Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Uplander vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Uplander 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 Uplander vs Toyota Camry: The Uplander has 584 complaints over 5 years (116.8/year) and 11 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. Both have 1 death reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Uplander or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Uplander
The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan that owners report living with a range of electrical and structural problems. Complaints frequently mention automatic sliding doors opening while driving and suspension parts fracturing. With 584 complaints over 5 years, the Uplander has a lower annual complaint rate than the Camry, but the nature of the issues—especially doors opening unexpectedly—can be alarming. Recalls for suspension and steering add to the ownership burden.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher total complaint count (2,056 over 10 years) but a lower annual rate than the Uplander. Owners report power train hesitation, engine shuddering, and brake system malfunctions. Many complaints involve advanced driver-assistance systems and electronic parking brakes. While the Camry has more recalls (31), the per-year complaint rate is lower, suggesting fewer problems per vehicle annually.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Uplander | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 584 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 59 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Uplander
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142
- 02STRUCTURE126
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES82
- 04SERVICE BRAKES73
- 05STEERING55
Owners report the alarm going off randomly and automatic sliding side doors opening without warning while driving at highway speeds. This is a serious safety concern because it could lead to occupants or pets falling out.
Complaints include the rear suspension fracturing and falling to the ground while driving, as well as the same sliding door issue. A broken suspension can cause loss of control and is expensive to repair.
Drivers describe intermittent ABS/traction control warnings and brakes locking up unexpectedly, sometimes with a 'Service Stability System' message. This can make stopping unpredictable and frightening in traffic.
While specific complaint text is not provided, this component is among the top five, suggesting issues with door latches or locks that could affect security and safety.
“SAFETY ISSUE: THE FIRST OCCURRENCE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE, AS I DO NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN THIS NIGHT: FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE ALARM BEGAN GOING OFF (OF COURSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT). I WAS AWAKE. I LIVE IN A PRETTY SAFE PARK. AT A…”
“BOTH AUTOMATIC SLIDING SIDE DOORS WOULD OPEN WITH NO WARNING TRAVELING 55 MPH, AFRAID MY TRIPLET GRAND CHILDREN OR MY 2 DOGS WOULD FALL OUT, THE DOGS DID GET OUT ONE DAY WHEN THE DOORS OPENED BY THEIR SELF, ONE OF MY DOGS RAN ACROSS THE BUSY STREET. AUTOMOBIL…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of recent Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others note hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can be a sign of transmission or engine issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Drivers report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area that are deemed 'common' but abnormal. These issues can leave the car immobile or cause concern about brake reliability.
Multiple safety systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—malfunctioned simultaneously in one report. Such failures could reduce driver assistance and increase crash risk.
“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 Uplander — 11 recalls
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Uplander or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Uplander has about 117 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has about 206 per year, meaning the Uplander has fewer complaints annually. However, the Uplander's issues often involve sudden door openings and suspension failures, which can be more immediately dangerous. The Camry's higher annual rate reflects more frequent but sometimes less severe problems like hesitation and brake noise.
Key differences
- The Uplander has reports of automatic sliding doors opening while driving, a serious safety risk not seen in the Camry samples.
- Camry owners frequently report power train hesitation and key-stuck issues, while Uplander complaints focus on electrical and structural failures.
- The Uplander has fewer complaints per year (116.8 vs 205.6) but includes a death and 59 injuries; the Camry also has one death and 158 injuries over a longer period.
- Recalls differ: Uplander recalls involve suspension and steering, while Camry recalls include air bag sensors and seats.
- Test the automatic sliding doors multiple times, including while driving at low speed, to ensure they do not open unexpectedly.
- Inspect the rear suspension for cracks, rust, or prior repairs, as some owners reported it fracturing.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises when pressing the brake pedal.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Uplander's sliding doors, suspension, and ABS system.
- For the Camry, test the key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed acceleration.
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 Uplander or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Uplander vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Uplander total complaints
- 584
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Uplander total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Uplander avg complaints/year
- 116.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Uplander
- Chevrolet Uplander top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN