Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lesabre vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Lesabre 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 LeSabre vs Toyota Camry: The LeSabre averaged 294.5 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averaged 205.6 over 10 years. The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 8) and crash-related complaints (171 vs 70). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lesabre or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lesabre
The Buick LeSabre is a full-size sedan with a mixed reliability record. Over six years, it averaged about 295 complaints per year, with visibility, electrical, and structure issues being the most common. Owners report problems like instrument lights burning out, speedometer failure, and brake pedal going to the floor. While it has fewer recalls than the Camry, the high complaint rate suggests frequent repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a lower annual complaint rate of about 206 per year over ten years. However, it has more recalls (31) and a higher number of crash-related complaints (171) and injuries (158). Common issues include power train problems like key stuck and hesitation, engine shuddering, and brake noises. Despite the lower yearly complaint rate, the variety and severity of issues are notable.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lesabre | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,767 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 294.5 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 Lesabre
- 01VISIBILITY492
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM260
- 03STRUCTURE206
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING148
- 05AIR BAGS138
Owners report instrument lights on radio, heat/air controls, and steering wheel controls burning out one by one. This can make it hard to see controls at night and may require expensive dealer repairs.
Complaints include speedometer becoming inoperable and ignition switch breaking, leaving the key stuck. These failures can affect driving safety and leave you stranded.
Reports of brake pedal going to the floor and ignition switch issues that can cause the key to remain in the ignition. These are serious safety concerns that could lead to crashes.
Premature failure of front wheel bearings at low mileage (e.g., 65,500 miles) is reported. This can cause noise, poor handling, and costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when in Park, requiring battery disconnect. Also, hesitation and shuddering with check engine light, indicating transmission or engine issues.
Delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of lag before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Electronic parking brake (EPB) failing to disengage, requiring towing and manual release. Also, clicking/vibrating noise from brake pedal area due to ABS system, which owners find abnormal.
Multiple system malfunctions including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver and increase crash risk.
“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 Lesabre — 8 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.
The risk: IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HEAD LAMP ADJUSTMENT DEVICE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTER MAY NOT MOVE THE HEAD LAMP REFLECTOR WHEN THE SHAFT IS ROTATED IN A NORMAL MANNER D…
The risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: AN INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS WILL BE PROVIDED TO OWNERS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN THE INSERT FOR HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT, RATHER THAN USING THE HORIZONTAL VHAD IND…
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 Lesabre or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 295 for the Buick LeSabre), suggesting it may require less frequent attention. However, the Camry has more recalls and a higher number of crash-related complaints and injuries, so the difference in practice is that the LeSabre may have more minor annoyances, while the Camry's issues can be more severe.
Key differences
- The Buick LeSabre has a higher annual complaint rate (294.5 vs. 205.6) but fewer recalls (8 vs. 31).
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 70) and injuries (158 vs. 83), and one death reported.
- LeSabre owners frequently report electrical and visibility problems like burning out lights and speedometer failure, while Camry owners report power train issues like stuck keys and hesitation.
- Camry complaints include multiple system malfunctions (stability control, power steering, etc.) that can occur simultaneously, while LeSabre issues tend to be more isolated.
- Check all instrument panel and control lights for function, as owners report they burn out one by one.
- Test the brake pedal for firmness and any sinking to the floor, and inspect the ignition switch for proper key removal.
- Test the ignition key for sticking and ensure it can be removed easily when in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including lights, speedometer, and ignition switch.
- Test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation, shuddering, or delayed throttle response.
- Check the operation of all safety systems like stability control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance.
- Verify that the brake pedal feels firm and that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages without issue.
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 Lesabre or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lesabre vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Lesabre total complaints
- 1,767
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Buick Lesabre total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Lesabre avg complaints/year
- 294.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Buick Lesabre top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN