Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac Deville vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac Deville 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
Cadillac Deville vs Toyota Camry: The Deville averaged 174.3 complaints per year over 6 years, with 14 deaths, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints per year over 10 years, with 1 death. The Deville has fewer complaints but more severe outcomes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac Deville or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac Deville
The Cadillac Deville is a large luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can become costly to maintain as it ages. Over six years, it averaged 174.3 complaints per year, with electrical, steering, and air bag issues among the most common. Owners report serious problems like the engine shutting off while driving and the steering wheel locking up. These are not just minor annoyances; they can affect control of the car and lead to expensive repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize family sedan known for dependability, but the data shows it is not trouble-free. Over ten years, it averaged 214.3 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues frequently reported. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake pedal failures. While the overall death count is much lower than the Deville's, the higher complaint rate suggests that many owners experience significant problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac Deville | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,046 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 108 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 174.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 117 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 14 | 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.
Cadillac Deville
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM289
- 02STEERING143
- 03AIR BAGS140
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING140
- 05VISIBILITY101
Owners report the ignition switch turning off while driving, which can cause the engine to shut off and leave limited braking and steering. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen at speed and without warning.
Complaints describe the steering wheel locking or the power steering seizing, especially during turns at low speeds. This makes the car hard to control and could lead to a crash.
There are reports of the front passenger air bag deploying without a crash, sometimes with a musty odor. This unexpected deployment can startle the driver and cause injury.
Owners mention large oil leaks that worsen over time, often starting after 40,000 miles. These leaks can lead to engine damage and costly repairs if not addressed.
“DRIVING ON A LOCAL FREEWAY, MY IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF. I WAS ONLY GOING 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFICE. I WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL & RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT FOR A SHORT PERIOD I WAS WITH LIMITED BRAKING AND STEERING. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING I AM CERTAI…”
“ENGINE BEGAN TO LEAK OIL AFTER 40000 MILES. THE COMPANY AND DEALERSHIP ASSURED ME THIS WAS NORMAL. LONGER I OPERATED THIS CAR, MORE IT BEGAN TO LEAK. AT FIRST FEW DROPS, THEN LATER, 1-2 QTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. TODAY, IT IS WORST. I HAVE SPENT SEVERAL THOUSAN…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission and sudden acceleration, sometimes leading to crashes. These issues can be dangerous and may require a full transmission replacement.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration and coolant valve problems that trigger warning codes. These can cause loss of control and expensive engine repairs.
Some owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety failure that could result in a crash.
Many complaints involve air conditioning problems, such as a damaged condenser from road debris or a persistent mildew smell. These are comfort issues that can be costly to fix.
“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.
Cadillac Deville — 20 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
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
Cadillac Deville or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Deville has fewer complaints per year (174.3) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Deville's issues are often more severe, including 14 deaths reported. The Camry has a lower death count (1) but more frequent complaints overall. In practice, the Deville may have fewer problems but they can be life-threatening, while the Camry may have more problems that are less likely to be fatal.
Key differences
- The Deville has a much higher death count (14) compared to the Camry (1), despite fewer complaints per year.
- Deville owners report sudden engine shutdowns and steering lock, while Camry owners report transmission grinding and brake failure.
- The Camry has more recalls (31) than the Deville (20), but the Deville's recalls include ignition and air bag issues.
- Camry complaints often involve power train and brakes, while Deville complaints cluster around electrical and steering systems.
- Check for any signs of ignition switch problems, such as the engine cutting out or difficulty restarting, and ask if the ignition recall was performed.
- Test the steering at low speeds for any locking or stiffness, and look for oil leaks around the engine and transmission.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test for any hesitation or sudden acceleration.
- Test the brakes on a hill or slope to ensure the pedal does not go to the floor, and check for any unusual AC odors or condenser damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed, especially for ignition and air bag issues on the Deville and power train recalls on the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Deville's electrical system, steering, and engine for leaks, and the Camry's transmission, brakes, and engine for codes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, strange noises, or changes in steering and braking feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records to see if common problems like oil leaks or transmission issues have been repaired.
- Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls on the specific vehicle by VIN before buying.
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 Cadillac Deville or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac Deville vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac Deville total complaints
- 1,046
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Cadillac Deville total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac Deville avg complaints/year
- 174.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Deville
- Cadillac Deville top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN