Head-to-head reliability
Buick Encore GX vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Encore GX 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 Encore GX vs Toyota Camry: The Encore GX has 228 complaints over 7 years (33/year) and 9 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (206/year) and 31 recalls. Both show power train and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Encore GX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Encore GX
The Buick Encore GX is a subcompact SUV with 228 complaints over 7 years, averaging about 33 per year. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like backup camera failures and 'Service Charging System' warnings, plus power train problems such as transmissions failing at low mileage. With 9 recalls and 10 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that may require more frequent dealer visits for both minor and major issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Common owner reports include power train hesitation, brake noises, and multiple system malfunctions, with 31 recalls and 158 injuries. While the Camry has a strong reputation, the data shows a range of issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Encore GX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 228 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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.
Buick Encore GX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60
- 02POWER TRAIN51
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER48
- 04ENGINE43
- 05SERVICE BRAKES37
Owners report backup cameras that fail intermittently or completely, and warning messages like 'Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall' appearing shortly after purchase. These electrical glitches can be distracting and may indicate deeper issues.
Complaints include the car not recognizing it's in Park, causing it to stay on, and complete transmission failures at low mileage (e.g., 13,993 miles) with sudden power loss. Such failures can be dangerous and expensive.
Issues with turbo replacement and ECM oil pressure sensor software are noted, leading to engine performance problems. These can affect reliability and require costly repairs.
While fewer complaints, brake issues are reported and there is a recall for service brakes. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be inspected.
“I am reporting a defect involving my **2025 Buick Encore GX AWD manufactured by General Motors. Within two days of purchasing the vehicle, the dashboard displayed the warning message “Service Charging System – Vehicle May Stall.” I contacted the dealership on…”
“My 2025 Buick Encore GX has experienced an ongoing failure of the rear backup camera system. The issue began intermittently in February 2026, and earlier this month (March) it has progressively worsened. The camera now does not function at all. When shifting…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report ignition key getting stuck, vehicle hesitation and shuddering, and transmission issues. These can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Delayed throttle response and check engine lights are common, with some cases requiring dealer diagnosis. This can affect drivability and may signal costly repairs.
Complaints include electronic parking brake failing to disengage and clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake problems are safety concerns and should be addressed promptly.
Multiple system malfunctions (stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring) are reported, which can compromise safety features. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose.
“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.
Buick Encore GX — 9 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The software in the Virtual Cockpit Unit Module (VCU) may cause the instrument panel display to intermittently go blank at vehicle startup or while driving.
The risk: A blank instrument panel will not show critical information, such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The VCU software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet custome…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.
The risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may con…
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact…
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
Buick Encore GX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Encore GX has far fewer complaints per year (about 33) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry's higher volume may reflect more vehicles on the road. In practice, the Encore GX may have fewer reported issues overall, but the severity of power train failures in both means neither is immune to major problems.
Key differences
- The Buick Encore GX has 228 complaints over 7 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- Buick Encore GX owners frequently report electrical issues like backup camera failures and charging system warnings; Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake noises.
- Both vehicles have recalls for backup cameras (Buick) and air bag sensors (Camry), but the Camry has more recalls overall (31 vs 9).
- The Buick Encore GX has 10 injuries reported, while the Camry has 158 injuries and 1 death, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Check the backup camera for intermittent or complete failure, as this is a common complaint and subject of a recall.
- Test the transmission for any hesitation or failure to engage Park, and ask for service records related to power train repairs.
- Test the ignition key removal and ensure it doesn't get stuck, a reported issue that can require battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues, and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission, electrical system, and brakes for both models.
- Test drive the vehicle extensively, including highway speeds, to check for hesitation or power loss.
- Verify that all safety features (backup camera, blind spot monitoring, etc.) function correctly.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and software updates.
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 Encore GX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 163 |
| 2024 | 31 | 50 |
| 2023 | 27 | 64 |
| 2022 | 32 | 61 |
| 2021 | 53 | 157 |
| 2020 | 70 | 274 |
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 Encore GX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Encore GX vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Encore GX total complaints
- 228
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Buick Encore GX total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Encore GX avg complaints/year
- 32.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Buick Encore GX
- Buick Encore GX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN