Head-to-head reliability
GMC Terrain vs Toyota Camry
How the GMC Terrain 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 Terrain vs Toyota Camry: The Terrain has 973 complaints over 10 years (97.3/yr) with serious brake and engine failures, while the Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) including transmission and acceleration issues. Both have recalls, but the Terrain's brake failures are particularly alarming. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Terrain or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain, a compact SUV, shows a reliability profile dominated by engine and brake complaints, with owners frequently reporting sudden power loss and brake failure. The sample complaints describe dangerous highway incidents, including a 'reduced engine power' warning and a complete brake failure on a downhill road. These issues, along with transmission problems and a vehicle that rolled when not in park, suggest that the Terrain may have serious safety-related defects that could affect a buyer's peace of mind.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a higher total complaint count but also a higher sales volume, with issues spread across powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failure on hills, as well as less critical HVAC odors and AC damage. While the Camry has more complaints, its patterns include both minor annoyances and serious safety concerns, but the higher volume may reflect its popularity.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Terrain | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 973 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.3 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 Terrain
- 01ENGINE301
- 02SERVICE BRAKES240
- 03POWER TRAIN195
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER151
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145
Owners report sudden 'reduced engine power' warnings and limp mode, often linked to turbocharger underboost, which can be alarming and dangerous on highways. This suggests potential turbo or sensor failures that could leave you stranded.
There are reports of complete brake failure, including a case at highway speed and another on a steep hill, where the pedal went to the floor with no response. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to crashes.
Transmission problems are common, with owners experiencing severe shaking during acceleration and transmission fluid leaks, sometimes requiring transmission replacement. This indicates potential reliability issues that are costly to repair.
“around chirstmas, Was driving on the highway and the car threw a "reduced engine power" warning and went into limp mode. Check engine light came on. Car asymptomatic prior. got the code pulled and it said turbocharger under boost. The next day the check engin…”
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred intermittently. Additionally, the co…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are prominent, with grinding noises and the need for replacement, as well as a recall for the same problem. Owners also report hesitation or surging, which can affect drivability.
There are reports of sudden unintended acceleration, which is extremely dangerous, and engine warning lights related to coolant valve bypass issues. These could lead to loss of control or engine damage.
Brake failure on steep hills is reported, where the pedal does not respond, requiring emergency maneuvers. This is a serious safety concern that could result in accidents.
“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 Terrain — 19 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
The risk: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service…
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 Terrain or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The GMC Terrain has fewer complaints per year (97.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Terrain's complaints are more concentrated on safety-critical systems like brakes and engine. The Camry's higher volume may be due to its larger market share, but it also has serious issues. In practice, the Terrain may pose a higher risk of sudden power loss or brake failure, while the Camry has more frequent but varied problems.
Key differences
- The Terrain has a higher proportion of brake complaints (240 vs 290) relative to its total, and the sample includes a highway brake failure, while the Camry's brake complaints are often on hills.
- The Terrain's engine complaints (301) often involve turbo issues and limp mode, whereas the Camry's engine complaints (315) include sudden acceleration, which is a different risk.
- The Camry has more powertrain complaints (395) than the Terrain (195), with transmission grinding and replacement being common, while the Terrain's powertrain issues include shaking and fluid leaks.
- The Terrain has a recall for child seat anchors, which is a safety concern for families, while the Camry has recalls for air bag sensors and wheel studs, which are also safety-related.
- Check for any history of 'reduced engine power' warnings or turbocharger issues, and have the turbo system inspected.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a downhill slope, and look for any signs of brake fluid leaks or worn components.
- Ask about transmission condition and any grinding noises; check for service records related to transmission replacement or recall completion.
- Inspect the engine for any signs of sudden acceleration incidents, and verify that all recalls, including the coolant valve bypass, have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic, focusing on brakes, engine, and transmission.
- Test drive on a variety of roads, including hills and highways, to check for any warning lights or unusual behavior.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recalls for the specific model year you are considering.
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 Terrain | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 119 |
| 2025 | 13 | 153 |
| 2024 | 49 | 48 |
| 2023 | 38 | 62 |
| 2022 | 85 | 59 |
| 2021 | 34 | 155 |
| 2020 | 194 | 270 |
| 2019 | 181 | 393 |
| 2018 | 219 | 736 |
| 2017 | 133 | 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 Terrain or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Terrain vs Toyota Camry
- GMC Terrain total complaints
- 973
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- GMC Terrain total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- GMC Terrain avg complaints/year
- 97.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- GMC Terrain
- GMC Terrain top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN