Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Impala vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Impala 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 vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Impala averaged 229.7 complaints per year and had 23 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints per year and had 31 recalls. The Camry also had more crash-related reports (181 vs. 112). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Impala or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been discontinued, so used buyers should focus on long-term parts availability and repair costs. Over 10 years, it averaged about 230 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the electrical system, stability control, and steering. Owners report problems like check engine lights, sudden power loss, and hard steering that dealers sometimes cannot diagnose. While it has fewer recalls than the Camry, the high number of electrical and steering complaints suggests these are areas to inspect carefully.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its longevity, but this data shows it is not trouble-free. It averaged about 214 complaints per year, slightly fewer than the Impala, but had more recalls and more crash-related reports. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, unknown issues, engine, and brakes. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems, which can be costly and concerning.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Impala | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,297 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 112 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 229.7 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 97 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM589
- 02ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)430
- 03STEERING341
- 04ENGINE322
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER294
Owners report check engine lights, complete power loss while driving, and emissions-related codes. One complaint describes the car turning off during a turn, which could be dangerous. These electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
With 430 complaints, ESC issues are common. While specific owner text is not provided, this system helps prevent skids, so failures could affect handling in emergencies. Buyers should test the ESC warning light and have it scanned.
Owners report hard steering and difficulty getting dealers to diagnose the problem, even under warranty. One complaint mentions paying for a diagnostic with no fix. Steering problems can make the car hard to control, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a steering check.
Complaints include parking brake releasing on its own and a loud bang from the evap/fuel system. These can lead to unexpected repairs and safety concerns. A thorough engine and emissions check is wise.
“I purchased this vehicle in a CHEVY DEALERSHIP in palatine, IL. [XXX]. 50k miles a chevy impala around 38k total with taxes and all. A month later I had to pay 200 for a diagnostic at the dealership to check an issue with the steering. They said nothing was w…”
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECENTLY CAME ON, CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND TURNED OFF DURING AS I TURNED RIGHT AT A LIGHT, HAD ONSTAR RUN DIAGNOSTICS, CODE INVOLVED THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM, WAS ADVISED TO FILL UP WITH HIGH QUALITY FUEL, AND DRIVE WITH THE GAS CAP OFF TO…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission failure. Some mention recalls for the same issue on 2021 models, but parts are backordered. Transmission replacement is expensive, so a test drive and fluid check are critical.
Common complaints include AC condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are comfort issues but can be costly to repair and may indicate poor drainage design.
Reports include uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to a crash, and a coolant bypass valve code that may not be covered by recall for some VINs. Sudden acceleration is a serious safety concern; buyers should check for any open recalls and test drive carefully.
Owners describe brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills, and one instance in a parking lot. Brake failure is a critical safety issue. A brake inspection and fluid check are essential before purchase.
“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 Impala — 23 recalls
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 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: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, a…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors custom…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured March 22, 2013, to May 22, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm may not fully retract causing the brake pads to stay partially engaged. Thus, these vehicl…
The risk: Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.
The fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the electronic parking brake control module with new software, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number…
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 Impala or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has slightly fewer complaints per year (214.3 vs. 229.7), but it has more recalls (31 vs. 23) and more crash-related reports (181 vs. 112). In practice, the Impala may have fewer safety-related complaints, but its electrical and steering issues can be frustrating. The Camry's transmission and brake complaints are potentially more severe and costly.
Key differences
- The Impala's top complaint areas are electrical, ESC, and steering, while the Camry's are power train, unknown, engine, and brakes.
- Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration; Impala owners report power loss and hard steering.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 23) and more crash-related reports (181 vs. 112), but the Impala has more complaints per year.
- Both have brake-related recalls, but Camry complaints include brake pedal failure, while Impala recalls include brake caliper issues.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues: test all lights, infotainment, and have a mechanic scan for stored codes, especially in the emissions and stability control systems.
- Test the steering at low and high speeds for any stiffness or noise, and ask for service records related to steering repairs.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and test the transmission for smooth shifting; check for recalls on the transmission and coolant bypass valve.
- Test the brakes on a hill or empty lot for any sponginess or failure, and inspect the AC condenser for damage and the cabin for musty odors.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas for each model.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting (Camry) and steering feel (Impala).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes (Camry) and electrical repairs (Impala).
- Verify that all safety systems, including brakes and stability control, function properly before purchase.
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 Impala | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 270 |
| 2019 | 28 | 393 |
| 2018 | 59 | 736 |
| 2017 | 116 | 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 Impala or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Impala vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Impala total complaints
- 2,297
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet Impala total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Impala avg complaints/year
- 229.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Impala top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN