Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Cavalier vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Cavalier vs Toyota Camry: The Cavalier averaged 354 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averaged 206 per year over 10 years. The Cavalier had 9 deaths reported, the Camry 1. Both have brake and electrical issues, but the Camry's lower annual rate may mean fewer problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Cavalier or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Cavalier
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a handful to own as it ages. Over six years, it averaged 354 complaints per year, with electrical and fuel system issues dominating. Owners report sudden power loss, fuel pump failures, and brake problems that can lock up. With 23 recalls and a higher rate of crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, according to owner complaints, has a lower annual complaint rate than the Cavalier. Over ten years, it averaged about 206 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues being most common. Owners describe intermittent key sticking, hesitation, and electronic parking brake failures. While it has more recalls (31), the overall complaint volume per year is lower.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Cavalier | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,124 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 132 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 354.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 124 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 9 | 1 Better |
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 Cavalier
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM677
- 02FUEL SYSTEM494
- 03GASOLINE425
- 04SERVICE BRAKES182
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING174
Owners report sudden power loss while driving, often when using cruise control or turn signals, and issues with blinkers, brake lights, and odometers. These failures can leave you stranded or without critical lights, so check all electrical functions carefully.
Complaints include fuel pump failures causing hesitation or stalling, and even fires starting under the dashboard while parked. A failed fuel pump can cost around $500 to replace and poses a safety risk if it leads to a stall or fire.
Owners describe brakes locking up, especially after hitting a bump, requiring pumping to release. Front brakes may wear out quickly, sometimes needing replacement after only 10,000 miles. This can make stopping unpredictable and dangerous.
Engine-related complaints often involve overheating or cooling system problems, though specific details are less frequent. These issues can lead to costly repairs and potential breakdowns if not addressed.
“WHILE ACCELERATING ON AN ON-RAMP ONTO AN INTERSTATE, I WAS USING MY MULTI-FUNCTION DEVICE (SIGNALING MY MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, THEN ONCE AT 65MPH SETTING CRUISE CONTROL) WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT BEFORE…”
“PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM DEALER 7/12/13 WITH THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: NON-WORKING ODOMETER, BLINKERS, BRAKE LIGHTS THAT FREQUENTLY "SHORT" OUT & A NON-WORKING WINDSHIELD FLUID FUNCTION. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER TO TAKE VEHICLE HOME & RETURN IT THE FOLLOWING DA…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of newer Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light. These issues can be frustrating and may indicate transmission or electronic problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be a safety concern when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal but owners find concerning. These issues can leave you unable to move the car or cause worry about brake reliability.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously, according to one complaint. Such failures can reduce driver assistance and make the car harder to control.
“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 Cavalier — 23 recalls
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
The defect: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED D…
The risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 Cavalier or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Chevrolet Cavalier (about 354), meaning you're less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Camry. However, the Camry still has notable issues like key sticking and brake noise, so neither is trouble-free. In practice, the Camry may require fewer repair visits, but both need a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Cavalier has a higher annual complaint rate (354 vs. 206), with electrical and fuel system issues being most common, while the Camry's top complaints are power train and engine-related.
- Cavalier owners report sudden power loss and fuel pump failures, whereas Camry owners describe key sticking and hesitation.
- The Cavalier has 9 deaths reported in complaints over 6 years, compared to 1 death for the Camry over 10 years, though these numbers don't account for vehicle age or mileage.
- Both have brake complaints, but the Cavalier's brakes can lock up, while the Camry's electronic parking brake may fail to disengage.
- Check for electrical gremlins: test all lights, blinkers, cruise control, and ensure the odometer works, as owners report sudden power loss and non-working components.
- Inspect the fuel system: look for signs of fuel leaks, listen for fuel pump whine, and ask if the fuel pump has been replaced, as failures are common.
- Test the ignition key: ensure it can be removed easily when in Park, as sticking is a reported issue.
- Check the electronic parking brake: make sure it engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (23 for Cavalier, 31 for Camry) have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, fuel system, and brakes on the Cavalier, and the power train, engine, and brakes on the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and bumpy roads, to check for hesitation, power loss, or brake locking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump, brake, and electrical repairs.
- Check for open recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool and ensure they are fixed before purchase.
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 Cavalier or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Cavalier vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Cavalier total complaints
- 2,124
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Cavalier total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Cavalier avg complaints/year
- 354.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Cavalier top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN