Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Impala Limited vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Impala Limited 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 Impala Limited vs Toyota Camry: The Impala Limited averaged 562 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years. The Camry has 31 recalls and 158 injuries reported, versus 0 recalls and 25 injuries for the Impala. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Impala Limited or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Impala Limited
The Chevrolet Impala Limited is a full-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent electrical and engine problems. Over three years, it averaged 562 complaints per year, with many owners reporting issues like sunroof malfunctions, infotainment failures, and engine noises. The lack of recalls is notable, but the high complaint rate suggests these cars often need attention, especially as they age.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, despite a longer 10-year complaint period, averages far fewer complaints per year (205.6). Owners report a wide range of issues, from power train hesitations to brake noises, but the overall rate is lower. With 31 recalls, there are known safety fixes, which can be a plus if addressed. Still, some complaints like key stuck and brake problems are worth noting.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Impala Limited | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,686 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 562.0 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 Impala Limited
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM516
- 02ENGINE355
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER295
- 04STEERING217
- 05POWER TRAIN213
Owners frequently report sunroof sunshade malfunctions and infotainment center failures, sometimes with diagnostic codes like B127E. These issues can be costly to fix and may affect daily usability.
Complaints include loud clanking sounds and gasoline odors, which could indicate serious mechanical problems. Such symptoms might lead to expensive repairs and safety concerns.
Intermittent power steering failures are reported, often accompanied by Stabilitrak and power steering warnings. This can make steering suddenly heavy, especially at speed, which is a safety risk.
Owners describe Stabilitrak warnings causing the car to slow down unexpectedly, and evaporator core leaks leading to freon smells inside the cabin. These issues can be distracting and costly to repair.
“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sunroof sunshade is the specific component that has malfunctioned. It is readily visible and accessible for inspection upon request. A mechanic or techni…”
“2015 Chevrolet Impala Lt Vin# [XXX] infotainment center & Steering went out 2 years ago Greg Chevrolet in savannah MO told me $800 for infotainment unit only car only had diag code B127E car only 3 years old at the time still does not work! Earlier this year…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Reports include ignition key getting stuck even when in Park, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These can leave you stranded or cause drivability problems.
Owners note delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which could be a safety concern in traffic. This seems to be an intermittent issue.
Complaints include electronic parking brake not disengaging and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. These can lead to tow bills and uncertainty about brake reliability.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, such as smart stop, stability control, and lane keeping all failing at once. This suggests complex electronic issues that may be hard to diagnose.
“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 Impala Limited
No recalls on record.
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 Impala Limited or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (205.6 vs 562.0) despite being tracked over a longer period, indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry has more recalls and a higher absolute number of crashes and injuries, so the difference isn't clear-cut. In practice, the Impala Limited may demand more frequent attention, while the Camry has known recall fixes but still reports significant problems.
Key differences
- The Impala Limited has a much higher complaint rate per year (562 vs 205.6), suggesting more frequent owner-reported issues.
- The Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag and seat issues, while the Impala Limited has none, meaning the Camry has known safety fixes that may or may not have been applied.
- Impala Limited complaints often center on electrical and steering failures, while Camry complaints more often involve power train and brake problems.
- The Camry has a higher total number of crash-related complaints (171 vs 48) and injuries (158 vs 25), though this is over a longer period.
- Check the sunroof sunshade and infotainment system for proper operation, as these are commonly reported failures.
- Test the power steering at various speeds and listen for clanking engine noises or gasoline odors, which could indicate serious issues.
- Ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when in Park, and test for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Check the electronic parking brake engagement and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls have been addressed, especially for the Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific systems mentioned in complaints: electrical and steering for the Impala, power train and brakes for the Camry.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed responses.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any known issues have been repaired.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the model.
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 Impala Limited or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Impala Limited vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Impala Limited total complaints
- 1,686
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Impala Limited total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Impala Limited avg complaints/year
- 562.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Impala Limited top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN