Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu Ascender vs Toyota Camry
How the Isuzu Ascender 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
Isuzu Ascender vs Toyota Camry: The Ascender averages 51.5 complaints per year with 18 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Ascender's issues often involve fuel leaks and electrical fires, whereas the Camry's include transmission hesitation and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu Ascender or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu Ascender
The Isuzu Ascender is a body-on-frame SUV sold for six model years, with an average of 51.5 owner complaints per year and 18 recalls. The complaint pattern centers on electrical gremlins, fuel-system faults, and lighting failures that can leave you stranded or driving without headlights. With 10 crash-related reports and 6 injuries, these are not just annoyances—they can affect safety and daily usability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much longer 10-year sales run, averaging 205.6 complaints per year and 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission hesitation and stuck keys to brake noises and multiple electronic system malfunctions. The higher volume of complaints reflects both the car's popularity and a broader set of reported problems, including 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu Ascender | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 309 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.5 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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.
Isuzu Ascender
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119
- 02FUEL SYSTEM81
- 03GASOLINE63
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING33
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM31
Owners report no-start conditions after jump attempts, instrument cluster failures with smoke and flames, and keys that won't turn or release. These can leave you stranded or cause a fire risk, so a pre-purchase electrical inspection is critical.
Complaints include the service engine soon light after fueling, gas gauge inaccuracy, and fuel leaks at the filler neck to tank connection. A fuel smell or persistent check-engine light could mean expensive repairs and a safety hazard.
Owners describe a gasoline smell around the left rear corner and visible fuel leakage at the filler neck. This is a fire risk and often requires immediate repair, so check for odors and stains before buying.
Headlights and daytime running lights can go out without warning, sometimes dimming or failing entirely while driving at night. This is a serious safety issue that may need repeated dealer visits to fix.
“HAD AUTO TOWED TO MIDAS AFTER INABILITY TO START, ATTEMPTED JUMP START, UNSUCCESSFUL. BATTERY REPLACED ON 12/28/15. DROVE AUTO NEXT SEVERAL DAYS AND ON 12/30/15 DROVE TO PICK UP MY HUSBAND, SHUT OFF CAR IN PARK. UNABLE TO START VEHICLE AGAIN, KEYS COULD NOT B…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAUGES AND LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE CONTR…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck in the column even when the car is in Park, and transmission hesitation or shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you unable to remove the key or drive smoothly, requiring dealer diagnosis.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and may be intermittent.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area. These issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate ABS problems.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once, often with warning lights. This can make the car unpredictable and costly to diagnose.
“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.
Isuzu Ascender — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. IT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTAC…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
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
Isuzu Ascender or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Isuzu Ascender has far fewer complaints per year (51.5) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Ascender's issues are more often severe, including fire risks and lighting failures. The Camry's higher volume reflects its longer sales run and broader electronic complexity, but many complaints are drivability annoyances rather than immediate safety hazards.
Key differences
- The Isuzu Ascender has 309 complaints over 6 years (51.5/year) versus the Toyota Camry's 2056 over 10 years (205.6/year), but the Ascender's complaints more often involve fire risks like fuel leaks and electrical smoke.
- Ascender owners frequently report no-start conditions and headlights going out, while Camry owners report stuck ignition keys and transmission hesitation.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries, compared to the Ascender's 10 crash-related and 6 injuries, though the Camry's larger sales volume affects these totals.
- Both vehicles have recalls for safety-related systems: the Ascender for power window controls and steering hoses, the Camry for air bag sensors and seat issues.
- Check for fuel odors around the left rear wheel and inspect the filler neck to tank connection for leaks or stains.
- Test all electrical functions, especially the instrument cluster, ignition key operation, and headlights, looking for dimming or intermittent failures.
- Try removing the ignition key after parking to ensure it doesn't stick, and test the electronic parking brake to confirm it disengages properly.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for throttle delay or transmission shuddering, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed, especially for fuel leaks (Ascender) and air bag sensors (Camry).
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and instrument cluster, on both vehicles.
- For the Ascender, pressure-test the fuel system and check for leaks at the filler neck and tank connections.
- For the Camry, scan for stored trouble codes related to the transmission, ABS, and electronic parking brake.
- Test drive at night to check headlight operation (Ascender) and at low speeds to feel for transmission hesitation (Camry).
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 Isuzu Ascender or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu Ascender vs Toyota Camry
- Isuzu Ascender total complaints
- 309
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Isuzu Ascender total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Isuzu Ascender avg complaints/year
- 51.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu Ascender
- Isuzu Ascender top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN