Head-to-head reliability
Buick Century vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Century 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
Buick Century vs Toyota Camry: The Century averages 121 complaints per year over 6 years, with frequent headlight and brake line failures. The Camry averages 214 per year over 10 years, with transmission and sudden acceleration issues. Both have safety concerns, but the Camry has more crashes and injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Century or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Century
The Buick Century, a mid-size sedan, shows a high complaint rate of about 121 per year over six years, with a significant number of issues in exterior lighting, brakes, and electrical systems. Owners frequently report headlights turning off or dimming, brake line failures due to rust, and various electrical glitches, making it a vehicle that may require frequent attention to safety-critical components.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a higher total complaint count but over a longer period, averaging about 214 per year over ten years. Complaints focus on powertrain issues like transmission grinding, engine problems including sudden acceleration, and brake failures, with a notable number of crash-related incidents. Despite its reputation, this data suggests potential serious mechanical and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Century | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 726 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 38 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 121.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 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.
Buick Century
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING109
- 02SERVICE BRAKES103
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM100
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING92
- 05POWER TRAIN86
Owners report headlights turning off while driving, often due to bulbs overheating the plastic lens, causing fogging and reduced visibility. This can happen repeatedly and may require switch or wiring repairs.
Brake lines are prone to rust and corrosion, leading to sudden loss of braking power. One owner described the pedal going to the floor after front and rear lines burst, a critical safety issue.
Electrical problems often manifest as headlight failures, with low beams stopping and high beams only working when the switch is held. This points to faulty switches or wiring that can leave drivers in the dark.
Some owners report sudden loss of acceleration while driving, causing the vehicle to veer and require restarting. This could be related to fuel or ignition issues, posing a risk in traffic.
“WE HAVE HAD OUR 2005 BUICK LACROSSE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS NOW AND WANT TO REPORT THIS LIGHTING SAFETY CONCERN. THIS HEADLIGHT INCIDENT WITH OUR BUICK HAS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO US, THREE TIMES SINCE MID APRIL. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, WE WERE DRIVING ONE EVEN…”
“A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. ONCE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR WITH A FRIEND WHO ALSO OWNS A BUICK THE ISSUE OCCURRED AND HE TOLD ME HIS CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. I CONTACTED BUICK, WHO…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealers recommending full replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar problems, but parts may be on backorder, leaving drivers with unreliable vehicles.
Serious engine problems include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that led to a crash and total loss. Others report coolant valve bypass codes that are not covered by recall, potentially causing overheating or safety warnings.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal giving no response on a downhill curve, forcing the driver to take evasive action. This could be due to master cylinder or brake line issues, making braking unreliable.
Electrical complaints include HVAC odors from the AC system, which are unpleasant but not safety-critical. However, they indicate potential design flaws that may affect comfort and system longevity.
“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.
Buick Century — 20 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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
Buick Century or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Century has fewer complaints per year (121 vs 214) and fewer recalls (20 vs 31), suggesting a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Century's problems are more concentrated in safety-critical areas like brakes and lighting, while the Camry's issues are more varied but include severe engine and transmission failures. In practice, the Century may require more immediate attention to specific components, but the Camry's higher rate and serious incidents could mean a higher overall risk.
Key differences
- The Buick Century has a higher proportion of exterior lighting complaints (109) where headlights fail, while the Camry has more powertrain complaints (395) involving transmission grinding and failure.
- Brake issues are prominent in both, but Century owners report rusted brake lines causing sudden loss of brakes, whereas Camry owners report brake pedal failure on hills, possibly due to different causes.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181 vs 38) and injuries (163 vs 36), indicating more severe incidents, though the Century has no reported deaths while the Camry has one.
- The Century's electrical issues often tie to headlight failures, while the Camry's electrical complaints include AC odors, which are less safety-critical.
- Inspect the brake lines for rust and corrosion, as they are prone to bursting and causing total brake loss.
- Check the headlight lenses for fogging and test the headlights for intermittent failures, which are common and can reduce visibility.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, as this may indicate a need for costly replacement.
- Be aware of any sudden acceleration incidents; have the engine and throttle system thoroughly checked by a mechanic.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brake system on both vehicles, including lines, hoses, and master cylinder.
- Test all exterior lights, including high and low beams, and check for any signs of overheating or lens damage.
- For the Camry, ask for the transmission service history and consider a diagnostic scan for any stored codes.
- For the Century, check the electrical system for any aftermarket modifications that could affect headlight operation.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if any recalls were performed, especially for the Camry's airbag sensor and the Century's steering.
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 Buick Century or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Century vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Century total complaints
- 726
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Buick Century total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Century avg complaints/year
- 121.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Buick Century
- Buick Century top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN