Head-to-head reliability
Buick Rainier vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Rainier 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 Rainier vs Toyota Camry: The Rainier averaged 97.5 complaints per year with 0 deaths, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints per year with 1 death and 181 crash-related reports. The Camry also had 31 recalls versus 15 for the Rainier. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Rainier or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Rainier
The Buick Rainier is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 98 complaints per year over four years, with 15 recalls. Owners most often report electrical problems like failing window motors and headlights that shut off, plus fuel gauge errors. These issues can be annoying and costly, but the data shows no deaths and fewer crash-related reports than the Camry.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a much higher complaint rate—about 214 per year over ten years—and 31 recalls. Owners report serious issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. There was also one death and many more crash and injury reports, suggesting some problems can be dangerous.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Rainier | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 390 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 16 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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 Rainier
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145
- 02FUEL SYSTEM80
- 03GASOLINE62
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING54
- 05POWER TRAIN28
Owners frequently report power window motors and controls failing, sometimes multiple times, requiring repeated repairs. Headlights can also suddenly go out while driving, which is a serious safety concern at night.
The fuel gauge often gives incorrect readings, showing empty when the tank is full or vice versa, which can cause drivers to run out of gas unexpectedly. This is a common and frustrating issue.
Low-beam headlights may turn off without warning, leaving only high beams or fog lights. Owners also report wipers and wiper fluid spraying on their own, which can distract the driver.
While fewer complaints, some owners report transmission or drivetrain issues. These can be expensive to fix, so a thorough test drive and mechanic inspection are wise.
“Window motors and window controls failing. I replaced two window motors at in 2017, at dealer because they failed, then the rear passenger window motor failed in 2020 and was replaced at mechanic shop with factory replacement, this rear passenger window is se…”
“MY RECALL WAS JAN 2015 THAT LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS GOES OFF . MINE ARE OFF ALL THE TIME. NO PARTS AVAILABLE SO THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. IF REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE THEN WHY DO THEY PAY TO FIX. BILL APP.300.00 CAN NOT DRIVE NIGHT ONLY HAVE HIGH AND FOG LIGH…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sometimes requiring a full replacement. There are also complaints of sudden acceleration, which can lead to crashes.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration is a recurring and dangerous complaint, with some cases resulting in crashes. Other engine issues include coolant valve problems that may not be covered by recalls.
Some drivers experience a complete loss of brake response, especially on hills or when braking gently. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Electrical complaints include various sensor and system failures, though specific patterns are less clear from the sample. These can cause warning lights and drivability issues.
“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 Rainier — 15 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlam…
The risk: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this reca…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result…
The risk: The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and G…
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 Rainier or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Rainier has far fewer complaints per year (about 98 vs. 214 for the Camry) and fewer crash-related reports. However, the Camry's higher volume may reflect more vehicles on the road. In practice, the Rainier's issues tend to be annoying but less likely to cause a crash, while the Camry's include potentially life-threatening problems like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Camry has more than twice the annual complaint rate of the Rainier (214 vs. 98 per year).
- Camry complaints include sudden acceleration and brake failure, which can cause crashes; Rainier complaints are mostly electrical and fuel gauge issues.
- The Rainier has 0 deaths and 16 crash-related reports; the Camry has 1 death and 181 crash-related reports.
- Both have recalls, but the Camry has 31 vs. the Rainier's 15, covering air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Test all power windows multiple times; listen for slow or grinding motors, and check if they operate smoothly from both driver and passenger controls.
- Drive at night to verify low-beam headlights stay on; also check fuel gauge accuracy by filling the tank and noting if it reads full and drops normally.
- During test drive, accelerate gently and listen for grinding or whining from the transmission; also test braking on a hill or slope for any loss of response.
- Check for any signs of unintended acceleration by ensuring the pedal returns fully and the car doesn't surge when shifting into gear.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission, brakes, and electrical system, especially for the Camry's known issues.
- For the Rainier, test all windows, headlights, and fuel gauge operation; for the Camry, test acceleration and braking thoroughly.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, hills, and night driving to replicate common complaint conditions.
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 Rainier or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rainier vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Rainier total complaints
- 390
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Buick Rainier total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Rainier avg complaints/year
- 97.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rainier
- Buick Rainier top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN