Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NRR vs Toyota Camry
How the Isuzu NRR 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 NRR vs Toyota Camry: The NRR has only 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/yr) versus the Camry's 2,143 (214.3/yr). The NRR's single issue is crash-related, while the Camry shows transmission, brake, and engine problems. Recalls: 17 for NRR, 31 for Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NRR or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NRR
The Isuzu NRR is a commercial-duty truck, and its reliability record over the past decade is remarkably quiet: just one complaint in ten years, which is about a crash-related air bag deployment. That single incident describes a severe collision where the bumper underrode a tractor-trailer, and the impact was absorbed through the A-pillar—so it's more about crash dynamics than a chronic defect. With 17 recalls, mostly for suspension and frame components, the NRR's issues are largely addressed through proactive campaigns rather than owner-reported failures. For a buyer, this suggests a vehicle that rarely generates complaints but requires attention to recall completion.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, in contrast, has a high volume of complaints—over 2,100 in ten years—spanning many systems, with the most frequent being powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical. Owners report real-world problems like transmission grinding and replacement needs, sudden acceleration incidents, brake failure on hills, and persistent HVAC odors. While the Camry is a popular sedan with many units on the road, the complaint pattern shows that some owners encounter significant mechanical and safety-related issues. Recalls cover air bag sensors, seats, and wheel studs, but the complaints suggest that not all problems are captured by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NRR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 NRR
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only complaint is a crash where the air bag deployed, but the description focuses on the collision severity and A-pillar impact, not a malfunction. There are no reports of non-deployment or inadvertent deployment, so the air bag system appears to have functioned as designed in that incident.
“ISUZU NRR VS RIGHT REAR OF A TRACTOR OF A TRACTOR TRAILER COMBINATION. THE ISUZU'S BUMPER TRAVELED UNDER THE TRACTOR AND FULL IMPACT WAS THROUGH THE "A" PILLAR AREA OF THE ISUZU NRR CAB. *TT *JS”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end on acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues and recommending replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue on certain model years, but not all VINs are covered, leading to out-of-pocket concerns.
There are reports of sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that led to a crash and total loss. Also, an owner received a code for a coolant valve bypass that they believe should be a recall, but their VIN wasn't included, raising safety and cost worries.
Brake failure is described on a steep hill with no response when pressing the pedal, forcing the driver to take evasive action. Another complaint involves difficulty braking in a parking lot, suggesting potential brake assist or modulation issues.
HVAC problems are common: an AC condenser damaged by a rock through the shield, and a recurring vinegar/mildew odor from the vents when the AC is used in warm weather. These are comfort and repair cost issues, not safety-critical.
“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 NRR — 17 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles. The U-bolt nuts for the rear axle may not have been properly tig…
The risk: The misalignment may cause the propeller shaft to separate, causing a loss of power to the rear wheels and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's numb…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR trucks. During manufacturing, the stamping equipment may have created burrs on the frame crossmember that the transmission is mounted to. These burrs may cause the transmission mounting studs…
The risk: If the studs break, the transmission may not be properly supported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a metal shim to prevent stress on the mounting studs, free of charge. The recall on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Isuzu NPR, 2008 NPR HD and NPR-HD Gas, 2011-2018 NPR HD and NRR, 2015-2018 NPR XD, 2012-2018 NQR, 2012-2017 NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas, 2016-2017 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 HD, 3500 and 4500 and 2017-2018 Chevrolet Low C…
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Walter Kid…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2016 NPR, 2011-2017 NPR-HD, NQR, NRR, 2015-2017 NPR-XD, 2012-2016 Reach, NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas incomplete trucks. The left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts may not have been properly tightened during assembly.
The risk: The loose bolts can allow the wheel assembly to move outward from the axle housing, affecting the control of the vehicle and reducing braking performance, thereby increasing a risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
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 NRR or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NRR has far fewer complaints per year (0.1) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a much lower rate of owner-reported issues. However, the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, and the nature of the problems differs: the NRR's single complaint is crash-related, while the Camry shows a range of mechanical and safety concerns. In practice, the NRR appears more reliable in terms of complaint frequency, but the Camry's issues are more varied and potentially more impactful for daily driving.
Key differences
- The NRR has only 1 complaint in 10 years, while the Camry has over 2,100, a massive difference in owner-reported issues.
- The NRR's only complaint is about a crash and air bag deployment, not a recurring defect, whereas the Camry has multiple complaints about transmission failure, sudden acceleration, and brake loss.
- The Camry's top problem areas are powertrain, engine, and brakes, which are critical to safety and drivability, while the NRR's recalls focus on suspension and frame components.
- The Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag sensors and wheel studs, while the NRR has 17 recalls, mostly for leaf spring U-bolts and frame issues.
- Inspect the rear leaf spring U-bolts and frame for corrosion or looseness, as recalls have been issued for these areas.
- Check that all 17 recalls have been performed, especially those related to suspension and structure, to ensure the truck is safe.
- Test the transmission for any grinding or hesitation during acceleration, as owners report failures requiring replacement.
- Check the brakes for any loss of pedal feel or unusual behavior, especially on hills, and inspect the HVAC system for odors or damage.
Before you buy
- For the Isuzu NRR, verify that all recalls have been completed by checking the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- For the Toyota Camry, ask for service records showing any transmission or brake repairs, and have a mechanic inspect those systems.
- Test drive the Camry on a hill to ensure brakes respond properly and listen for any unusual noises from the front end.
- Check the Camry's AC system for any musty smells or signs of condenser damage.
- For both vehicles, review the NHTSA complaint history and recall list to understand potential issues.
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 NRR | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 0 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 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 NRR or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NRR vs Toyota Camry
- Isuzu NRR total complaints
- 1
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Isuzu NRR total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Isuzu NRR avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NRR
- Isuzu NRR top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN