Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Spark vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Spark 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 Spark vs Toyota Camry: The Spark averages 52.7 complaints per year with 19 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Spark owners report severe power train and brake issues; Camry owners report ignition key and throttle problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Spark or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car with a relatively low complaint volume: 527 over 10 years, averaging 52.7 per year. Owners most often report power train, engine, and electrical system problems, with many complaints describing severe mechanical and electrical issues discovered soon after purchase. Brake complaints include loud noises and a feeling that the car may not stop, while air bag recalls add to safety concerns. Overall, the Spark's pattern suggests a higher likelihood of early, sometimes serious, repair needs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2,056 over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. Owners report power train issues such as hesitation, shuddering, and ignition key problems, along with engine throttle delays. Electrical and brake complaints include malfunctioning safety systems and EPB or ABS noises. Despite the higher counts, the Camry's issues appear more varied and often less severe than the Spark's, but the volume means buyers should still be vigilant.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Spark | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 527 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 46 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 Spark
- 01POWER TRAIN127
- 02ENGINE112
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM100
- 04SERVICE BRAKES65
- 05AIR BAGS60
Owners report transmission issues, including a 2017 Spark exhibiting the same problems as other model years, with lots of indecision or hesitation. This matters because transmission repairs can be costly and affect drivability.
Some owners describe severe mechanical and electrical problems found shortly after purchase, and one had the engine replaced after a breakdown. This indicates potential for major engine failure, leaving buyers with expensive repairs.
Complaints include severe electrical issues discovered during routine inspections and unusual responses after engine replacement. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and fix, leading to recurring shop visits.
Owners report loud brake noise and a feeling that the car will not stop, with one losing brakes due to a vacuum issue. Brake problems are a critical safety concern and should be inspected immediately.
“I lease a car through Carvana, and they informed me that the car was safe and properly inspected. In the first 2 weeks, I took the Chevrolet to a certified dealership for a routine inspection. I was informed that the vehicle has severe mechanical and electric…”
“I feel that there are issues with the transmissions on the 2017 Chevy spark. I noticed that there have been complaints in years such as 2014 and 2019. I find that my 2017 exhibits exact same transmission issues as years that came before or after. Lots of inde…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnect, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These issues can leave drivers stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of no movement. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report EPB not disengaging, requiring a tow, and clicking/vibrating sounds from the brake pedal area due to ABS. Brake malfunctions can compromise stopping ability and lead to costly repairs.
Multiple safety systems (stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, etc.) malfunctioned simultaneously. Such failures can disorient drivers and reduce vehicle safety features.
“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 Spark — 19 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark, Traverse, and Trax vehicles. The Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) on these vehicle may not have been turned off of "manufacturing mode," preventing the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
The risk: If the air bags do not deploy in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM module to the correct mode, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-22…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck. As such, these veh…
The risk: In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Spark vehicles. In the event of a crash, if a young child is seated improperly and not wearing a seat belt while in the front passenger seat, deployment of the front passenger air bag may injure the occupant's neck. As such, these veh…
The risk: In the event of a crash with a frontal air bag deployment, an unbelted child in the front passenger seat has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17199.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leave…
The risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
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 Spark or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Spark has far fewer complaints per year (52.7) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Spark's issues often involve severe mechanical and electrical failures. The Camry's higher volume means more reported problems overall, but many are varied and may be less catastrophic. In practice, a Spark buyer faces a higher risk of major repairs, while a Camry buyer may deal with more frequent but potentially less severe issues.
Key differences
- The Spark averages 52.7 complaints per year versus 205.6 for the Camry, but Spark complaints often describe severe mechanical and electrical failures.
- Spark owners report transmission hesitation and brake noise/loss, while Camry owners report ignition key stuck and throttle delay.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 19 for the Spark, with Camry recalls involving air bag sensors and seats, and Spark recalls involving air bag inflators and electrical software.
- The Camry has 1 death and 158 injuries reported, while the Spark has 0 deaths and 46 injuries, though these figures are not adjusted for vehicle population.
- Check for transmission hesitation or indecision during test drive, especially in 2017 models, as owners report recurring power train issues.
- Inspect brake system for loud noises or a spongy pedal, and ask about vacuum pump or brake line repairs, as owners report loss of braking ability.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnect, a reported power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly, as owners report ABS noise and EPB failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially air bag and electrical software recalls on the Spark and air bag sensor recalls on the Camry.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the Spark, and the ignition key operation and throttle response for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway merging and braking, to feel for hesitation, shuddering, or brake noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for brake and electrical repairs, as these are common complaint areas.
- Verify that all safety systems (stability control, blind spot monitoring, etc.) function correctly on the Camry, as multiple simultaneous failures have been reported.
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 Spark | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 61 |
| 2021 | 6 | 157 |
| 2020 | 19 | 274 |
| 2019 | 14 | 395 |
| 2018 | 9 | 744 |
| 2017 | 29 | 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 Spark or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Chevrolet Spark inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Spark vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Spark total complaints
- 527
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Spark total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Spark avg complaints/year
- 52.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Spark
- Chevrolet Spark top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN