Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ AMG GT 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
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT vs Toyota Camry: The AMG GT has 10 complaints over 10 years (1.0/year) and 18 recalls, with 0 crashes, injuries, or deaths. The Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year), 31 recalls, 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ AMG GT or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a high-performance sports car with low complaint volume—only 10 over 10 years—but a notable 18 recalls. Owner complaints center on a transmission wiring harness connector that can let water in, causing shorts, overheating, and fire risk. Living with one means dealing with potential electrical gremlins and active rear wing faults, though crash, injury, and death counts are zero in this data.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2,056 over 10 years—and 31 recalls. Owners report power train issues like stuck ignition keys and shuddering, plus brake problems such as electronic parking brake failure and ABS noise. The data also shows 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, indicating more severe outcomes reported.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ AMG GT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02POWER TRAIN4
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners of the 2021 AMG GT 43 report a recurring issue with the transmission wiring harness and connector X279, where water can enter and cause a short circuit, overheating, and fire risk. This matters because it can lead to unexpected electrical failures or a fire while driving.
The same connector X279 issue is also reported under power train, with owners describing transmission wiring harness problems that can cause short circuits and overheating. A buyer should be aware that this may affect transmission operation and safety.
Some owners of the 2021 AMG GT Black Series report a fault light on the dashboard related to the active rear wing. This can be easy to identify but may require dealership inspection and repair.
“My 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43, VIN [XXX] , has had a recurring safety issue with the transmission wiring harness and connector X279. Mercedes-Benz said this connector can let water in, which can cause a short circuit, overheating, and a fire risk while the…”
“My 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 43, VIN [XXX] , has had a recurring safety issue with the transmission wiring harness and connector X279. Mercedes-Benz said this connector can let water in, which can cause a short circuit, overheating, and a fire risk while the…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of the 2023 Camry report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the car is in Park; the only fix is disconnecting the battery. Others report hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously, according to one owner. Another mentions subframe, driveline, and stability control issues, which could compromise safety and require costly repairs.
Owners report delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow and manual release; replacing the switch may not fix it. Another owner reports a clicking/vibrating sound from the brake pedal area, attributed to the ABS system, which is common but still concerning.
“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.
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT — 18 recalls
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 AMG GTS and 2017 AMG GT vehicles. The bonding between the carbon-fiber driveshaft and the engine/transmission flange may be insufficient, causing the driveshaft to separate while in motion.
The risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the carbon-fiber draft shaft, including the flange, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models…
The risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 2…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2018 AMG GT vehicles. The bonding between the carbon-fiber driveshaft and the flange may be insufficient, which could result in driveshaft separation.
The risk: A separated driveshaft may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the carbon-fiber driveshaft, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 15, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 20210900…
The defect: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle mod…
The risk: Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
The fix: MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8…
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
Mercedes BENZ AMG GT or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT has far fewer complaints per year (1.0 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in this data, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. In practice, the AMG GT appears to have a lower volume of reported problems, but its issues can be serious (fire risk), whereas the Camry's higher volume includes many less severe but more frequent annoyances and some safety-related failures.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: AMG GT has 10 complaints over 10 years; Camry has 2,056—a massive difference in reported problems per year.
- Severity: AMG GT complaints include fire risk from a transmission wiring harness connector; Camry complaints include crashes, injuries, and one death.
- Recalls: AMG GT has 18 recalls; Camry has 31 recalls, covering areas like air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Common failure types: AMG GT issues are electrical and power train (connector X279, rear wing fault); Camry issues span power train (stuck key, shuddering), engine (throttle delay), and brakes (EPB failure, ABS noise).
- Check for signs of water intrusion or corrosion at the transmission wiring harness connector X279, as this can cause shorts, overheating, and fire risk.
- Inspect the active rear wing operation and look for any dashboard fault icons, especially on 2021 AMG GT Black Series models.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection to remove, indicating a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly; failure may require a tow.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the AMG GT's electrical/software recalls and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the AMG GT's transmission wiring harness and connector X279 for water damage or corrosion.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for any records of repairs related to the specific complaints listed here, such as wiring harness fixes or brake switch replacements.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a dealership or independent shop familiar with the model to check for fault codes and pending 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 | Mercedes BENZ AMG GT | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 9 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 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 Mercedes BENZ AMG GT or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT total complaints
- 10
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT avg complaints/year
- 1.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT
- Mercedes BENZ AMG GT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN