Head-to-head reliability
Buick Regal Tourx vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Regal Tourx 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 Regal Tourx vs Toyota Camry: Over 3 years, the Buick had 35 complaints (11.7/year) and 0 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls over 10 years. The Camry also had 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries; the Buick had none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Regal Tourx or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Regal Tourx
The Buick Regal Tourx is a station wagon that, over three years, generated 35 complaints—about 11.7 per year—with no recalls, crashes, injuries, or deaths reported. Owners most often complain about electrical glitches, transmission problems, engine stalling, and brake issues. The low complaint rate suggests fewer reported problems, but the absence of recalls doesn't guarantee a trouble-free experience.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan that, over ten years, accumulated 2,056 complaints—roughly 205.6 per year—along with 31 recalls, 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and one death. The high volume reflects its large sales base, but owners report serious issues like transmission hesitation, engine stalling, brake problems, and electrical malfunctions. The data indicates a higher frequency of reported safety-related incidents compared to the Buick.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Regal Tourx | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 35 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Regal Tourx
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03ENGINE7
- 04SERVICE BRAKES6
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
Owners report repeated electrical faults, including battery drain and instrument panel failures, sometimes requiring multiple dealer visits. One owner described hearing a scrubbing noise similar to brakes, which was linked to electrical issues. These problems can leave you stranded or cause confusing warnings.
A common complaint is an intermittent 'Shift to Park' message even when the vehicle is in Park, caused by faulty shift position switches. This can prevent the car from starting or shutting off properly. Owners also report transmission shuddering and hesitation.
Some owners experience a no-start condition with a blank instrument panel and no clicking from the ignition, often traced to battery power loss. Others report engine noises that sound like brake scrubbing. These issues can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
A safety recall was issued for 2018-2020 Buick Regal models due to partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist, increasing crash risk. Owners report receiving recall notices but still experiencing brake problems. This is a critical safety concern.
“Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a 2019 Buick Regal, which I purchased as a used vehicle in 2023 with approximately 19,000 miles. Since owning the car, I have added only 14,000 miles, yet I have experienced multiple significant and ong…”
“I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-790-5600. I PURCHASED THE CAR 11/23/18 BRAND NEW WITH 12 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO GET IT SERVICED DUE TO KEPT HEARING SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE BRAKES KEEP SCRUBBING, IN WHICH I THE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the dashboard shows the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These issues can affect drivability and safety.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. One owner reported all these failing while driving home. Such widespread electronic failures are alarming and could compromise safety.
A delayed throttle response is reported, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second lag before the car moves. This happened repeatedly for one owner. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but abnormal. These brake issues can leave you stuck or distracted.
“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 Regal Tourx
No recalls on record.
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 Regal Tourx or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Regal Tourx has far fewer complaints per year (11.7 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Toyota Camry has 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries. In practice, this means the Buick may have fewer reported problems, but the Camry's higher numbers partly reflect its much larger sales volume. Both have serious issues, but the Buick's lower rate suggests a lower risk of encountering frequent complaints.
Key differences
- The Buick Regal Tourx has 0 recalls and 0 crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports.
- Buick owners report electrical and transmission issues like 'Shift to Park' errors, whereas Camry owners report key-stuck and multi-system electronic failures.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate (205.6 per year) compared to the Buick (11.7 per year), but this is influenced by sales volume.
- Both have brake-related complaints, but the Buick had a specific vacuum-brake assist recall, while the Camry has electronic parking brake and ABS noise issues.
- Check for any signs of electrical gremlins: battery drain, warning lights, or instrument panel flickering.
- Test the gear shifter thoroughly: ensure it engages Park correctly and that no 'Shift to Park' message appears when in Park.
- Test the ignition key removal: ensure it releases smoothly when in Park, without needing to disconnect the battery.
- Check the electronic parking brake: make sure it disengages properly and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially the Buick's brake recall and the Camry's airbag and seat recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, throttle response, and any unusual noises from the engine or brakes.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed by checking with a dealer using the VIN.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for frequent battery or electrical repairs.
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 Regal Tourx | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 274 |
| 2019 | 18 | 395 |
| 2018 | 14 | 744 |
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 Regal Tourx or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Regal Tourx vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Regal Tourx total complaints
- 35
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Buick Regal Tourx total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Regal Tourx avg complaints/year
- 11.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Buick Regal Tourx
- Buick Regal Tourx top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN