Head-to-head reliability
GMC Acadia vs Toyota Camry
How the GMC Acadia 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
GMC Acadia vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Acadia averaged 193.4 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints with 31 recalls. The Acadia had 45 injuries and 0 deaths; the Camry had 163 injuries and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Acadia or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV that has averaged about 193 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with the most frequent issues reported in the power train, electrical system, and engine. Many complaints describe serious problems like transmission failures, overheating, and electrical glitches, often occurring at low mileage. With 24 recalls and 45 injuries reported, the Acadia demands careful inspection and a thorough maintenance history before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a long-standing reputation for dependability, but it still averages about 214 complaints per year, slightly more than the Acadia. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and brakes, with some owners reporting sudden acceleration, transmission grinding, and brake failure. It has 31 recalls and 163 injuries, so while many Camrys are reliable, specific model years and maintenance records matter.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Acadia | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,934 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 41 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 193.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 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.
GMC Acadia
- 01POWER TRAIN618
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM506
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER472
- 04ENGINE240
- 05SERVICE BRAKES164
Owners report transmission problems, including shuddering, delayed engagement, and complete failure, often at low mileage. Some complaints describe the vehicle overheating with warnings of possible engine failure, leaving drivers stranded.
Electrical issues include repeated battery drain, infotainment glitches, and warning lights that appear without explanation. These can be frustrating and expensive to diagnose, especially if they affect safety systems.
Engine complaints include overheating, coolant leaks, and premature component failure. One owner reported a brand-new Acadia with only 5,318 miles alarming to shut off the engine while driving at highway speed.
Some owners report premature brake wear, with pads needing replacement far sooner than expected. Loud squealing and fluid leaks are also mentioned, which can compromise stopping power.
“I purchased this vehicle in June 2024 as a demo vehicle with approximately 7,000 miles on it. Within one month of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing serious problems that have continued to worsen. The vehicle currently has approximately 34,000 miles, a…”
“In the process of taking my daughter to the emergency room I receive a dash notification on my recently purchased 2024 GMC Acadia "car overheating, possible engine failure". My gauges were within normal range and being that I was in an emergency I kept travel…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Camry owners report transmission grinding noises and sudden acceleration incidents. In some cases, the transmission needed replacement, and parts were on backorder, leaving owners without their cars for extended periods.
Engine issues include sudden unintended acceleration and coolant bypass valve failures that trigger check engine lights. One owner experienced uncontrollable acceleration that led to a crash.
Brake complaints include a complete loss of braking ability, such as a pedal going to the floor with no response. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Electrical problems often involve HVAC malfunctions, such as a failed AC condenser or persistent mildew odors from the vents. These are comfort issues but can be costly to repair.
“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.
GMC Acadia — 24 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the vehicle certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's n…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
The risk: Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
The risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners…
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
GMC Acadia or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The GMC Acadia has fewer complaints per year (193.4) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Acadia's complaints often involve severe power train and engine failures. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes more brake and acceleration issues, which can be equally dangerous. In practice, both vehicles have notable reliability concerns, so a pre-purchase inspection is essential for either.
Key differences
- The GMC Acadia has a lower average annual complaint rate (193.4 vs. 214.3), but its complaints more frequently involve power train and engine failures that can cause breakdowns.
- The Toyota Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 41) and injuries (163 vs. 45), with reports of sudden acceleration and brake loss.
- The Acadia has 24 recalls, while the Camry has 31, covering issues like air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, while Acadia owners report overheating, electrical glitches, and premature brake wear.
- Check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or warning lights related to the power train, as these are commonly reported.
- Inspect the cooling system for leaks or signs of overheating, including the upper radiator hose and coolant levels.
- Test the brakes for any sponginess or failure to respond, and listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration.
- Verify that the coolant bypass valve recall has been performed, and check for any signs of sudden acceleration during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been repaired.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, engine, and brakes.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises, check for smooth acceleration, and test the brakes firmly.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and coolant system services.
- For the Camry, specifically inquire about any history of sudden acceleration or brake issues, and for the Acadia, ask about electrical problems or overheating.
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 | GMC Acadia | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 119 |
| 2025 | 62 | 153 |
| 2024 | 55 | 48 |
| 2023 | 42 | 62 |
| 2022 | 48 | 59 |
| 2021 | 147 | 155 |
| 2020 | 99 | 270 |
| 2019 | 381 | 393 |
| 2018 | 392 | 736 |
| 2017 | 702 | 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 GMC Acadia or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Acadia vs Toyota Camry
- GMC Acadia total complaints
- 1,934
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- GMC Acadia total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- GMC Acadia avg complaints/year
- 193.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Acadia top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN