Head-to-head reliability
Buick Terraza vs Toyota Camry
How the Buick Terraza 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 Terraza vs Toyota Camry: The Terraza averaged 69 complaints per year over 3 years, with 8 recalls and 11 injuries, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year over 10 years, with 31 recalls and 158 injuries. Both have brake and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Terraza or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Terraza
The Buick Terraza is a minivan that averaged 69 complaints per year over three years, with 8 recalls and 11 injuries reported. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, brake problems, and structural issues like power sliding doors opening on their own. This suggests a vehicle that can be frustrating to live with due to unpredictable failures.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher total complaint count (2056 over 10 years) but a lower annual average of 205.6 complaints per year. It has 31 recalls and 158 injuries reported. Common complaints involve power train hesitation, engine shuddering, and brake noises, indicating a range of issues across major systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Terraza | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 69.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Terraza
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- 02SERVICE BRAKES39
- 03STRUCTURE36
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)36
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES29
Owners report the power sliding doors opening and closing unexpectedly, even while driving, and the anti-theft alarm engaging inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shut off. These issues can be dangerous and annoying, requiring costly repairs.
Complaints include the brake pedal becoming resistant then extending to the floor, and the vehicle jerking and decelerating with ABS and stability warnings. Such brake failures could compromise stopping ability.
The same power sliding door issue is also filed under structure, with doors opening at will. This indicates a persistent defect that affects both safety and security.
Owners describe the vehicle suddenly veering and brakes locking, with the stability light coming on. This suggests ESC malfunctions that could lead to loss of control.
“IT IS PROBABLY A SHORTER LIST TO LIST WHAT WE HAVEN'T HAD TROUBLE WITH , BUT HERE GOES. 1. THE BACK POWER SLIDING DOORS WILL OPEN AND SHUT AT WILL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, PARTED IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, ETC. THE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS REGULARLY COME OVER…”
“The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed t…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and the vehicle hesitating and shuddering with check engine light. These issues can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of hesitation before the car moves. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring towing, and a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is reported as common. These brake problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
Multiple systems such as smart stop, stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring malfunctioned simultaneously. This indicates complex electronic issues that may be hard to diagnose.
“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 Terraza — 8 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Terraza or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Buick Terraza has fewer issues per year (69 vs. 205.6 for the Camry), but the Camry's higher total reflects a longer period. In practice, the Terraza may have fewer complaints annually, but the Camry's issues are spread over more years and include serious power train and engine problems.
Key differences
- The Buick Terraza has a much lower annual complaint rate (69/year) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6/year), but the Camry's data covers 10 years versus 3 for the Terraza.
- Terraza owners frequently report power sliding doors opening unexpectedly and brake pedal issues, while Camry owners report ignition key stuck and engine hesitation.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 8) and more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 9), though it also has a larger owner base over a longer period.
- Both vehicles have brake complaints, but the Terraza's are often tied to software and ABS warnings, while the Camry's involve electronic parking brake failure and noise.
- Test the power sliding doors multiple times to ensure they do not open or close on their own, as this is a common complaint.
- Check the brake pedal feel for resistance or sinking to the floor, and look for ABS or stability warning lights on the dashboard.
- Try removing the ignition key in Park to ensure it does not get stuck, a reported power train issue.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, shuddering, or delayed acceleration, especially in the Camry.
- For the Terraza, operate all power doors and windows repeatedly to check for electrical glitches.
- For the Camry, test all electronic systems including stability control, blind spot monitoring, and parking brake.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, electrical system, and power train before purchase, given the reported 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 Terraza or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Terraza vs Toyota Camry
- Buick Terraza total complaints
- 207
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Buick Terraza total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Buick Terraza avg complaints/year
- 69.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Buick Terraza
- Buick Terraza top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN