Head-to-head reliability
Buick Regal vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Regal 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Regal averages 63.5 complaints per year and has 28 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year and has 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 1 death and 158 injuries, versus 0 deaths and 26 injuries for the Regal. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Regal or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan that averages about 64 complaints per year over the past decade, with 28 recalls. Owners most often report engine and electrical problems, such as no-start conditions and battery drain, plus exterior lighting issues like moisture in headlights. Brake-related complaints include a recall for loss of power assist, which can make stopping harder. Overall, it's a car that demands attention to electrical and brake health.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular mid-size sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but also more than double the recalls (31). The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. Some complaints involve multiple safety systems malfunctioning at once. Despite the higher counts, many issues are addressed by recalls or dealer fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Regal | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 635 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 63.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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
- 01ENGINE169
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM160
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING127
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05POWER TRAIN77
Owners report no-start conditions with a blank instrument panel and no clicking from the ignition, often traced to battery power loss. There are also complaints of unusual noises similar to brake scrubbing. These can leave you stranded and require electrical diagnosis.
Multiple significant and ongoing electrical issues are reported, including battery drain and instrument cluster failures. One owner described repeated problems after buying a used 2019 model. Electrical gremlins can be costly and hard to trace.
Moisture accumulation inside HID headlight housings is a known defect, caused by cracks or seal failures. This can damage bulbs, ballasts, or wiring, leading to dim or failed lights. It's a safety concern and a repair expense.
A recall was issued for 2018-2020 models due to partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist, increasing crash risk. Owners also report the engine revving while braking. This means the brake pedal may feel hard and stopping distances can increase.
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated that when he attempted to start his vehicle there was no battery power, and no clicking sounds from the ignition. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that he had th…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues affect drivability and can be intermittent.
Complaints include delayed throttle response—pressing the gas pedal and waiting several seconds for the car to move. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. It's often reported multiple times by the same owner.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also hear a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but abnormal. These issues can immobilize the car or signal ABS problems.
Some owners report multiple safety systems failing simultaneously, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This can happen while driving and may overwhelm the driver. Such widespread electronic failures are concerning.
“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 — 28 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
The risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buic…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
The risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mai…
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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Regal has far fewer complaints per year (about 64 vs. 206 for the Camry), but the Camry has more recalls and a higher total complaint count. In practice, the Regal may have fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's problems are more frequently addressed through recalls. Neither is trouble-free, so a thorough inspection is key.
Key differences
- The Buick Regal averages about 64 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206—over three times more.
- Buick Regal owners frequently report engine no-start and electrical drain issues; Camry owners report power train hesitation and stuck ignition keys.
- The Regal has a brake recall for loss of power assist; the Camry has complaints of electronic parking brake failure and brake pedal noise.
- Camry complaints include multiple safety systems failing at once, while Regal complaints are more focused on lighting and electrical components.
- Check for moisture inside the headlight housings, which can indicate a cracked seal and lead to bulb or wiring damage.
- Test the brakes for a hard pedal or unusual noises, and verify that the vacuum brake assist recall has been performed.
- Ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park; a stuck key may require battery disconnection.
- Test the electronic parking brake to confirm it engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and instrument cluster.
- For the Buick Regal, specifically check headlight housings for moisture and test brake assist function.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation.
- Take a test drive that includes braking, accelerating, and using all electronic safety features to spot intermittent issues.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 274 |
| 2019 | 19 | 395 |
| 2018 | 19 | 744 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 Regal or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Regal vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Regal total complaints
- 635
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Buick Regal total recalls
- 28
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Regal avg complaints/year
- 63.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Buick Regal
- Buick Regal top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN