Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet BOLT vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet BOLT 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 BOLT vs Toyota Camry: The Bolt has 1029 complaints over 10 years (about 103 per year) and 38 recalls, often for battery fire risk. The Camry has 2056 complaints (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls, with more crash-related reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet BOLT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet BOLT
The Chevrolet Bolt is an electric hatchback that has been on the road for about a decade. Owner complaints center heavily on the battery system, with many reports of fire risk leading to recalls and advice to limit charging. Power steering problems also appear, where the steering can suddenly become hard to turn. These issues can make ownership stressful, requiring vigilance about charging and driving.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a long history. Complaints often mention power train issues like hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems, as well as engine and brake concerns. Some owners report multiple electronic systems malfunctioning at once. While the Camry has more complaints overall, many are not safety-critical, but some can affect drivability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet BOLT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,029 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 102.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 BOLT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM428
- 02STEERING220
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM197
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER125
- 05POWER TRAIN94
Owners report battery defects that can lead to fires, prompting recalls and advice to limit charging to 90% and avoid overnight charging. This creates ongoing anxiety and inconvenience, as the fix may not be permanent.
Power steering can intermittently shut off, making the wheel hard to turn, especially after start-up or at speed. Some also report the steering rack binding, requiring forceful correction. This can be dangerous if it happens while driving.
The same battery fire risk is reported here, with owners frustrated by inadequate remedies and restrictions on charging and parking. This affects daily use and safety, as fires can occur even when parked.
Complaints include poor radio reception and ongoing recall frustrations. While not safety-critical, these add to owner dissatisfaction and suggest other quality issues.
“The battery system has a defect that GM admits could lead to a fire. Since November 2020, they advised me to not charge the car above 90% of capacity. They now are also advising not to discharge below 30%, to not charge overnight, and to park outside once cha…”
““I own a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt which is part of the recall announced by GM. This is the second recall in less than a year for the same battery-related issue. It was supposed to have been fixed with a software update that I had completed in June. This software w…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with check engine lights. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Reports include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
Some owners hear clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system. Others have the electronic parking brake fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Brake issues can affect stopping confidence.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests electrical or software glitches that could distract or impair driving.
“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 BOLT — 38 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
The risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more f…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
The risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 20…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may cont…
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 BOLT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Bolt has far fewer complaints per year (about 103) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Bolt's issues are often more severe, involving fire risk and steering loss. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many non-critical problems, but some power train and brake issues can be serious. In practice, the Bolt may require more careful ownership habits, while the Camry may have more frequent but varied issues.
Key differences
- The Bolt's most common complaint is battery fire risk, leading to recalls and charging limits, while the Camry's top complaint is power train issues like key stuck and hesitation.
- Bolt owners report power steering suddenly failing, which can be dangerous; Camry owners report brake problems like EPB failure and ABS noise.
- The Bolt has 38 recalls, many for battery fires, while the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag sensors and seats.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs 48) and injuries (158 vs 21), but the Bolt's fire risk can be catastrophic even without a crash.
- Check if the battery recall software update has been performed and whether the battery has been replaced; ask for documentation.
- Test the power steering at start-up and during low-speed turns for any intermittent assist loss or binding.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; ensure it comes out smoothly without needing to disconnect the battery.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's recall history and confirm all safety recalls have been remedied.
- Take a test drive that includes start-up, low-speed turns, braking, and acceleration to check for steering, brake, and hesitation issues.
- For the Bolt, ask about charging habits and whether the battery has been replaced under recall.
- For the Camry, check for any warning lights and test all electronic systems like blind spot monitoring and lane keeping.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints, such as the steering rack for the Bolt and the ABS system for the Camry.
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 BOLT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 179 | 64 |
| 2022 | 85 | 61 |
| 2021 | 67 | 157 |
| 2020 | 173 | 274 |
| 2019 | 178 | 395 |
| 2018 | 68 | 744 |
| 2017 | 279 | 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 BOLT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet BOLT vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet BOLT total complaints
- 1,029
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet BOLT total recalls
- 38
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet BOLT avg complaints/year
- 102.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet BOLT
- Chevrolet BOLT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN