Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 Monte Carlo vs Toyota Camry: The Monte Carlo has 1441 complaints over 8 years (180/yr) and 47 recalls, while the Camry has 2143 over 10 years (214/yr) and 31 recalls. Monte Carlo owners report electrical and engine issues, Camry owners report transmission and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Monte Carlo or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a coupe with a loyal following, shows a high complaint rate of about 180 per year over eight years. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins, engine oil consumption, and brake issues that can be costly and frustrating. The sample complaints reveal serious incidents, including a fatal crash and stalling, suggesting potential safety concerns. Overall, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a tolerance for ongoing repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular sedan, has a slightly higher complaint rate of about 214 per year over ten years, but its issues are more varied and often less severe. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failures, and HVAC odors, but these are not as concentrated in one area. The Camry's reputation for reliability is somewhat contradicted by these reports, but it still offers a more predictable ownership experience than the Monte Carlo.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,441 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 180.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 75 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 5 | 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 Monte Carlo
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM513
- 02ENGINE180
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING166
- 04SERVICE BRAKES137
- 05STEERING134
Owners report wiring harness issues that can cause intermittent failures, including problems with rear window circuits and even a fatal accident. These electrical gremlins can be difficult to diagnose and fix, leading to safety concerns.
Excessive oil consumption is a common complaint, with one owner noting having to add oil frequently and even replacing multiple transmissions. Stalling without warning is also reported, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Brake problems manifest as persistent warning lights and noises that return even after part replacements. This suggests a systemic issue that may affect braking performance and safety.
“JULY 7,2014 MY MOTHER ([XXX]) WAS CROSSING DIXIE HWY. IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY. MOTORCYCLE HIT HER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. MOTORCYCLIST DIED AT THE SEEN OF ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM POST TRAUMA. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO LMPD IMPOUND LOT AND…”
“The cable harness in question runs from the fuse box under hood through firewall to the passenger side foot area. At this point it connects to another harness that connects to various items at the rear of the vehicle. One circuit in particular the rear window…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for full replacement. Some owners mention a recall for similar problems, but not all VINs are covered, leaving some drivers with costly repairs.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss. Additionally, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve bypass codes indicate potential cooling system problems that could affect reliability.
Brake failure is reported, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal on a hill. This is a critical safety issue that requires 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 Monte Carlo — 47 recalls
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: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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) notified the agency o…
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.
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 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Monte Carlo or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3) compared to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo (180.1), but the difference is not huge. However, the Monte Carlo's issues are more concentrated in electrical and engine problems, which can be more severe and costly. In practice, the Camry may offer a more predictable ownership experience, but both have significant reported problems.
Key differences
- The Monte Carlo has a higher proportion of electrical system complaints (513) compared to the Camry (246), indicating more wiring and ignition issues.
- The Camry has more power train complaints (395) than the Monte Carlo (180), with transmission problems being a notable concern.
- The Monte Carlo has more recalls (47) than the Camry (31), suggesting more factory defects over time.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) than the Monte Carlo (69), but the Monte Carlo has more deaths (5 vs 1), indicating potentially more severe outcomes.
- Inspect the wiring harness, especially under the hood and in the passenger footwell, for signs of wear or damage that could cause electrical failures.
- Check for oil consumption by monitoring oil levels and looking for blue exhaust smoke, and be aware of potential stalling issues.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and listen for grinding noises, especially during acceleration.
- Check the brakes thoroughly, including pedal feel and response, and be alert for any signs of sudden acceleration.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the electrical system and engine for the Monte Carlo, and on the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Check for open recalls using the VIN and ensure any necessary repairs are completed.
- Test drive both vehicles at various speeds, including hills, to assess braking and acceleration behavior.
- Review maintenance records for oil changes and transmission service to gauge how well the previous owner cared for the car.
- Consider getting a vehicle history report to check for past accidents or major repairs.
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 Monte Carlo or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo total complaints
- 1,441
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo total recalls
- 47
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo avg complaints/year
- 180.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN