Head-to-head reliability

Chevrolet 4500xd vs Toyota Camry

How the Chevrolet 4500xd and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Chevrolet 4500xd0 complaints · 8 recalls Fewer issues per year
Toyota Camry2,056 complaints · 31 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Chevrolet 4500xd vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the 4500xd had 0 complaints and 8 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also had 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. The 4500xd shows fewer reported problems but requires recall checks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Chevrolet 4500xd or Toyota Camry more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Chevrolet 4500xd

The Chevrolet 4500xd is a medium-duty truck that, over the past 10 years, has generated zero owner complaints to NHTSA. That silence suggests owners either experience few problems or do not report them. However, it has 8 recalls, mostly for rear leaf spring U-bolts and equipment issues, so safety fixes are still required. For a buyer, this means fewer reported day-to-day failures but a need to verify recall work was completed.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report issues with the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, including stuck keys, hesitation, and brake noises. There are also 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, though these counts do not prove cause. A buyer should expect more reported problems and should check for open recalls.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryChevrolet 4500xdToyota Camry
Total complaintsAll model years combined0 Better2,056
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns8 Better31
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints0 Better171
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years0.0 Better205.6
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints0 Better158
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better1

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 4500xd

No component data available.

What these mean
Suspension

Multiple recalls involve the rear leaf spring U-bolts, which secure the leaf spring to the axle. If these bolts fail, the rear suspension can shift, affecting handling and load stability. Buyers should confirm the recall repair was done.

Equipment

Two recalls are listed under 'Equipment,' but no specific part is given. This could involve items like labels or accessories that do not meet safety standards. It is important to check if these recalls were addressed.

Toyota Camry

  1. 01POWER TRAIN385
  2. 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
  3. 03ENGINE315
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES285
  5. 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
What these mean
Power Train

Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.

Engine

Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. The problem may be intermittent and hard to diagnose.

Service Brakes

The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers say comes from the ABS system. These issues can affect braking confidence and lead to costly repairs.

Electrical System

Multiple safety systems, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping, can malfunction at once. This leaves the driver without key aids and can increase crash risk. Such failures often require dealer diagnostics.

In owners' words — POWER TRAIN

“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 4500xd — 8 recalls

Equipment
#22V874000

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…

Suspension — Rear — Springs — Leaf Spring Assembly — U-Bolt, Leaf Spring To Axle
#21V194000

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…

Equipment
#22V874000

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…

Suspension — Rear — Springs — Leaf Spring Assembly — U-Bolt, Leaf Spring To Axle
#21V194000

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

Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
#23V432000

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…

Seats
#24V128000

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…

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification
#23V865000

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…

Seats
#24V128000

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 4500xd or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?

The Chevrolet 4500xd has far fewer reported issues per year (0 complaints vs. about 206 for the Camry), but it has more recalls (8 vs. 31). In practice, the 4500xd may have fewer owner-reported problems, while the Camry has a higher volume of complaints and some serious safety-related reports. The difference means the 4500xd could be less troublesome day-to-day, but both require recall checks.

Recommendation. If you need a heavy-duty truck and want minimal reported complaints, the Chevrolet 4500xd may be the better choice, but verify all 8 recalls were fixed. If you prefer a common sedan with easy parts availability, the Toyota Camry is an option, but be prepared for potential power train, brake, and electrical issues. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic.

Key differences

  • The Chevrolet 4500xd has 0 complaints and 8 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls.
  • Camry owners report specific failures like stuck ignition keys, delayed acceleration, and electronic parking brake problems; the 4500xd has no complaint text, only recall subjects for suspension and equipment.
  • The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, while the 4500xd has none.
  • The 4500xd's recalls focus on rear leaf spring U-bolts, which can affect suspension integrity; the Camry's recalls include air bag sensors and seats.
Watch on Chevrolet 4500xd
  • Check for any signs of rear suspension sagging or unusual noises, and confirm the leaf spring U-bolt recall was performed.
  • Ask for documentation that all 8 recalls, including equipment and suspension items, have been completed.
Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Test the ignition key to ensure it releases smoothly from Park, and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
  • Check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises when braking.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a vehicle history report and verify all open recalls are closed for the specific vehicle.
  • For the Chevrolet 4500xd, inspect the rear leaf springs and U-bolts for cracks or looseness.
  • For the Toyota Camry, test all electronic systems: key removal, parking brake, and driver-assist features.
  • Take a test drive that includes braking, accelerating, and parking to reproduce any intermittent issues.
  • Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the areas mentioned in complaints and recalls.

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.

YearChevrolet 4500xdToyota Camry
202600
20250163
2024050
2023064
2022061
20210157
20200274
20190395
20180744
20170148
Years to scrutinize: the 2018 Toyota Camry drew the most (744). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 4500xd or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Chevrolet 4500xd vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Chevrolet 4500xd vs Toyota Camry
Chevrolet 4500xd total complaints
0
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,056
Chevrolet 4500xd total recalls
8
Toyota Camry total recalls
31
Chevrolet 4500xd avg complaints/year
0.0
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
205.6
More reliable overall
Chevrolet 4500xd
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN