Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Cruze vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Cruze 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 Cruze vs Toyota Camry: The Cruze has 3717 complaints over 10 years (avg 371.7/yr) versus Camry's 2143 (avg 214.3/yr). Cruze leads in engine issues (1258) and electrical problems (758), while Camry has notable transmission and brake complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Cruze or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze, a compact sedan, shows a high volume of owner complaints, averaging nearly 372 per year over the past decade. The most frequent issues revolve around the engine, electrical system, and powertrain, with owners reporting problems like engine misfires, oil leaks, and a persistent musty smell from HVAC condensate draining into the cabin. These issues suggest that while the Cruze may be economical to buy, it could demand more frequent repairs and attention to maintain.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a lower complaint rate, averaging about 214 per year. Its top problem areas are the powertrain, engine, and brakes, with owners describing transmission grinding, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures. While less frequent than the Cruze, these reports indicate that the Camry is not immune to serious mechanical and safety-related concerns, though the overall volume is lower.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Cruze | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,717 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 292 | 181 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 371.7 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 200 | 163 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Cruze
- 01ENGINE1,258
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM758
- 03POWER TRAIN676
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER468
- 05SERVICE BRAKES382
Owners report engine misfires (P0300), significant oil leaks at the front, and a musty smell inside the cabin due to HVAC condensate draining into the passenger compartment. These issues can lead to performance problems and potential water damage.
The infotainment touchscreen can completely freeze, showing an error screen, and the HVAC case/condensate drain may be disconnected, causing water to leak into the cabin. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
Transmission-related complaints include shuddering or slipping, and there are recalls for automatic transmission issues. Owners also mention the same musty smell, indicating a possible link to HVAC or engine problems.
“For a year I have had my car to the shop multiple times due to a musty smell inside my car. I have never been able to find any fluids or moisture inside the car, however, the inside of my windshield tends to get a weird film on it, I am constantly cleaning to…”
“Purchased new in 2019 – 32k miles - Oil changes every 6 months. Lightly driven, no modifications, all original engine components and tune. Engine developed a significant miss. Several warnings on Stabilitrak, ABS, and P0300. Significant oil leak at front of e…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are notable, with grinding noises upon acceleration and the need for transmission replacement. Some owners mention recalls for the same issue, suggesting a known weakness.
Reports include uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which is a serious safety concern, and engine maintenance required lights with codes like P268115 related to a coolant valve bypass. These issues can affect drivability and safety.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, and other incidents where braking is ineffective. This is a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention.
“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 Cruze — 44 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
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 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. Th…
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increa…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267,…
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…
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 Cruze or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214 vs. 372) and fewer recalls (31 vs. 44), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Camry's complaints include more severe safety-related problems like sudden acceleration and brake failure, so the difference in numbers doesn't necessarily mean it's trouble-free.
Key differences
- The Cruze has a much higher rate of engine complaints (1258 vs. 315), including oil leaks and misfires, while the Camry's engine issues are fewer but include sudden acceleration.
- Electrical system problems are more prevalent in the Cruze (758 vs. 246), with infotainment freezes and HVAC drain issues, whereas the Camry's electrical complaints are less common.
- The Camry has more brake complaints (290 vs. 382? Actually Cruze has 382, so Cruze has more brake complaints, but Camry's brake failures are more severe in description).
- The Cruze has more recalls (44 vs. 31), but the Camry's recalls include airbag sensor and seat issues, which are safety-critical.
- Check for engine oil leaks and misfires, especially if the car has over 30k miles.
- Inspect the HVAC system for signs of water damage or musty odors, which could indicate a disconnected condensate drain.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any open recalls related to the powertrain.
- Verify the brake system's responsiveness, especially on slopes, and look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or worn components.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls and past accident damage.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles on a variety of roads, including hills, to assess transmission and brake performance.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest recall information and complaint trends for the specific model year you're considering.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records to see if regular oil changes and transmission services were performed.
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 Cruze | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 | 393 |
| 2018 | 109 | 736 |
| 2017 | 201 | 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 Cruze or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Cruze vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Cruze total complaints
- 3,717
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet Cruze total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Cruze avg complaints/year
- 371.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Cruze top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN