Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Suburban 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 Suburban vs Toyota Camry: The Suburban averages 85 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214. Suburban owners report engine and brake failures, while Camry owners face transmission and sudden acceleration issues. Both have recalls, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Suburban or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large, heavy-duty SUV that owners rely on for towing, family hauling, and long-distance travel. The complaint data shows a pattern of engine and powertrain issues that can cause rough running, loss of power, and even sudden brake failures, which are serious concerns for a vehicle of this size. Electrical problems also appear, affecting starting and towing functions. While the average of 85 complaints per year is lower than the Camry's, the nature of the failures—especially those involving brakes and engine shutdown—can be alarming and costly to repair.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for fuel efficiency and comfort, but the complaint data reveals a high volume of issues, averaging 214 per year. Owners report transmission problems, including grinding noises and the need for replacement, as well as sudden acceleration incidents that have led to crashes. Brake failures and electrical glitches also feature prominently. While the Camry's overall reliability reputation is decent, these reports suggest that certain model years may have significant defects that buyers should investigate.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Suburban | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 852 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 Suburban
- 01ENGINE329
- 02POWER TRAIN197
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM114
- 04SERVICE BRAKES87
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER79
Owners report the engine running rough, jerking, or shuddering, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light and loss of power. Some describe an odor from the engine, indicating possible overheating or fuel issues. These symptoms can occur at low mileage, as seen in a 2025 model with under 7,000 miles.
The same jerking and rough ride symptoms are attributed to the powertrain, with some owners noting the vehicle won't go or has difficulty shifting. This can be dangerous when merging or in traffic, and may require transmission or drivetrain repairs.
Electrical failures include the vehicle not starting, with the engine only cranking, and issues with the electronic transmission preventing towing. Another owner reported a 'Trailer Brakes Disconnected' message that caused the trailer brakes to lock up, leading to an abrupt stop—a serious safety hazard when towing.
Brake failure is reported, with dash warnings like 'brake failure' and 'emergency brake failure' and a loss of braking ability. One owner had to coast into a parking lot. Another noted that the brake pedal didn't respond as expected, which could lead to collisions.
“7/13/25: Car repeatedly jerking/shuddering/rough ride. A flashing check engine light came on for 10 or 15 minutes. After stopping car and restarting it, the check engine light went off. 9/15/25: Car jerking and another flashing check engine light. Took to dea…”
“Purchased the vehicle on April 7, 2025. On 7/15/25, the car had 6948 mi. and started running rough, had a loss of power, an odor from the engine, and then on the display: check engine, blinking green vehicle light, and a message stating that the car was lower…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration and dealers recommending full transmission replacement. Some owners mention recalls for the same issue, but not all vehicles are covered, leaving owners with costly repairs.
Sudden unintended acceleration is reported, with the car rapidly accelerating on its own, leading to crashes. Other engine problems include a coolant valve bypass code that triggers a maintenance light, but the vehicle isn't included in a recall, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, forcing the driver to use other means to stop. Another incident involved the car not stopping as expected when applying the brake in a parking lot, hitting a parking block.
Electrical issues include problems with the air conditioning condenser being easily damaged by rocks, leading to AC failure. There are also recurring HVAC odors that are unpleasant and may indicate mold or other issues.
“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 Suburban — 36 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly…
The risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
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 Suburban or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Suburban has fewer complaints per year (85.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Suburban's issues are more severe, involving engine and brake failures that can be life-threatening. The Camry's higher volume includes many less critical problems like AC odors, but also includes dangerous sudden acceleration. In practice, the Suburban may require more expensive repairs, but the Camry's higher frequency of complaints suggests a greater likelihood of encountering an issue.
Key differences
- The Suburban has more engine-related complaints (329) than the Camry (315), but the Camry has more powertrain complaints (395 vs 197).
- The Suburban's brake complaints (87) are fewer than the Camry's (290), but the Suburban's brake failures are described as sudden and complete, while the Camry's are more about lack of response.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the Suburban (26 and 25), largely due to sudden acceleration reports.
- The Suburban's electrical issues often affect starting and towing, while the Camry's electrical problems include AC and odor issues.
- Check for any engine warning lights or rough idling, and ask for service records related to engine or transmission repairs.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including a test drive to ensure brakes respond immediately and no warning lights appear.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check if any transmission recalls apply to the VIN.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration incidents.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles on a variety of roads, including hills and highways, to feel for any hesitation, jerking, or brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records and any warranty remaining on the powertrain.
- Check online forums and NHTSA complaints for the exact model year you're considering to see if issues are widespread.
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 Suburban | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 119 |
| 2025 | 30 | 153 |
| 2024 | 39 | 48 |
| 2023 | 119 | 62 |
| 2022 | 119 | 59 |
| 2021 | 189 | 155 |
| 2020 | 44 | 270 |
| 2019 | 77 | 393 |
| 2018 | 81 | 736 |
| 2017 | 141 | 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 Suburban or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Suburban total complaints
- 852
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Chevrolet Suburban total recalls
- 36
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Suburban avg complaints/year
- 85.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Suburban top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN