Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet SS vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet SS 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 SS vs Toyota Camry: The SS averages 24.8 complaints per year with 23 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The SS's top issue is steering (62 reports), and the Camry's is power train (385 reports). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet SS or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is a low-volume performance sedan, averaging about 25 complaints per year over four years. Most owner complaints center on the steering system, with 62 reports, often describing sudden loss of power steering assist. Seat belt and electrical issues also appear, and there are 23 recalls, including for power steering and seat belt tensioners. With no reported injuries or deaths in the data, it's a niche car that demands attention to steering and safety recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, averaging about 206 complaints per year over ten years. The most common complaints involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. There are 31 recalls and 158 injuries reported, though the data doesn't specify if injuries are directly tied to defects. It's a popular car with a broad range of reported issues, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is key.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet SS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 99 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 SS
- 01STEERING62
- 02SEAT BELTS13
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 04AIR BAGS7
- 05SUSPENSION5
Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist, often linked to the electric power steering rack. Some say their VIN wasn't included in a recall, leaving them to pay for repairs. This can make steering very heavy, especially at low speeds.
Complaints describe seat belt tensioner cables that can rub against trim and fray, potentially weakening restraint in a crash. One owner reported their car sat at the dealer for a month awaiting a recall fix. This is a critical safety system.
Issues include the MyLink infotainment system failing to control apps like Pandora via Bluetooth. Another complaint mentions water intrusion causing failed detection systems. These glitches can be frustrating but are less safety-critical.
Owners report airbag warning lights due to seatbelt tensioner cable problems or faulty passenger seat sensors. This means airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash. It's a serious safety concern that should be addressed immediately.
“Collapsed lifter on cyl 6. Lifter tick / knock since 100,200 miles. Car has a warranty until 5/2026 or 171,000 miles and they refuse to honor it. Car has a steering issue. Two separate chevy dealerships unable to fix. vanderevere charged me 500-600 to fix NOT…”
“I OWN A 2016 CHEVROLET SS SEDAN, THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING RACK DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT RANDOM TIMES DUE TO THEIR CHOICE TO CUT COSTS IN THE INITIAL ASSEMBLY. MY VIN IS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL, MY VEHICLE WAS MADE IN DEC…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal doesn't immediately move the car. This happened multiple times for one owner. Such lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer calls normal for some 2023 Camrys. Brake problems are always a safety priority.
One owner reported multiple systems failing at once: smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This suggests a complex electrical fault that could affect many safety features simultaneously.
“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 SS — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS and Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 16V-518. The repair may not have been performed properly. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat…
The risk: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine whether the new seat trim was installed and replace the trim as necessary. Dealers will also inspect and replace the pretensioner cable assembly, as necessary. Repai…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit vehicles (PPV) and SS vehicles. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N192285350.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's…
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 SS or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet SS has far fewer complaints per year (about 25) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the SS is a low-production car, so its rate may be understated. The Camry's higher volume means more reported issues, but also more data. In practice, the SS may need more frequent attention to steering and seat belts, while the Camry's issues span many systems, including power train and brakes.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet SS has 62 steering complaints, often about sudden power steering loss, while the Toyota Camry's top issue is power train with 385 complaints, including key-stuck and hesitation problems.
- The SS has 23 recalls, including for seat belts and steering, while the Camry has 31 recalls, with seat and airbag sensor recalls.
- The Camry has 158 reported injuries and 1 death in the data, while the SS has 0 injuries and 0 deaths, though the SS's lower volume may affect this.
- The SS averages 24.8 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 205.6 per year, but the Camry is sold in much higher numbers.
- Check for any open recalls on the power steering rack and seat belt tensioner cables; ask for proof of repair.
- Test the steering at low speeds for any sudden heaviness or loss of assist, and listen for lifter tick or knock from the engine.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it may need a battery disconnect to remove.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if all safety recalls are addressed, especially for the SS's steering and seat belts and the Camry's seats and airbags.
- Take a test drive that includes low-speed steering maneuvers and braking to feel for any hesitation, shuddering, or unusual noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for the SS's steering system and the Camry's power train and brakes.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car, focusing on the SS's steering rack and seat belt cables, and the Camry's electronic parking brake and throttle response.
- Check for warning lights on the dashboard, such as airbag or check engine, and ensure they illuminate briefly when starting and then go out.
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 SS | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 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 SS 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 SS 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 SS vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet SS total complaints
- 99
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet SS total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet SS avg complaints/year
- 24.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet SS
- Chevrolet SS top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN