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 just 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/yr) versus the Camry's 2,143 (214.3/yr). The Camry reports transmission failures, sudden acceleration, and brake loss, while the 4500hd's sole issue is an engine fire. Recalls: 18 vs 31. 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 work truck, and its reliability record over the past decade is remarkably quiet: just one owner complaint in ten years. That single complaint, however, is a serious engine fire while parked, which underscores that even rare events can be severe. With 18 recalls, mostly for brakes and suspension, buyers should focus on ensuring all recall work is done, but the day-to-day ownership experience appears largely trouble-free based on complaint volume.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, shows a much higher complaint rate—over 2,100 in ten years—with frequent reports of transmission issues, sudden acceleration, brake failures, and air conditioning problems. While many Camrys are dependable, the sheer volume and variety of complaints, including crashes and injuries, suggest that some units have significant defects. Recalls cover airbags, seats, and wheels, but owner reports often describe issues not fully addressed by recalls, like transmission grinding and brake loss.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Chevrolet 4500hd
- 01ENGINE1
The only complaint describes a fire starting under the hood while parked, leading to total loss. This is a rare but catastrophic event, so buyers should check for any signs of electrical or fuel system issues and ensure all engine-related recalls are performed.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission failure and recommending replacement. Some note that recalls exist for the same issue on certain model years, but parts may be backordered, leaving drivers with unreliable vehicles.
Several complaints describe sudden, uncontrollable acceleration leading to crashes, as well as engine warning lights tied to coolant valve bypass recalls that may not cover all VINs. These issues pose serious safety risks and require immediate attention.
Brake failure is reported on steep hills, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, and in parking lots where increased pedal force doesn't stop the car. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to collisions.
Air conditioning problems include condensers damaged by rocks and recurring vinegar/mildew odors from vents, which are unpleasant and costly to fix, affecting comfort and resale value.
“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.
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 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…
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…
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
Chevrolet 4500hd or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet 4500hd has far fewer complaints per year (0.1) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the 4500hd is likely to be more reliable in terms of avoiding frequent repairs, but the Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity and a wider range of reported problems, some severe.
Key differences
- Complaint frequency: 4500hd has 1 complaint in 10 years vs Camry's 2,143, a massive difference in reported issues.
- Severity: 4500hd's only complaint is a fire, while Camry has multiple reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure leading to crashes and injuries.
- Recalls: 4500hd has 18 recalls focused on brakes and suspension; Camry has 31 recalls covering airbags, seats, and wheels, but owner complaints often go beyond recall scope.
- Component focus: 4500hd's issues are isolated to engine; Camry's problems span powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical, indicating systemic concerns.
- Inspect the engine bay for any signs of previous fire damage or aftermarket modifications that could affect fuel or electrical systems.
- Verify that all 18 recalls, especially those for brakes and suspension, have been completed on the specific VIN.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding noises during acceleration, as many owners report premature failure.
- Check the brake system thoroughly, including pedal feel and response, and ask for service records related to brake or engine recalls.
Before you buy
- For the 4500hd: obtain a full recall history and confirm all open recalls are fixed before purchase.
- For the Camry: request a transmission inspection and test drive at various speeds to detect any shuddering or noise.
- For the Camry: check for any pending engine or brake recalls and ensure the VIN is covered; if not, ask why.
- For both: have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Review NHTSA complaint data for the exact model year you're considering to see if issues are widespread.
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 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 1 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 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
- 2,143
- Chevrolet 4500hd total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet 4500hd avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet 4500hd
- Chevrolet 4500hd top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN