Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NPR vs Toyota Camry
How the Isuzu NPR 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 NPR vs Toyota Camry: The NPR has 5 complaints and 16 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2143 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 163 injuries and 1 death, versus none for the NPR. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NPR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NPR
The Isuzu NPR is a commercial cab-over truck, often used for work or hauling. Over 10 years, it has only 5 complaints and 16 recalls, with no injuries or deaths reported. Owners report issues like a cab latch popping, tire sidewall bubbles, and transmission failure. Living with it means dealing with a low volume of complaints but potentially serious mechanical problems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular family sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2143 complaints over 10 years, including 163 injuries and 1 death. Owners report sudden acceleration, transmission grinding, brake failure, and AC problems. While many complaints exist, not all lead to crashes or injuries, but the pattern suggests a range of safety and reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NPR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Isuzu NPR
- 01STRUCTURE1
- 02TIRES1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
- 05ENGINE1
One owner reported the cab latch popping while driving, which holds the cab in place. This is disconcerting and could affect cab security, though the cab stayed in place.
A 2019 NPR owner found bubbles on the front passenger tire sidewall, indicating a potential blowout risk. This matters because tire failure can lead to loss of control.
A 2009 NPR owner experienced transmission failure without warning, requiring replacement. This is a major repair that can leave a buyer stranded.
One owner reported the vehicle lurching forward and RPMs surging from 2500 to 4500 without warning. This unpredictable acceleration is a safety concern.
“THE LATCH THAT HELPS HOLD THE CAB IN PLACE (THE CAB FLIPS TO GET TO THE ENGINE) HAS POPPED A COUPLE OF TIMES WHILE DRIVING. THE CAB STAYED IN PLACE BUT IT IS DISCONCERTING TO HEAR ABOUT ONE OF THE PIECES THAT HOLDS THE CAB IN PLACE POPPING.”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report transmission grinding noises and sudden acceleration. One owner described uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to a crash. These issues can cause loss of control and costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden acceleration and a coolant valve bypass issue (code P268115) that may not be covered by recall for some VINs. This can lead to engine damage or safety risks.
Owners report brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on slopes. This is a critical safety failure that could cause crashes.
Recurring AC problems include a mildew or vinegar smell and condenser damage from road debris. These are comfort and potential repair cost issues.
“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.
Isuzu NPR — 16 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2020 Isuzu NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR and Chevrolet 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 5500XD and 2019 Isuzu NPR HD GAS, NPR GAS and Chevrolet 4500 and Chevrolet 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual mode belt locking mechanism seat belt as…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the occupant is not properly restrained, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Chevrolet customer serv…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2019 NPR GAS, 2019 NPRHD GAS and 2019 Chevrolet 4500 vehicles. The brake line clips for the rear driver side brake line may have been incorrectly installed, potentially allowing the brake line to contact a grounding bolt, potentia…
The risk: If the rear driver side brake fails, the vehicle may experience reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers inspect and replace brake line assembly or reposition the brake line into the proper position, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at…
The defect: Unicell Body Company Inc. (Unicell) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna, 2018-2019 Hino 155, Ford Econoline and Transit and Isuzu NPR, and 2018 Ram ProMaster-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affe…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Unicell will work with ASA Electronics to notify owners and offer a remedy, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service 1-800-384-4400 or Unicell at 1-716-853-8628.
The defect: Diesel Modification Center LLC. (Diesel Modification Center) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Isuzu NQR ,NRR, and NPR vehicles modified to be equipped with dual steering. The keystock may become dislodged from the steering cross shaft and cause unexpected loss of right hand steering.
The risk: Unexpected loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Diesel Modification Center will notify owners, and dealers will verify the keystock is in place or replace it, as necessary. In addition, the set screw will be retorqued and a stamp will be drifted in the keyed slot to ensure the keystock…
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
Isuzu NPR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NPR has far fewer complaints per year (0.5) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger ownership base. In practice, the NPR may have fewer reported issues, but the Camry's complaints include more crashes and injuries, suggesting more widespread safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Isuzu NPR has 5 complaints and 16 recalls over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2143 complaints and 31 recalls.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries; the NPR has 2 crash-related complaints and no injuries.
- NPR owners report cab latch popping and tire bubbles; Camry owners report sudden acceleration and brake failure.
- The Camry has a higher rate of power train and brake complaints, while the NPR's issues are more varied but less frequent.
- Inspect the cab latch mechanism for proper function and any signs of popping or wear.
- Check tires for sidewall bubbles or uneven wear, especially on front tires.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for transmission grinding or hesitation.
- Check brake pedal feel and responsiveness, especially on slopes or during hard braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report for recalls and accidents.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes for both models.
- For the NPR, verify the cab latch and tire condition.
- For the Camry, check for sudden acceleration symptoms and AC odor.
- Confirm that any open recalls have been addressed by the manufacturer.
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 | Isuzu NPR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2020 | 1 | 270 |
| 2019 | 1 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 Isuzu NPR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NPR vs Toyota Camry
- Isuzu NPR total complaints
- 5
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Isuzu NPR total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Isuzu NPR avg complaints/year
- 0.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NPR
- Isuzu NPR top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN