Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Blazer vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Blazer 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 Blazer vs Toyota Camry: The Blazer averages 78 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Blazer has fewer complaints but more severe issues like sudden power loss, whereas the Camry has more complaints but often less critical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Blazer or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 78 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the electrical system, power train, and engine. Owners report serious problems like unintended rolling when parked, infotainment blackouts, and even sudden loss of power while driving. These are not just minor annoyances; they can affect safety and leave you stranded.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a reputation for dependability, but NHTSA data shows it's not immune to problems. It averages about 206 complaints per year, more than double the Blazer's rate, with power train, engine, and brake issues topping the list. Owners describe stuck ignition keys, hesitation and shuddering, and brake system malfunctions. While the Camry has more recalls and complaints overall, many are for less severe issues, though some can be costly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Blazer | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 782 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 32 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 78.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 37 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 Blazer
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM227
- 02POWER TRAIN189
- 03ENGINE185
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER163
- 05STEERING103
Owners report infotainment blackouts, flickering screens, and unexpected commands, as well as the vehicle rolling away after being parked. These electrical glitches can control critical subsystems, making them more than just annoying.
Complaints include engine cooling system failures (like radiator issues) and transmission problems. One owner heard a knocking noise from the engine, which could indicate serious internal damage.
There are reports of the engine shutting off completely while driving, with no warning lights, leaving the driver unable to unlock doors or restart. This is a severe safety concern.
Some issues don't fit a specific category, such as a failed telematics control module that disables navigation, OnStar, and remote start. These can be frustrating and expensive to fix.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On September 12, 2026, while parked at the top level of a parking garage, the vehicle unexpectedly began rolling forward after being parked and exited. The vehi…”
“The infotainment system of a brand new 2025 Blazer EV is doing blackouts, flickers, and changing commands and requests. While this may sound trivial - and if this system just did the radio - I would agree. However it controls most all the sub-systems of the c…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but still concerning.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. One owner reported a cascade of failures while driving at night.
“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 Blazer — 12 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, and Equinox vehicles. The door strikers were not properly heat-treated, which can cause them to break.
The risk: A broken door striker can cause the door to open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four side door strikers and attachment bolts, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still in dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters are expected to be mailed. Owners may call Chevrolet…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly.
The risk: A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four door strikers and attaching bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
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 Blazer or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Blazer has fewer complaints per year (about 78) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Blazer's issues tend to be more severe, including sudden power loss and unintended rolling. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many less critical problems, but it still has serious power train and brake complaints. In practice, the Blazer may have fewer problems overall, but when they occur, they can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Blazer has about 78 complaints per year, while the Camry has about 206, but the Blazer's complaints include sudden engine shutdown and unintended rolling, which are potentially more dangerous.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 12) and more crash-related complaints (171 vs 32), though the Blazer has more injuries per complaint.
- Blazer owners frequently report electrical and infotainment glitches, while Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake problems.
- The Blazer's complaints often involve newer models (2024-2025), suggesting recent issues, while the Camry's complaints span various years with recurring themes like key stuck and brake noise.
- Check for any signs of unintended rolling: test the parking brake on a slope and ensure it holds securely.
- Inspect the infotainment system for blackouts or flickering, and verify that all electronic features (navigation, OnStar, remote start) work consistently.
- Test the ignition key removal: ensure it can be easily removed when in Park, and check for any sticking.
- Listen for brake pedal noises and test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement multiple times.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Take a long test drive, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for hesitation, shuddering, or unexpected shutdowns.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the electrical system, brakes, and power train, focusing on the specific complaints noted.
- For the Blazer, test all electronic features and the parking brake on an incline; for the Camry, test the ignition key and electronic parking brake.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any of the reported issues have been addressed.
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 Blazer | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 32 | 163 |
| 2024 | 48 | 50 |
| 2023 | 43 | 64 |
| 2022 | 51 | 61 |
| 2021 | 136 | 157 |
| 2020 | 220 | 274 |
| 2019 | 186 | 395 |
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 Blazer or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Blazer vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Blazer total complaints
- 782
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Blazer total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Blazer avg complaints/year
- 78.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Chevrolet Blazer top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN