Head-to-head reliability
Buick Rendezvous vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous vs Toyota Camry: The Rendezvous averaged 179 complaints/year over 7 years, with 3 deaths and 18 recalls. The Camry averaged 206 complaints/year over 10 years, with 1 death and 31 recalls. Both have serious reported issues, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Rendezvous or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Rendezvous
The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 179 complaints per year over seven years, with electrical and engine issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe stalling, hesitation, and dashboard lights flickering, which can be unsettling and costly to diagnose. Fuel system problems, including strong fuel odors and inaccurate gauges, are also common. With 18 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a strong reputation, but it still averaged about 206 complaints per year over ten years. Power train and engine complaints are most frequent, often involving hesitation, shuddering, and key-stuck issues. Brake and electrical problems also appear, including parking brake failures and multiple system malfunctions. With 31 recalls and 1 death reported, it's not trouble-free, but the issues tend to be different in nature.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Rendezvous | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,256 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 68 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 179.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Rendezvous
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM298
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 03FUEL SYSTEM165
- 04GASOLINE143
- 05SERVICE BRAKES141
Owners report instrument panel lights flickering, doors locking by themselves, and the engine stalling while driving. These electrical glitches can leave you without control and are often hard to trace, leading to repeated shop visits.
Complaints include hesitation, stalling, and a recall for contaminated ignition relay contacts that can cause intermittent stalls. This means the engine may cut out unexpectedly, which is both a safety and reliability concern.
Drivers notice strong fuel odors and fuel lines under the driver's side that may leak. The fuel gauge also wanders by a quarter tank, making it hard to know how much gas you have left.
Brake-related complaints are among the top five, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the sample. Any brake issue on a heavy SUV is serious, so a thorough brake inspection is essential.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN ACCELERATED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD STALL WHE…”
“I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE LIGHTS ON PANEL WENT CRAZY, DOORS LOCKING BY THEMSELVES, AC LOCKED, RADIO LOCKED, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I DIN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVERTHE CAR, IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND TR…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove it. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine control issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal does nothing for several seconds. This lag can be dangerous when merging or pulling out, and it may be intermittent and hard to reproduce for a mechanic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area. These issues can leave you stranded or cost hundreds to fix.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This suggests a complex electrical or sensor problem that may be expensive to diagnose and repair.
“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 Rendezvous — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
The risk: THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
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 Rendezvous or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Rendezvous has fewer complaints per year (about 179) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Rendezvous has more deaths reported (3 vs. 1) and a higher proportion of stalling and fuel odor issues. In practice, the Camry's problems are more often related to power train and brakes, while the Rendezvous suffers more electrical and fuel system faults. Neither is immune to trouble, but the type of failure matters more than the raw count.
Key differences
- The Buick Rendezvous has 1256 complaints over 7 years (179/year) vs. the Toyota Camry's 2056 over 10 years (206/year).
- Rendezvous owners frequently report stalling and fuel odors, while Camry owners report key-stuck and brake noise issues.
- The Rendezvous has 3 deaths and 76 injuries reported; the Camry has 1 death and 158 injuries.
- Both have recalls for air bags and electrical/ignition systems, but the Camry also has seat and wheel recalls.
- Check for strong fuel odors around the vehicle and inspect fuel lines under the driver's side for leaks or corrosion.
- Test drive at low speeds and watch for instrument panel lights flickering, hesitation, or stalling; also verify the fuel gauge reads accurately.
- Try removing the ignition key after parking to ensure it doesn't stick, and test the electronic parking brake to see if it disengages properly.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for delayed throttle response or shuddering, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed, especially for air bags and ignition/fuel systems.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for both vehicles.
- For the Rendezvous, specifically check fuel lines and fuel gauge operation; for the Camry, check the electronic parking brake and key removal.
- Test drive on varied roads and speeds, paying attention to transmission shifting, engine hesitation, and any unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if there are gaps or repeated repairs for the same 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 Rendezvous or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Buick Rendezvous inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rendezvous vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Rendezvous total complaints
- 1,256
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Buick Rendezvous total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Rendezvous avg complaints/year
- 179.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rendezvous
- Buick Rendezvous top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN