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 complaints per year over 6 years, with 14 deaths reported, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints per year over 10 years, with 1 death. The Deville's issues often involve sudden loss of steering or ignition, whereas the Camry's are more frequent but less severe. 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 with a mixed reliability record. Over six years, it averaged 174 complaints per year, with electrical, steering, and air bag issues standing out. Owners report serious problems like ignition switches turning off while driving and power steering suddenly locking, which can be frightening. With 14 deaths reported in crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for dependability, but it's not without issues. Over ten years, it averaged 206 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake problems frequently mentioned. Owners describe symptoms like hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. While only one death is reported, the higher annual complaint rate suggests that even this reliable model can have recurring 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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 108 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 174.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 117 Better | 158 |
| 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 can suddenly turn off while driving, causing loss of power steering and braking. This is a severe safety risk, especially at highway speeds. Another common complaint is engine oil leaks that worsen over time, leading to costly repairs.
Power steering can seize or lock up, making turns difficult or impossible. This often happens at low speeds but can occur anytime, and the failure may progress without warning. Buyers should test the steering thoroughly and check for recalls.
There are reports of air bags deploying without a crash, which can startle the driver and cause loss of control. A musty odor may accompany deployment. This indicates a potential defect that could lead to unexpected repairs or injuries.
Oil leaks are a frequent complaint, often starting after 40,000 miles and worsening over time. Some owners report needing to add oil between changes. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed, so check for leaks and maintenance records.
“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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key can get stuck and won't come out even when the car is in Park. Another issue is hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These problems can leave you stranded or cause expensive repairs.
A delayed throttle response is a common complaint: pressing the gas pedal doesn't immediately accelerate, which can be dangerous when merging. Hesitation and shuddering are also reported, sometimes requiring dealer diagnosis. These symptoms suggest potential fuel or transmission issues.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is normal but owners find concerning. Brake problems can affect safety and lead to costly repairs.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This can happen while driving and may require extensive diagnostics. Such failures can compromise safety and be expensive to fix.
“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.
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: 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.
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
Cadillac Deville or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Deville has fewer complaints per year (174 vs. 206), but its issues are often more severe, including sudden loss of steering and ignition. The Toyota Camry has more complaints annually but fewer life-threatening reports. In practice, the Deville may require more urgent repairs, while the Camry's problems are more frequent but typically less critical.
Key differences
- Cadillac Deville owners report ignition switches turning off and power steering locking, which can cause loss of control; Toyota Camry owners report key getting stuck and brake noises, which are less immediately dangerous.
- The Deville has 14 deaths in crash-related complaints over 6 years, while the Camry has 1 death over 10 years, indicating a stark difference in reported severity.
- Camry complaints often involve hesitation and shuddering, while Deville complaints include oil leaks and air bag deployments without impact.
- Both have electrical issues, but Deville's electrical problems can disable steering and braking, whereas Camry's electrical issues often affect multiple driver-assist systems.
- During a test drive, check if the ignition switch stays on over bumps and if the steering feels loose or locks at low speeds. Also look for oil leaks under the car and ask about oil consumption between changes.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal. Also check for delayed acceleration when pressing the gas from a stop.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, especially for the Deville's ignition and air bag recalls and the Camry's seat and air bag sensor recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds, turns, and braking to feel for steering lock, hesitation, or brake noises.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Cadillac Deville for oil leaks, steering play, and electrical gremlins, and the Toyota Camry for transmission shudder and brake system faults.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any previous repairs related to the reported issues.
- Check the NHTSA website for additional complaints specific to the model year you're considering.
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
- 2,056
- Cadillac Deville total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac Deville avg complaints/year
- 174.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Deville
- Cadillac Deville top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN