Head-to-head reliability
Buick Enclave vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Enclave 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 Enclave vs Toyota Camry: The Enclave has 443 complaints over 10 years (44.3/yr) with air bag and brake issues, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) with transmission and sudden acceleration reports. Both have serious safety concerns, but the Enclave's lower complaint rate may appeal to some buyers. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Enclave or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a three-row SUV that owners report as comfortable and capable, but the complaint data reveals a pattern of serious safety-related issues, particularly with air bags failing to deploy in crashes and sudden engine shutdowns. Electrical gremlins and brake problems also appear frequently, suggesting that while the Enclave may be pleasant to drive, it can be unreliable and potentially unsafe in critical moments. With 443 complaints over 10 years, averaging 44.3 per year, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for fuel efficiency and a smooth ride, but the complaint data shows a high volume of issues, especially with the powertrain, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration reports. Brake failures and electrical problems are also common, and with 2143 complaints over 10 years (214.3 per year), it's clear that while the Camry has a strong reputation, it is not immune to significant reliability concerns. Owners report both minor annoyances like AC odors and major safety issues like unintended acceleration.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Enclave | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 443 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 44.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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 Enclave
- 01AIR BAGS153
- 02ENGINE59
- 03SERVICE BRAKES57
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM56
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER51
Owners report air bags failing to deploy in severe front-end collisions, even when the vehicle is totaled. This is a critical safety failure that could lead to serious injury in an accident.
The engine can catastrophically fail while driving, causing sudden loss of power and shutdown on the freeway. Other reports mention check engine lights, shaking, and vibrations, indicating potential engine or powertrain problems.
Brake issues include squealing that persists daily and, more seriously, brake pedal sinking to the floor, which can lead to a complete loss of braking ability. This is a major safety concern.
Electrical problems manifest as infotainment system lockups, which can disable phone, radio, and navigation, and even prevent contacting emergency services. Other electrical issues may be linked to brake failures.
“On [XXX], 2024, a pickup truck ran a red light at 55+ miles per hour and struck the front left quarter panel of our 2023 Buick Enclave as we were pulling into an intersection. Our car was totaled with the entire front end of the car being severely damaged. Th…”
“The contact owned a 2025 Buick Enclave. While the contact’s daughter was driving through an intersection on a green light at an undisclosed speed, a truck crashed into the front driver’s side of the vehicle. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. The con…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some owners also report sudden unintended acceleration, which is extremely dangerous.
Engine problems include sudden acceleration incidents that led to crashes, as well as coolant valve bypass issues that trigger maintenance warnings and could affect engine safety.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal going to the floor and no response when pressed, especially on hills. This can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Electrical issues are less specific but include problems that may affect vehicle systems. Owners also report AC condenser damage from rocks, which is a separate but notable issue.
“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 Enclave — 14 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
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 Enclave or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Enclave has significantly fewer complaints per year (44.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Enclave's issues are more concentrated on safety-critical systems like air bags and brakes. The Camry's higher volume of complaints includes many minor issues, but also serious powertrain and brake failures. In practice, the Enclave may be less troublesome overall, but the Camry's problems are more varied and frequent.
Key differences
- Buick Enclave has far fewer complaints per year (44.3) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but its complaints are more likely to involve air bag non-deployment and brake failure.
- Toyota Camry owners report sudden unintended acceleration and transmission failures, which are not as prominent in the Enclave.
- The Enclave's electrical issues often affect the infotainment system, while the Camry's electrical problems are less defined but include AC condenser damage.
- Both vehicles have brake problems, but the Enclave's brake pedal sinking is a distinct and dangerous symptom.
- Inspect the air bag system thoroughly, including checking for any prior recalls or repairs, and ensure all air bag sensors are functioning.
- Test the brakes for any signs of pedal sinking or unusual squealing, and have the brake system checked by a professional.
- Check the transmission for any grinding noises or hesitation during acceleration, and review service records for any transmission work.
- Be alert for any signs of unintended acceleration, and have the engine and throttle system inspected.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or past complaints.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the air bag system, brakes, and engine.
- Test drive the vehicle at various speeds, including highway, to listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
- Check the infotainment system for any lockups or glitches during the test drive.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if any major components have been replaced or repaired.
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 | Buick Enclave | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 119 |
| 2025 | 36 | 153 |
| 2024 | 7 | 48 |
| 2023 | 19 | 62 |
| 2022 | 13 | 59 |
| 2021 | 25 | 155 |
| 2020 | 56 | 270 |
| 2019 | 42 | 393 |
| 2018 | 64 | 736 |
| 2017 | 179 | 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 Buick Enclave or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Enclave vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Enclave total complaints
- 443
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Buick Enclave total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Enclave avg complaints/year
- 44.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Enclave top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN