Head-to-head reliability
GMC Safari vs Toyota Camry
How the GMC Safari 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 Safari vs Toyota Camry: The Safari averages 34.5 complaints per year, with brakes and steering as top issues, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints, led by powertrain and engine problems. The Safari has 21 crash-related complaints, the Camry 181, with one death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Safari or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Safari
The GMC Safari is a workhorse van that owners rely on for years, but the complaint record shows a pattern of age-related failures in critical systems. Brake issues dominate, with owners reporting ABS engaging unexpectedly and hydraulic problems that can extend stopping distances. Electrical gremlins and steering component wear also appear, often leaving owners stranded or facing costly repairs. While the total complaint count is lower than the Camry's, the nature of these failures—especially in brakes and steering—makes them serious safety considerations for a used buyer.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting its larger owner base and longer production run. The top issues span the powertrain, with reports of transmission grinding and even sudden acceleration, alongside engine problems like coolant valve failures. Brake complaints include a scary loss of braking on a hill, and electrical issues are also present. While many Camrys are reliable, the sheer number of reports and the severity of some incidents mean buyers should not assume every example is trouble-free.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Safari | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 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 Safari
- 01SERVICE BRAKES77
- 02HYDRAULIC69
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 04STEERING21
- 05STRUCTURE14
Owners report the ABS engaging at low speeds, which can greatly increase stopping distance, and there are complaints of brake failure or a need for major brake work. This is the most common issue, so a pre-purchase brake inspection is critical.
This category overlaps with brake issues, including master cylinder or brake line problems that can lead to a soft or unresponsive pedal. Some owners also describe the vehicle not starting, which may be related to a charging system fault.
Electrical problems range from dashboard lights going out to the vehicle stalling or not starting. One owner described a complete loss of power while driving, which is a serious safety concern.
Steering complaints include worn wheel bearings and idler arms that can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially at low speeds. One owner also mentioned the steering wheel material deteriorating, which is a cosmetic issue but indicates interior quality concerns.
“MY 2002 GMC SAFARI WOULD NOT START. I WENT AND REPLACED THE 2.5 YEAR OLD BATTERY (IT WAS LEAKING AT THE TERMINALS) IT STARTED ONE TIME AND THEN ABOUT 45 MINUTES LATER IT WAS DEAD AGAIN. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. I WAS FIRST INFORMED THAT THE CHARGING SYSTEM…”
“I OWN A 2003 GMC SAFARI WHICH I PURCHASED IN UTAH. EARLIER THIS YEAR I EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BAKING SYSTEM WHERE THE ABS WOULD ENGAGE AT LOW SPEEDS, INCREASING MY STOPPING DISTANCE GREATLY. I CONTACTED GM AS THIS SEEMED TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND WA…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for full transmission replacement. Some also describe sudden acceleration incidents, which are alarming and could lead to crashes.
Engine problems include a specific coolant valve bypass issue that triggers a maintenance light, and in some cases, the engine may stall or lose power. Owners also report excessive oil consumption or other internal failures.
Brake complaints include a total loss of braking on a downhill curve, which is extremely dangerous. Other owners report the brakes grabbing or pulsating, which can affect stopping control.
Electrical issues range from malfunctioning sensors to complete electrical failures that leave the vehicle inoperable. Some owners report problems with the air conditioning condenser being damaged by debris, which is not strictly electrical but is part of the vehicle's systems.
“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 Safari — 15 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 Safari or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The GMC Safari has far fewer complaints per year (34.5) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Safari's issues are concentrated in safety-critical areas like brakes and steering. The Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the presence of sudden acceleration and brake failure reports means buyers should not dismiss them. In practice, the Safari may be cheaper to insure but requires careful brake and steering checks, while the Camry demands a thorough mechanical inspection to avoid costly transmission or engine repairs.
Key differences
- The Safari's most frequent complaints are about brakes (77) and hydraulics (69), while the Camry's top issues are powertrain (395) and engine (315).
- The Safari has a higher proportion of crash-related complaints (21 out of 207) compared to the Camry (181 out of 2143), but the Camry has one reported death.
- The Safari's recalls focus on fuel system and lighting, while the Camry's recalls involve air bags, seats, and wheel studs.
- The Safari's electrical issues can cause sudden loss of power, while the Camry's electrical problems are more varied, including sensor and condenser issues.
- Inspect the ABS system: test it at low speeds and check for any warning lights. Owners report ABS engaging unexpectedly, which can be a safety hazard.
- Check the steering components: have a mechanic inspect the wheel bearings and idler arms for wear, as these are common failure points that affect control.
- Test the transmission: listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the fluid checked. Some owners have needed full replacements.
- Verify the engine coolant valve: check for any open recalls or service bulletins, as a faulty valve can trigger warning lights and affect engine performance.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic familiar with these models.
- Check the vehicle's recall status using its VIN on the NHTSA website and ensure all recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds, including low-speed braking, to feel for any ABS or transmission anomalies.
- Review the maintenance history for brake and transmission services, and look for any signs of electrical issues like dimming lights or battery problems.
- Ask about any previous accident damage, as both vehicles have crash-related complaints that could affect safety.
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 Safari or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Safari vs Toyota Camry
- GMC Safari total complaints
- 207
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- GMC Safari total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- GMC Safari avg complaints/year
- 34.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- GMC Safari
- GMC Safari top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN