Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet TRAX vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet TRAX 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 TRAX vs Toyota Camry: The TRAX averages 75.6 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. TRAX issues often involve turbocharger and suspension failures; Camry issues include transmission hesitation and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet TRAX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet TRAX
The Chevrolet TRAX is a subcompact SUV that has averaged about 76 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 9 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine and electrical system, often involving turbocharger failure and infotainment glitches. Suspension complaints, including tie rod and rear axle issues, also appear in the data. Overall, it's a vehicle where owners report a mix of sudden mechanical failures and electronic gremlins.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but also more than three times as many recalls (31). Power train and engine complaints dominate, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. Brake and electrical issues also show up. Despite the higher counts, the Camry's issues often involve drivability and convenience rather than catastrophic failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet TRAX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 756 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 54 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 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 TRAX
- 01ENGINE205
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM203
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER130
- 04SUSPENSION75
- 05SERVICE BRAKES73
Owners report sudden turbocharger failure without warning, sometimes followed by a GM letter acknowledging a known condition. Another complaint describes permanent codes for communication blackout and melting hardware, which can leave the car undrivable.
Common complaints include CarPlay disconnecting intermittently and the vehicle cockpit unit flickering or going blank. One owner said the entire dashboard glitched and cut out for 10-25 seconds, which could distract the driver.
Reports include loose inner and outer tie rod ends after dealer repairs, and in one case the rear axle separated from the vehicle, preventing braking. These are serious safety concerns that could lead to loss of control.
While fewer complaints, some owners mention brake issues. The data shows 73 brake-related complaints, but specific patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should still check for unusual noises or pedal feel.
“The Turbo Charger failed suddenly without a prior display of a warning light and was replaced by an independent service center in June 2025. I received a letter from GM in November 2025 stating there was a known "condition" that may cause the Turbo Charger to…”
“The vehicle has 2 permanent codes. One is a communication blackout, the other code means the hardware is melting. GM is doing a formal inspection in April. The Ucode meant that the engine stopped talking to the transmission or visa versa. The vehicle “ran my…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Another complaint describes hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine management issues.
A repeated complaint is delayed throttle response—pressing the gas and waiting several seconds for the car to move. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. Hesitation and shuddering are also reported.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal ABS operation but owners find concerning.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. One owner described a night-time failure of all these systems, which could be alarming and reduce 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 TRAX — 9 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.
The risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
The risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. G…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli…
The risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners…
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 TRAX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet TRAX has far fewer complaints per year (about 76 vs. 206 for the Camry), but the Camry has more recalls. In practice, the TRAX may have fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's higher volume could mean more widespread problems. Buyers should weigh the lower complaint rate of the TRAX against the Camry's reputation for longevity, though both have notable failure patterns.
Key differences
- The TRAX has about 76 complaints per year, while the Camry has about 206—nearly three times as many, though the Camry also has more recalls (31 vs. 9).
- TRAX owners frequently report turbocharger failure and electrical glitches like CarPlay disconnects and dashboard blackouts; Camry owners report transmission hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noise.
- Suspension issues on the TRAX include tie rod and rear axle problems, some leading to crashes; the Camry's suspension complaints are less prominent in the sample.
- The Camry has 1 death and 158 injuries reported, while the TRAX has 0 deaths and 57 injuries, but these numbers must be considered in context of total vehicles on the road.
- Check for turbocharger health: listen for whining, check for oil leaks, and ask if the turbo has been replaced or if any GM letters about a known condition were received.
- Inspect suspension components: look for loose tie rods, unusual tire wear, and any signs of rear axle damage or repairs, especially if the car was in a crash.
- Test the ignition key removal: ensure it releases smoothly in Park without needing to disconnect the battery, as stuck keys are a reported issue.
- Check brake pedal feel and electronic parking brake: listen for clicking or vibrating noises and confirm the EPB engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the TRAX's back-over prevention camera and suspension recalls, and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway merging and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission hesitation (Camry) or turbo lag (TRAX).
- Have a mechanic inspect the turbocharger and suspension on the TRAX, and the transmission and brakes on the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for oil changes (important for turbo health) and any transmission or brake repairs.
- Verify that all electrical features work: infotainment, backup camera, and driver-assist systems, as both cars have electrical complaints.
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 TRAX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 0 |
| 2025 | 87 | 163 |
| 2024 | 175 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 9 | 61 |
| 2021 | 24 | 157 |
| 2020 | 96 | 274 |
| 2019 | 134 | 395 |
| 2018 | 101 | 744 |
| 2017 | 113 | 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 TRAX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet TRAX vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet TRAX total complaints
- 756
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet TRAX total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet TRAX avg complaints/year
- 75.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet TRAX
- Chevrolet TRAX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN