Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Venture vs Toyota Camry
How the Chevrolet Venture 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 Venture vs Toyota Camry: The Venture averaged 204.2 complaints per year over 6 years, with 42 recalls and 7 deaths. The Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year over 10 years, with 31 recalls and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Venture or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Venture
The Chevrolet Venture is a minivan that averaged about 204 complaints per year over six years, with 42 recalls. Owners frequently report engine overheating, electrical gremlins, and structural issues with the sliding door. These patterns suggest that living with a Venture can mean dealing with persistent mechanical and safety-related problems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a sedan that averaged about 206 complaints per year over ten years, with 31 recalls. Complaints often involve power train hesitation, brake noises, and various electrical malfunctions. While the Camry has a strong reputation, these reports indicate that some owners experience significant issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Venture | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,225 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 91 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 204.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 175 | 158 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 7 | 1 Better |
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 Venture
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM161
- 03STRUCTURE160
- 04FUEL SYSTEM118
- 05AIR BAGS98
Owners report the temperature gauge reading hot, leading to breakdowns and the need to pull over. This can strand a driver and indicates cooling system failures that may require costly repairs.
Complaints include erratic fuel gauges, air conditioning failure, water in headlights, and dashboard lights blinking. These electrical faults can be frustrating and expensive to diagnose and fix.
The automatic sliding door can develop a triangular gap when closing, and the door may not close completely. This poses a safety risk, especially for children, and may require repeated dealer visits.
Owners report smelling gasoline and finding fuel pouring from the gas connection pipe. This is a serious fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.
“TEMP GAUGE READING HOT, DECIDED 95 S IN NEW YORK CITY WASN'T AN IDEAL PLACE TO STOP AND TRAFFIC WAS VERY BAD HAD TO DRIVE IN BREAKDOWN LANE TO GET TO NEAREST EXIT (APPROX 1.5 MILES) PULLED OVER IN A WATER WORKS LOT WITH MY 4 YR OLDS AND WIFE AT 11:30 PM, ON W…”
“TEMP GAUGE READING HOT, DECIDED 95 S IN NEW YORK CITY WASN'T AN IDEAL PLACE TO STOP AND TRAFFIC WAS VERY BAD HAD TO DRIVE IN BREAKDOWN LANE TO GET TO NEAREST EXIT (APPROX 1.5 MILES) PULLED OVER IN A WATER WORKS LOT WITH MY 4 YR OLDS AND WIFE AT 11:30 PM, ON W…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck, hesitation and shuddering while driving, and delayed throttle response. These issues can affect drivability and may require dealer intervention.
Complaints involve multiple systems malfunctioning simultaneously, such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. This suggests complex electronic issues that can be hard to pinpoint.
Owners describe delayed throttle response and hesitation, with the check engine light illuminating. This can be a safety concern when merging or accelerating.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is reported. These brake issues can affect vehicle operation and safety.
“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 Venture — 42 recalls
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: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
The risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RES…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: B…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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 Venture or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Venture has a slightly lower average annual complaint rate (204.2 vs. 205.6), but the Toyota Camry has fewer recalls (31 vs. 42) and far fewer deaths (1 vs. 7). In practice, the Venture's issues often involve serious safety defects like fuel leaks and door problems, while the Camry's complaints are more varied but include fewer fatal outcomes.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet Venture has 7 deaths reported versus 1 for the Toyota Camry, indicating a higher severity of outcomes in crashes.
- The Venture has 42 recalls compared to 31 for the Camry, suggesting more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Venture owners report structural issues with the sliding door, while Camry owners report power train and brake problems.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (171 vs. 91), but the Venture has more injuries (175 vs. 158) and deaths.
- Check for coolant leaks, overheating signs, and test the temperature gauge during a test drive.
- Inspect the automatic sliding door for proper alignment and closing, and look for gaps or sensor issues.
- Test the ignition key for sticking and ensure it can be removed easily when in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check the electronic parking brake operation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the cooling system and transmission for the Venture.
- For the Camry, check for transmission hesitation and brake system functionality.
- Test all electrical components, including lights, gauges, and infotainment.
- Verify that the sliding door on the Venture operates smoothly and latches securely.
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 Venture or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Venture vs Toyota Camry
- Chevrolet Venture total complaints
- 1,225
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Chevrolet Venture total recalls
- 42
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Venture avg complaints/year
- 204.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- Chevrolet Venture top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN