. Owners report problems like unexpected shifting into neutral, engine grinding noises, and electrical burning smells, which can leave you stranded or require costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its comfort and reliability, but data shows an average of about 206 complaints per year over 10 years. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, unknown or other systems, and engine, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal issues. While many issues are minor, some can affect drivability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster CITY | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 234 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 CITY
- 01ENGINE78
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM69
- 03POWER TRAIN57
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING18
Owners report abnormal grinding sounds while driving and potential left cylinder head cracks in certain model years, which can lead to engine damage and expensive repairs.
Complaints include unexpected shifting into neutral and burning electrical smells, which can cause loss of power and potential fire hazards.
Drivers experience inadvertent loss of motive power and transmission failures, sometimes linked to recalls, requiring costly transmission replacements.
“"NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED." THE AMERICAN AUTOMAKER HAS ANNOUNCED THAT CERTAIN 2011-2013 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES WILL GET WARRANTY EXTENSIONS BECAUSE THE LEFT CYLINDER HEADS MIGHT CRACK. CHRYSLER WILL EXTEND THE ENGINE WARRANTY ON THE LEFT-SIDE CYLINDER HEAD TO 10 YEA…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ram Promaster 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would make abnormal grinding sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test-driven. The contact wa…”
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 hesitation or shuddering while driving, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and check engine lights, causing hesitation and shuddering that affect acceleration and overall drivability.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the ABS system, which can be annoying and costly to fix.
“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 CITY — 19 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may have internal damage, which could result in a loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions.
The risk: The loss of braking performance or autonomous braking functions can increase the risk of a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: FCA US, LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge. The recall began on March 30, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles. If one or both turn signal lights fail, the flashing rate may not change to warn the driver of the failure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
The risk: The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall i…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 RAM ProMaster City vehicles. The Tire Placards on these vehicles may indicate the incorrect total number of occupants allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "T…
The risk: If the tire placard indicates an incorrect seating capacity, the operator may overload the vehicle, which can cause tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire placard, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U17.
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 CITY or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster CITY has far fewer complaints per year (about 29) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry's higher volume means more individual reports. In practice, the Promaster CITY may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's issues are more frequently reported and include more crash-related incidents.
Key differences
- The RAM Promaster CITY has 234 complaints over 8 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 over 10 years, showing a much higher annual complaint rate for the Camry.
- The Promaster CITY's top issues are engine, electrical, and power train, with reports of shifting into neutral and burning smells; the Camry's top issues are power train, unknown, and engine, with reports of key sticking and hesitation.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 5 crashes and 2 injuries for the Promaster CITY, indicating a higher reported safety risk for the Camry.
- Both have recalls, but the Promaster CITY's recalls include brake control and turn signals, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and seats, affecting different safety systems.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smells or unexpected shifting into neutral during a test drive, as these are common complaints.
- Listen for abnormal grinding noises from the engine, which could indicate cylinder head or other engine problems.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it can be removed easily when in Park, as sticking is a reported issue.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the RAM Promaster CITY for engine noises, transmission function, and electrical system health.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key removal, brake pedal feel, and acceleration response during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake services.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
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 CITY | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 61 |
| 2021 | 5 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1 | 274 |
| 2019 | 5 | 395 |
| 2018 | 1 | 744 |
| 2017 | 76 | 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 CITY or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster CITY vs Toyota Camry
- RAM Promaster CITY total complaints
- 234
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- RAM Promaster CITY total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- RAM Promaster CITY avg complaints/year
- 29.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster CITY
- RAM Promaster CITY top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN