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 averages 93.5 complaints per year with frequent engine and brake failures, while the Camry averages 208.1 complaints per year with less critical issues like key sticking. The Terrain has 19 recalls, the Camry 28. 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, based on NHTSA data, has a high rate of engine and brake complaints. Owners frequently report sudden loss of power, limp mode, and brake failure, which can be alarming in everyday driving. With 935 complaints over 10 years (93.5 per year) and 19 recalls, it suggests a vehicle that may require frequent repairs and vigilance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a higher total complaint count (2081 over 10 years, 208.1 per year) but fewer crash-related incidents per complaint. Owners report issues like key getting stuck in ignition, unintended braking, and moonroof shattering. While the Camry has more complaints, many are less safety-critical than the Terrain's engine and brake failures.
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 | 935 Better | 2,081 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 28 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 93.5 Better | 208.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 161 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE292
- 02SERVICE BRAKES228
- 03POWER TRAIN189
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER145
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM141
Owners report sudden 'reduced engine power' warnings and limp mode, often due to turbocharger underboost or engine stalling and seizing. This can leave you stranded or cause loss of power at highway speeds.
Brake failure is a common complaint, with owners describing the brake pedal not responding at all, especially on hills or at highway speeds. This is a critical safety concern.
Transmission issues include severe shaking during acceleration and fluid leaks. Some owners also report the engine dying unexpectedly, which can be dangerous in traffic.
“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 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine stalled. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, the engine seized. The co…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN384
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER332
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
A notable issue is the ability to remove the key while the vehicle is still in Drive, allowing it to roll away. Also, the ignition key can get stuck, requiring battery disconnection to remove.
The moonroof can shatter spontaneously while driving, sounding like a gunshot. Additionally, some owners report sudden unintended acceleration or braking from driver-assist systems.
Brake issues include thumping noises, grinding, and unintended braking activation that causes sudden deceleration. These can be disconcerting but are less severe than total brake failure.
“The vehicle allows the engine to be turned off, key removed, while the vehicle is still in drive with no warning lights or sounds. I have tested and the vehicle can roll away. Complained to the toyota dealership and they said the service tech consulted with t…”
“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…”
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 — 28 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
GMC Terrain or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The GMC Terrain has fewer complaints per year (93.5 vs 208.1), but its issues are more safety-critical, with engine and brake failures that can lead to loss of control. The Camry has more complaints but many are less urgent, like key sticking or moonroof shattering. In practice, the Terrain may pose higher risk of sudden breakdowns.
Key differences
- Terrain owners report sudden engine power loss and brake failure; Camry owners report key removal in Drive and moonroof shattering.
- Terrain has 49 crash-related complaints vs Camry's 177, but Terrain's crashes may be more directly linked to mechanical failures.
- Camry has more complaints overall but fewer per crash-related incident, suggesting less severe failures.
- Terrain's top issues (engine, brakes) are more likely to cause accidents than Camry's top issues (power train, unknown).
- Check for any 'reduced engine power' warnings or limp mode history; test drive at highway speeds to see if the engine stutters.
- Inspect brake responsiveness on a steep hill; listen for unusual noises or feel for pedal softness.
- Test that the key can only be removed when in Park; try to remove it in Drive to see if it's possible.
- Check the moonroof for cracks or previous replacements; listen for any rattles that might indicate loose glass.
Before you buy
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs on the Terrain; for the Camry, ask about key ignition and moonroof issues.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds and on hills to assess engine power and brake feel.
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- For the Terrain, have a mechanic inspect the turbocharger and transmission; for the Camry, check the ignition switch and moonroof seals.
- Read owner forums for common issues beyond NHTSA data, such as transmission shudder on the Terrain or infotainment glitches on the Camry.
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 | 22 | 97 |
| 2025 | 12 | 140 |
| 2024 | 48 | 46 |
| 2023 | 35 | 60 |
| 2022 | 76 | 57 |
| 2021 | 34 | 154 |
| 2020 | 184 | 264 |
| 2019 | 177 | 387 |
| 2018 | 214 | 728 |
| 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
- 935
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,081
- GMC Terrain total recalls
- 19
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 28
- GMC Terrain avg complaints/year
- 93.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 208.1
- More reliable overall
- GMC Terrain
- GMC Terrain top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN