Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet 4500hd vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet 4500hd 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
Chevrolet 4500hd vs Toyota Camry: The 4500hd has 1 complaint and 18 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints, 171 crash-related, and 158 injuries. The 4500hd shows fewer reported problems per year, but both need recall checks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet 4500hd or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet 4500hd
The Chevrolet 4500hd is a heavy-duty commercial truck, and over ten years it has only one owner complaint and eighteen recalls. The single complaint describes an engine fire while parked, which is a serious but isolated event. With so few complaints, the main ownership concern is staying on top of the many recall notices rather than recurring breakdowns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with over two thousand owner complaints in ten years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report a wide range of issues, most commonly with the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems. Some complaints involve crashes and injuries, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet 4500hd | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Chevrolet 4500hd
- 01ENGINE1
One owner of a 2021 model reported noticing the front end under the hood in flames while the vehicle was parked. This suggests a potential fire risk that should be checked, though it is a single report.
“The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front end of the vehicle under the hood was in flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. No police report was…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving with the check engine light on.
Some owners report a delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
Complaints include the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers say comes from the ABS system.
Multiple safety systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned at once. This can leave the driver without key aids in an emergency.
“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.
Chevrolet 4500hd — 18 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD vehicles. The hex flange lock nuts used in the suspension and steering joints, were improperly heat treated and may break.
The risk: Broken hex flange lock nuts may cause a loss of tension, leading to steering instability, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hex flange lock nuts as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed December 27, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Own…
The defect: General Motors. LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD Medium-Duty trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause an electrical short-circuit.
The risk: An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the master cylinder pressure sensor and inspect the wire harness, replacing it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notif…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2020 Isuzu NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR and Chevrolet 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 5500XD and 2019 Isuzu NPR HD GAS, NPR GAS and Chevrolet 4500 and Chevrolet 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual mode belt locking mechanism seat belt as…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the occupant is not properly restrained, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Chevrolet customer serv…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles. The U-bolt nuts for the rear axle may not have been properly tig…
The risk: The misalignment may cause the propeller shaft to separate, causing a loss of power to the rear wheels and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's numb…
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
Chevrolet 4500hd or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet 4500hd has far fewer complaints per year (0.1 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Toyota Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. In practice, the 4500hd appears to have fewer reported day-to-day problems, but its many recalls still require attention.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet 4500hd has 1 complaint and 18 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls.
- Camry owners report real driving issues like stuck ignition keys, hesitation, and brake noise; the 4500hd has only one reported engine fire while parked.
- The Camry data includes 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; the 4500hd data shows none of these.
- The 4500hd's recalls cover brakes, suspension, and parking brake; the Camry's recalls involve wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Check for any signs of fire damage or melted wiring under the hood, especially around the engine bay, due to the reported parked fire.
- Verify that all 18 recalls have been completed, particularly those for brakes, suspension, and parking brake, by checking the VIN with a dealer.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it does not stick when the car is in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly.
Before you buy
- For either vehicle, ask for the full recall history and proof that all open recalls have been repaired.
- On the Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for hesitation or shuddering and check that the check engine light is not on.
- On the Camry, try removing the key several times after parking to see if it sticks.
- On the 4500hd, inspect the engine bay for any burn marks or unusual odors and confirm the parking brake holds.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the components listed in complaints for each model.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chevrolet 4500hd | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
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 Chevrolet 4500hd or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet 4500hd vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet 4500hd total complaints
- 1
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet 4500hd total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet 4500hd avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet 4500hd
- Chevrolet 4500hd top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN