Head-to-head reliability
Hummer H2 vs Toyota Camry
How the Hummer H2 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
Hummer H2 vs Toyota Camry: The H2 averaged 39.6 complaints per year with 23 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The H2 had 21 injuries and 0 deaths; the Camry had 163 injuries and 1 death. Both have serious safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hummer H2 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hummer H2
The Hummer H2 is a large, heavy SUV that averaged about 40 complaints per year over nine years, with electrical and visibility issues dominating. Owners report serious safety problems like steering loss, weak brakes, and even interior fires, often tied to electrical faults. With 23 recalls and 21 injuries reported, living with an H2 means staying on top of electrical and brake repairs. It's a vehicle that demands vigilance, especially as it ages.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year over ten years—but that's partly because there are far more on the road. The complaints cover a wide range, from transmission and engine problems to sudden acceleration and brake failures. With 31 recalls and 163 injuries, the Camry's issues are more varied and sometimes severe. Buyers should check for open recalls and be aware of potential powertrain and brake concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hummer H2 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 356 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.6 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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.
Hummer H2
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM85
- 02VISIBILITY78
- 03SERVICE BRAKES51
- 04STEERING36
- 05POWER TRAIN26
Owners report electrical failures that can cause hard steering, weak brakes, and even interior fires starting near the rear seat. One owner described a complete electrical and brake system failure while driving on the highway, which is terrifying. These faults can leave you without critical controls, so a thorough electrical inspection is a must.
Windshield washer problems are common: washers may spray uncontrollably or stop working entirely, and blower motors can fail with a burning odor. These issues impair visibility and can be distracting or dangerous while driving. A buyer should test all wipers, washers, and HVAC functions.
Brake complaints include weak braking and complete failure, sometimes linked to electrical system faults. One owner reported that after disengaging cruise control, all warning lights came on and the brakes failed. This is a critical safety concern that needs immediate attention if present.
Owners describe steering that becomes extremely hard to turn or fails completely, making the vehicle uncontrollable. In one case, the steering failed just two blocks from home. Such failures can happen without warning, so check for any steering play or stiffness during a test drive.
“I PURCHASED A 2006 HUMMER H2 AT CERRITOS HUMMER. I CURRENTLY HAVE ALMOST 55,000 MILES. TODAY I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND NOTICED THE STEERING WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. ALSO THE BRAKES WERE REALLY WEAK. I USED ALL THE ENERGY I HAD TO GET INTO A GAS STATION DRIV…”
“VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM START TIME, WAS STATIONARY AND UNOCCUPIED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-25 MINUTES. VEHICLE INTERIOR CAUGHT FIRE AT THE BASE OF THE TOP SITTING AREA OF THE REAR SEAT, FLAMES FROM FIRE MELTED THE OVER HEAD INTERIOR LIG…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are frequently reported, including grinding noises on acceleration and the need for complete transmission replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar issues but their VIN isn't covered. This can lead to costly repairs and should be checked with a mechanic.
Sudden, uncontrollable acceleration has been reported multiple times, sometimes resulting in crashes. Other engine issues include coolant valve bypass problems that trigger warning lights. These can be life-threatening, so any history of acceleration complaints should be taken seriously.
Brake failures are reported, such as a pedal going to the floor with no response while driving downhill. This can happen without warning and may lead to a crash. A pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough brake system check.
Electrical issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the HVAC system. While not always safety-critical, these problems can be expensive to fix and affect comfort. Check the AC operation and look for signs of leaks or odors.
“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.
Hummer H2 — 23 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WI…
The risk: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OU…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM…
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
Hummer H2 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Hummer H2 has far fewer complaints per year (about 40) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the H2's issues are often more severe and safety-critical, like fires and steering loss. The Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger sales, but it still has serious problems like sudden acceleration and brake failure. In practice, the H2 may need fewer visits to the shop, but when something goes wrong, it can be catastrophic.
Key differences
- The Hummer H2 has about 40 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has about 214 per year, but the Camry sold in far greater numbers.
- Hummer H2 complaints often involve electrical fires, steering loss, and brake failure, whereas Camry complaints include sudden acceleration, transmission failure, and brake problems.
- The H2 has 23 recalls and 21 injuries; the Camry has 31 recalls and 163 injuries, indicating a higher total injury count despite more vehicles on the road.
- Visibility issues like washer and blower motor failures are common in the H2, while the Camry sees more powertrain and engine-related complaints.
- Check for any signs of electrical burning smells or melted interior components, especially around the rear seat area, as fires have been reported.
- Test the steering and brakes thoroughly; look for stiffness, weak braking, or warning lights that could indicate electrical or hydraulic failures.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any sudden acceleration or transmission grinding noises, which are commonly reported.
- Inspect the brake pedal feel and response; a spongy or failing pedal could indicate a serious brake issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, brakes, and steering on the Hummer H2, and the transmission, engine, and brakes on the Camry.
- Test all visibility features on the H2, including wipers, washers, and defroster, and check for HVAC odors in the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake repairs.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, braking, and turning to replicate real-world conditions.
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 Hummer H2 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hummer H2 vs Toyota Camry
- Hummer H2 total complaints
- 356
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Hummer H2 total recalls
- 23
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Hummer H2 avg complaints/year
- 39.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Hummer H2
- Hummer H2 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN