Head-to-head reliability
Daewoo Nubira vs Toyota Camry
How the Daewoo Nubira 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
Daewoo Nubira vs Toyota Camry: The Nubira averaged 145.3 complaints per year over 3 years, with 9 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years, with 31 recalls. Nubira complaints often involve engine fires and brake failure; Camry complaints more often involve electronic glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Daewoo Nubira or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Daewoo Nubira
The Daewoo Nubira is a compact car from a brand that left the U.S. market, making parts and dealer support hard to find. Over three years, it averaged 145.3 complaints per year, with most about engine and brake problems. Owners report serious issues like engine fires and brake failure, and there are no Daewoo dealers in the U.S. for recalls or repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a long history and broad dealer network. Over ten years, it averaged 205.6 complaints per year, but that's across many more vehicles on the road. Complaints cover a wide range of systems, from power train to brakes, but many are for newer models with advanced electronics.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Daewoo Nubira | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 436 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 13 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 145.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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.
Daewoo Nubira
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING281
- 02SERVICE BRAKES101
- 03HYDRAULIC97
- 04SUSPENSION33
- 05AIR BAGS12
Owners report engine fires, such as one where a 2002 Nubira caught fire despite regular oil changes. Another common issue is a faulty camshaft position sensor that triggers the check engine light and may relate to a recall. These failures can lead to costly repairs or total loss.
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor while driving, causing the vehicle to continue moving. One owner had to use the emergency brake to stop. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to a crash.
Hydraulic brake issues mirror the service brake complaints, with reports of brake pedal failure and inability to stop. Owners also mention difficulty getting recall repairs done because there are no Daewoo dealers in the U.S.
Owners report front lower control arm bushings going bad, causing unstable steering and the car jerking to the sides at low speeds. Some feel this could lead to steering failure and crashes, and note a similar recall in Australia.
“UNTIL 1:30 P.M. TODAY (JUNE 3, 2004), I THOUGHT MY 2002 DAEWOO NUBIRA WAS A GOD-SENT BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT GAS ECONOMY (~30 MPG). THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE THIS AFTERNOON AND NOW IT'S A PIECE OF JUNK. I HAVE BEEN DOING MY OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES AND SO…”
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN DIAGNOSED IT WAS RELATED TO A DEFECT IN THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I CAME TO KNOW ABOUT A RECALL REGARDING MY VEHICLE MODEL ON THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CAR W…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These can be frustrating and may indicate transmission or electronic problems.
Multiple systems can malfunction at once, such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. One owner had several of these fail during a single drive. These electronic glitches can be alarming and may require dealer diagnostics.
Some owners report delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This has happened multiple times for some, which could be a safety risk in traffic.
Complaints include the electronic parking brake not disengaging, requiring a tow to the dealer. Another owner heard a clicking vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer said was normal for the 2023 Camry. These issues can be inconvenient and costly if not covered by warranty.
“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.
Daewoo Nubira — 9 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, OPTION 6, OR FIND A LOCAL DEALER THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.DAEWOOU…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO PUERTO RICO AT 1-877-362-1234 OPTION 6.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE OUTER RUBBER LAYER OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE(S).
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, AND LOSS OF VEHICLE BRAKING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW REDESIGNED FRONT BRAKE HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MAY MELT RESULTING IN A BURNING SMELL AND VISIBLE SMOKE, WHICH MAY SUBSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE MELTING OF THE CAMSHAFT COVER AND THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAEWOO AT 1-877-362-1234, OPTION 6, OR FIND A LOCAL DEALER THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.DAEWOOU…
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
Daewoo Nubira or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Daewoo Nubira has fewer complaints per year (145.3 vs. 205.6), but its complaints often involve severe safety issues like engine fires and brake failure, and the brand's exit from the U.S. makes repairs difficult. The Toyota Camry has more complaints per year, but they are spread over many more vehicles and often involve electronic glitches rather than catastrophic failures. In practice, the Camry is likely easier to own due to parts availability and dealer support.
Key differences
- Daewoo Nubira has no U.S. dealer network, so recall repairs and parts are hard to get; Toyota Camry has widespread dealer support.
- Nubira complaints often involve engine fires and brake failure, while Camry complaints more often involve electronic glitches and delayed throttle.
- Nubira averaged 145.3 complaints per year over 3 years; Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years, but Camry sales volume is much higher.
- Nubira has 9 recalls in 3 years; Camry has 31 recalls in 10 years, but many are for specific issues like air bag sensors and seats.
- Check for any signs of engine fire damage or a history of camshaft position sensor replacement, as these are commonly reported.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for a spongy or failing pedal, and inspect lower control arm bushings for wear, which can cause unstable steering.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, especially with the check engine light on.
- Verify that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly, and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially for the Daewoo Nubira where repairs may be difficult.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, suspension, and engine for the specific issues reported for each model.
- For the Daewoo Nubira, confirm that any recall work has been completed and that parts are available for needed repairs.
- For the Toyota Camry, test all electronic systems, including stability control, lane keeping, and parking brake, during a test drive.
- Check for any signs of engine problems, such as rough idling or delayed acceleration, and scan for stored trouble codes.
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 Daewoo Nubira or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Daewoo Nubira vs Toyota Camry
- Daewoo Nubira total complaints
- 436
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Daewoo Nubira total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Daewoo Nubira avg complaints/year
- 145.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Daewoo Nubira
- Daewoo Nubira top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN