Vehicle 1

Chevrolet Spark

75 complaints · 2 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,993 complaints · 28 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Chevrolet Spark vs Toyota Camry: The Spark has 75 complaints over 10 years (7.5/year) while the Camry has 1993 (199.3/year). The Spark's top issue is air bags; the Camry's is power train. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Chevrolet Spark
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryChevrolet SparkToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
75
✓ lower
1,993
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
2
✓ lower
28
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
18
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
7.5
✓ lower
199.3

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Chevrolet Spark

1. AIR BAGS22
2. POWER TRAIN13
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
4. ENGINE13
5. SERVICE BRAKES12

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN360
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. AIR BAGS221
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Toyota Camry has far more complaints per year (199.3) than the Chevrolet Spark (7.5), suggesting Camry owners report issues more frequently. However, the Spark's lower complaint count may reflect lower sales volume, so buyers should consider the types of issues rather than just totals.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems per year, the Chevrolet Spark appears better, but its air bag complaints are notable. If you prefer a larger, more established model with higher complaint volume but also higher sales, the Camry may still be reliable. Check specific issue histories for your target year.

Key Differences
  • Toyota Camry has 1993 total complaints vs Chevrolet Spark's 75 over 10 years.
  • Camry averages 199.3 complaints/year; Spark averages 7.5/year.
  • Camry's top issue is power train (360); Spark's top is air bags (22).
  • Camry has 28 recalls; Spark has 2 recalls.
⚠ Watch on Chevrolet Spark
  • Air bag complaints are the most common issue on the Spark (22 of 75 complaints).
  • Engine and electrical system each have 13 complaints, indicating potential reliability concerns.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints are very high (360), suggesting transmission or drivetrain problems.
  • Engine complaints (305) and service brakes (284) are also frequent, so check for recalls on these systems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific model year.
  • Review service history for air bag repairs on Spark or power train work on Camry.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission or brake issues.
  • Search owner forums for common problems with that year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Chevrolet SparkToyota Camry
2026
0
65
2025
0
125
2024
0
44
2023
0
55
2022
3
55
2021
6
151
2020
19
260
2019
12
372
2018
8
719
2017
27
147
Chevrolet Spark vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Chevrolet Spark vs Toyota Camry
Chevrolet Spark total complaints
75
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,993
Chevrolet Spark total recalls
2
Toyota Camry total recalls
28
Chevrolet Spark avg complaints/year
7.5
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
199.3
More reliable overall
Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet Spark top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Chevrolet Spark Reliability & Problems

75 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

1,993 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Chevrolet Spark or Toyota Camry?

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