Head-to-head reliability
Cadillac Seville vs Toyota Camry
How the Cadillac Seville 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 Seville vs Toyota Camry: The Seville averaged 41 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214 per year with 31 recalls. The Seville has 12 crash-related reports and 10 injuries; the Camry has 181 crash-related reports and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Cadillac Seville or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Cadillac Seville
The Cadillac Seville is a luxury sedan that averaged 41 owner complaints per year over five years, with 6 recalls. The most common trouble spots are suspension, engine, and steering, and owners describe vibrations, stalling, and sudden loss of power steering. With 12 crash-related reports and 10 injuries, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan that averaged 214 complaints per year over ten years, with 31 recalls. Power train, engine, and brake issues dominate, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure. It has 181 crash-related reports and 1 death, so while common, not every car will have these problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Cadillac Seville | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 205 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 41.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 163 |
| 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.
Cadillac Seville
- 01SUSPENSION36
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING34
- 03STEERING31
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 05SERVICE BRAKES23
Owners report abnormal engine vibrations and defective shock absorbers that cause loud noises and require replacement. These issues can affect ride comfort and handling, so a buyer should test drive over bumps and listen for clunks.
Complaints include stalling at highway speeds without warning and a tailpipe that sticks out and can burn a leg. Stalling is a serious safety concern, so check for smooth idle and ask about any stalling history.
Owners describe unusual steering feel, tie rod and rack and pinion failure, and total loss of power steering in wet conditions. This can make the car hard to control, so inspect the steering system and test drive in rain if possible.
Reports include stalling on the highway and condensation in lights that shorts bulbs. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and costly, so check all lights and ask about any stalling or electrical repairs.
“ABNORMAL ENGINE VIBRATIONS SINCE DAY OF PURCHASE, ACCORDING TO DEALER, THEY ARE WAITING FOR A "SOFTWARE FIX" FOR THE VEHICLE. MAJOR IMPREFECTIONS IN THE CARS FINISH BESIDES MECHANICAL. DASH BOARD NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED, GAPS BETWEEN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DASH…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC STS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A LOUD SOUND ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration and transmission failure requiring replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue but parts on backorder, so a buyer should listen for grinding and check recall status.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes and coolant valve bypass issues. Sudden acceleration is a severe safety risk, so verify any recall repairs and test drive carefully.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or when braking gently. This can cause loss of control, so have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly.
Reports include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew or vinegar odors from the vents. These are comfort and cost issues, so check AC performance and smell for odors.
“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 Seville — 6 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE INTERNAL FLUID LEAKS IN THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT.
The risk: WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PROPORTIONING, ANTILOCK BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, OR STABILITY CONTROL FEATURE IS ACTIVATED IN SOME DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE FEATURE MAY NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS HYDRAULIC MODULATOR UNIT AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC MODULATOR.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS ARE LOOSE AND CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD.
The risk: SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED STEERING INPUT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK AND ADJUST THE VEHICLE TOE-IN AND TIGHTEN THE INNER TIE ROD NUTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
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: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE LABEL. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P235/55R17 TIRES, THE TIRE PRESSURE LABEL INCORRECTLY SPECIFIES P235/60ZR16 TIRES.
The risk: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE CAN DAMAGE TIRES, AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.
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 Seville or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Cadillac Seville has far fewer complaints per year (41 vs. 214) and fewer recalls (6 vs. 31), but its issues often involve stalling and steering loss. The Toyota Camry has more reported problems overall, including sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the Seville may need less frequent attention, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- Cadillac Seville complaints center on suspension, engine stalling, and steering loss; Toyota Camry complaints center on transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failure.
- The Seville averaged 41 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Camry averaged 214 per year over 10 years, but the Camry's longer period may include more model years.
- The Seville has 6 recalls, including brakes, tie rods, and fuel tank; the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bags, seats, and wheels.
- The Seville has 12 crash-related reports and 10 injuries; the Camry has 181 crash-related reports and 1 death, showing different safety concerns.
- Test drive over rough roads and listen for clunking or unusual vibrations from the suspension, as owners report defective shock absorbers and abnormal vibrations.
- Check for any history of stalling at speed and inspect the steering system for leaks or loose tie rods, since owners report sudden power steering loss in wet conditions.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and ask if the transmission has been replaced or recalled, as owners report transmission failure.
- Test the brakes on a hill or slope and check for any sudden acceleration incidents, as owners report brake pedal going to the floor and uncontrollable acceleration.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the suspension, steering, and brakes on the Cadillac Seville, and the transmission, engine, and brakes on the Toyota Camry.
- During the test drive, listen for unusual noises, test acceleration and braking, and drive in wet conditions if possible for the Seville.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission or steering repairs, and confirm any recall work was completed.
- Check for odors from the AC system in the Camry and inspect lights for condensation in the Seville.
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 Seville or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Cadillac Seville vs Toyota Camry
- Cadillac Seville total complaints
- 205
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Cadillac Seville total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Cadillac Seville avg complaints/year
- 41.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Cadillac Seville
- Cadillac Seville top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN