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: Over 10 years, the Terrain had 999 complaints (about 100 per year) and 19 recalls, while the Camry had 2,056 complaints (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. The Terrain's issues often involve severe engine and brake failures, whereas the Camry's include more electrical and brake noise problems. 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 is a compact SUV that owners report living with frequent engine and brake problems. Over 10 years, it has 999 complaints, averaging about 100 per year, with 49 crash-related and 45 injuries. The most common complaints involve engine failures, brake issues, and power train problems, often leading to sudden loss of power or braking ability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a higher total complaint count (2,056 over 10 years, about 206 per year) but many are for less severe issues like electrical glitches and brake noise. However, it also has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, plus one death. Power train and engine complaints are common, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems.
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 | 999 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 158 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE311
- 02SERVICE BRAKES248
- 03POWER TRAIN201
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER155
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM149
Owners report sudden engine and turbocharger failure, often with a 'reduced engine power' warning and limp mode. This can leave you stranded or cause dangerous loss of power on the highway.
Complaints describe brake pedal going to the floor without response, especially on downhill grades or at highway speeds. This is a serious safety concern that could lead to a crash.
Drivers report severe shaking during acceleration, transmission fluid leaks, and complete loss of motive power. These issues can make the vehicle undrivable and pose a risk in traffic.
Some owners report the vehicle not going into park when turned off, causing it to roll away. Others mention drive shaft vibrations requiring repair. These are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
“Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2021 GMC TerrainEngine Type: 1.5L Turbocharged EngineCurrent Mileage: 155,000 miles [1]Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 GMC Terrain that presen…”
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can be unsettling.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in several seconds of no movement. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Some drivers hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system. Others report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver and increase crash risk.
“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.
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 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…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
The risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's nu…
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
GMC Terrain or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The GMC Terrain has fewer complaints per year (about 100 vs. 206 for the Camry), but its issues often involve sudden engine, brake, and power train failures that can be catastrophic. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many less severe electrical and brake noise issues, but it also has more crash-related complaints and one death. In practice, the Terrain may have fewer overall problems, but the ones it has tend to be more severe.
Key differences
- The GMC Terrain has reports of sudden engine and turbocharger failure leading to limp mode, while the Camry's engine issues often involve delayed throttle response.
- Terrain owners report brake pedal going to the floor without response, whereas Camry brake complaints are more about noise and parking brake failure.
- Terrain power train issues include severe shaking and loss of motive power; Camry power train issues include stuck ignition keys and hesitation.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 49) and one death, while the Terrain has fewer crashes but more injuries per crash (45 injuries from 49 crashes).
- Check for turbocharger health and any history of 'reduced engine power' warnings or limp mode, especially on 2021 models.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on downhill grades, for any sponginess or failure to respond, and listen for unusual noises.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Terrain's child seat anchors and air bag sensors, and the Camry's wheels and seats.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for the Terrain, focusing on turbocharger and transmission fluid leaks.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check the ignition system, throttle response, and electronic parking brake function.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including highway speeds and steep hills, to replicate reported failure scenarios.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any past repairs related to the common complaints.
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 | 33 | 0 |
| 2025 | 13 | 163 |
| 2024 | 50 | 50 |
| 2023 | 40 | 64 |
| 2022 | 88 | 61 |
| 2021 | 36 | 157 |
| 2020 | 197 | 274 |
| 2019 | 185 | 395 |
| 2018 | 223 | 744 |
| 2017 | 134 | 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
- 999
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- GMC Terrain total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- GMC Terrain avg complaints/year
- 99.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- GMC Terrain
- GMC Terrain top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN