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 has 527 complaints over 10 years (52.7/yr) with major engine and transmission failures, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) including brake and acceleration issues. The Spark's problems are more severe relative to its size. 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 city car that, in ownership terms, shows a pattern of serious mechanical and electrical issues. Owners report engine problems like warped pistons and even complete engine replacements, along with transmission failures and persistent electrical gremlins. The complaint count is high for its size, and the nature of the failures suggests that reliability could be a significant concern for a first-time buyer.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher total number of complaints, but that's partly due to its larger sales volume. The complaints cover a wide range of issues, including transmission grinding, sudden acceleration reports, brake failures, and HVAC odors. While some issues are serious, the overall pattern is less concentrated on catastrophic failures compared to the Spark, but the sheer volume indicates that Camry owners also face notable problems.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 46 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 Spark
- 01POWER TRAIN127
- 02ENGINE112
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM100
- 04SERVICE BRAKES65
- 05AIR BAGS60
Owners report faulty transmissions and warped pistons, leading to major repairs. One owner mentioned a faulty transmission and a warped piston (#3) that required the car to be in the shop for weeks, and another had the engine replaced entirely.
Engine failures are common, with reports of severe mechanical and electrical issues. One owner's engine had to be replaced, and the car was in the shop for nearly two months. This suggests a risk of costly engine repairs.
Electrical problems are frequent, including issues that trigger warning lights like the airbag code. One owner reported an airbag code appearing after transmission and piston repairs, indicating potential electrical gremlins that can be hard to diagnose.
Brake issues include loud noises and a feeling that the car won't stop. One owner reported loud brake noise and a sensation of the car not stopping, while another heard thumping from rear drum brakes, especially during hard braking.
“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…”
“AIRBAG CODE (95) THE CAR JUST GOT OUT OF THE SHOP FROM A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND A WARPED PISTON(#3) I HAD IT BACK FOR TWO WEEKS AND NOW THE AIRBAG CODE COMES ON. I DROVE ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AND THEN PARK THE CAR DOWN TO ONE THE CODE CAME ON. I CLEARED IT SHUT…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are reported, including grinding noises upon acceleration. One owner's dealer confirmed the transmission needed replacement, and there were recalls for similar issues on 2021 Camrys, suggesting a known problem.
Engine issues include sudden acceleration incidents, which are alarming. One owner reported uncontrollable acceleration three times, leading to a crash. Another mentioned a coolant valve bypass code that was not covered by a recall for their VIN.
Brake failures are reported, such as a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal on a hill. Another owner described a situation where the brake pedal did not respond, forcing them to take evasive action.
Electrical issues are less prominent but still present, with complaints about AC malfunctions and HVAC odors. One owner reported a rock damaging the AC condenser, and another had a recurring vinegar-like smell from the vents.
“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 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 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 Spark or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Spark has fewer complaints per year (52.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Spark's issues are more concentrated on major failures like engine and transmission. The Camry has a higher volume but a broader range of issues, some of which are also serious. In practice, the Spark may pose a higher risk of costly repairs relative to its value.
Key differences
- The Spark has a higher rate of engine and transmission failures, including warped pistons and complete engine replacements, while the Camry's issues are more varied, including sudden acceleration and brake loss.
- The Camry has a higher total number of complaints, but that's partly due to its larger sales volume; the Spark's complaints are more concentrated on severe problems.
- Brake issues on the Spark are mostly noise and feeling, while Camry owners report actual brake failure with no response.
- Electrical problems on the Spark include airbag codes and other gremlins, whereas Camry electrical issues are more about AC and odors.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of overheating or piston damage, as warped pistons have been reported.
- Check the transmission for smooth shifting and any warning lights, as faulty transmissions are a common complaint.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and transmission.
- Check for any open recalls on the specific VIN and ensure they have been addressed.
- Take the car for a test drive that includes highway speeds and braking from various speeds to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if any major repairs have been done, especially engine or transmission replacements.
- Research the model year for any known issues and check NHTSA complaints for that year.
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 | 59 |
| 2021 | 6 | 155 |
| 2020 | 19 | 270 |
| 2019 | 14 | 393 |
| 2018 | 9 | 736 |
| 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.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Spark vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Spark total complaints
- 527
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet Spark total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Spark avg complaints/year
- 52.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Spark
- Chevrolet Spark top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN