Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu Vehicross vs Toyota Camry
How the Isuzu Vehicross 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 Vehicross vs Toyota Camry: The Vehicross averages 13.7 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214.3. The Vehicross has no recalls, but the Camry has 31. Owners report window and electrical issues on the Vehicross, while Camry owners cite transmission, brake, and engine problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu Vehicross or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu Vehicross
The Isuzu Vehicross is a niche, low-volume SUV from the early 2000s. Its complaint record is dominated by power window and visibility issues, with owners reporting repeated failures of window tracks and motors. Electrical gremlins also appear, affecting turn signals, cruise control, and even the transmission shifter. While the total complaint count is low, the pattern suggests a vehicle with quirky, aging systems that may need attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with a much larger complaint history, reflecting its popularity and years on the road. Owners report a wide range of issues, from transmission grinding and sudden acceleration concerns to brake failures and HVAC odors. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates that while the Camry is generally reliable, it has had notable safety-related issues that buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu Vehicross | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 41 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.7 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 Vehicross
- 01VISIBILITY35
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03STRUCTURE2
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Power window mechanisms frequently fail, with tracks misaligning and causing the glass to bind or move unevenly. This can leave windows stuck open or closed, affecting visibility and security.
Owners report multiple electrical failures occurring together, including turn signals, backup lamps, windows, and the transmission mode selector. This suggests a possible wiring or module issue that can be frustrating to diagnose.
One owner reported severe frame rust, which can compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. This is a critical safety concern, though it may be isolated to certain climates or conditions.
“I OWN TWO 2001 ISUZU VEHICROSS'S. I BOUGHT THEM USED 1 AND 2 YEARS AGO, RESPECTIVELY. MY FIRST ONE WAS PURCHASED WITH 11,000 MILES ON IT, AND THE SECOND ONE WITH 36,000 MILES ON IT. UPON PURCHASE OF MY FIRST ONE, THE POWER WINDOW MECHANISM ON BOTH SIDES HAD T…”
“I OWN A 2000 VEHICROSS BY ISUZU. I BOUGHT IT NEW 1/01. ON 1/15/03 @ 22,449 MILES THE POWER WINDOW MECHANISM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HAD TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE TRACK ALIGNMENT. *AK IT COST ME $0 TO FIX AS IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, I…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises and the need for replacement. Some owners also report sudden acceleration incidents, which can be terrifying and dangerous.
Engine problems include sudden acceleration and coolant valve issues that may trigger maintenance lights. These can lead to loss of control or engine damage if not addressed.
Brake failures are reported, including a complete loss of braking response on a hill. This is a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention.
Electrical issues range from HVAC odors to problems with sensors and modules, which can affect various systems and lead to warning lights or malfunctions.
“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 Vehicross
No recalls on record.
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 Vehicross or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Isuzu Vehicross has far fewer complaints per year (13.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's higher numbers reflect its much larger sales volume. In practice, the Vehicross may have fewer reported issues, but the Camry's problems are more varied and include serious safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Vehicross has a much lower complaint rate, but its issues are concentrated in window mechanisms and electrical gremlins, while the Camry's complaints span many systems including engine, brakes, and transmission.
- The Camry has 31 recalls, including airbag and seat-related recalls, whereas the Vehicross has none on record.
- The Camry has reported crash-related incidents and injuries, including a fatality, while the Vehicross has none.
- The Vehicross's frame rust complaint is a structural concern, while the Camry's sudden acceleration and brake failures are more immediate safety risks.
- Test all power windows multiple times to ensure they operate smoothly and without binding.
- Check for any signs of rust on the frame, especially if the vehicle has been in snowy or coastal areas.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have the transmission fluid and system checked.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, and look for any warning lights related to the braking system.
Before you buy
- For the Vehicross: operate every window and switch to verify proper function.
- For the Vehicross: inspect the undercarriage for rust, particularly on the frame rails.
- For the Camry: check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls are performed.
- For the Camry: have a mechanic inspect the transmission and brakes, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration.
- For both: get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic familiar with the model.
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 Vehicross or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu Vehicross vs Toyota Camry
- Isuzu Vehicross total complaints
- 41
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Isuzu Vehicross total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Isuzu Vehicross avg complaints/year
- 13.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu Vehicross
- Isuzu Vehicross top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN