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 averages 179 complaints per year, with electrical and fuel issues causing stalling and leaks. The Camry averages 214 complaints per year, with transmission and brake problems. Both have recalls, but the Rendezvous has more deaths (3 vs 1). 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, a mid-size SUV from the 2000s, shows a high complaint rate averaging about 179 per year over seven years. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, engine stalling, and fuel system issues, which can make daily driving unpredictable and sometimes scary. The sample complaints describe sudden loss of power, dashboard chaos, and fuel odors, suggesting that this vehicle may demand patience and repair budget.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular sedan, has a slightly higher average complaint rate (about 214 per year) over ten years, but its issues are more varied and often less severe. Owners report transmission noises, brake concerns, and engine problems, but also many non-safety issues like AC odors. The Camry's reputation for reliability is somewhat contradicted by these reports, but the problems seem more typical of aging vehicles.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 68 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 179.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 163 |
| 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, often accompanied by a loss of control. This suggests a failing body control module or wiring issue that can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
The engine may hesitate or stall while driving, sometimes due to contaminated ignition relay contacts that affect the powertrain control module. This can lead to sudden loss of power, a serious safety concern.
A strong fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle is reported, often traced to leaking fuel lines under the driver side. This is a fire hazard and requires immediate attention.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships recommending transmission replacement. This indicates a potential transmission failure that is costly to repair.
Some owners report uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which can lead to crashes. Others mention engine maintenance warnings related to a coolant valve bypass, which may affect engine cooling and safety.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal going to the floor or no response when pressed, especially on hills. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to accidents.
“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 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 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 Rendezvous or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Rendezvous has fewer complaints per year (179.4) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but its issues are more concentrated in electrical and fuel systems, which can be more dangerous and costly. The Camry's higher rate is spread over more categories, but includes serious transmission and brake problems. In practice, the Rendezvous may be more prone to sudden stalls and fuel leaks, while the Camry might have more gradual mechanical failures.
Key differences
- Buick Rendezvous owners report more electrical system failures (298 complaints) leading to stalling and loss of control, while Camry's top issue is powertrain (395 complaints) with transmission noises.
- Fuel system problems are prominent in the Rendezvous (165 complaints) with fuel odors and leaks, whereas the Camry has fewer fuel-related complaints but more brake issues (290 complaints).
- The Rendezvous has 18 recalls, including air bags and fuel tank pressure relief, while the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag occupant classification and seats.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the Rendezvous (68 crashes, 76 injuries), but the Rendezvous has more deaths (3 vs 1).
- Check for any signs of electrical issues, such as flickering dashboard lights or intermittent stalling, which could indicate a failing ignition relay or body control module.
- Inspect the fuel lines under the driver side for leaks or corrosion, as fuel odors are a common complaint and pose a fire risk.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may signal transmission problems that require expensive replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure there is no loss of brake pressure or pedal going to the floor.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system and fuel lines for the Buick Rendezvous.
- For the Toyota Camry, ask for a transmission fluid check and a test drive to listen for unusual noises.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls have been addressed for both models.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to the top complaint areas.
- Consider a diagnostic scan to check for any stored trouble codes that might indicate hidden issues.
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.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rendezvous vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Rendezvous total complaints
- 1,256
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Buick Rendezvous total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Rendezvous avg complaints/year
- 179.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rendezvous
- Buick Rendezvous top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN