Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLK Class vs Toyota Camry
How the Mercedes BENZ GLK Class 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 GLK Class vs Toyota Camry: The GLK averaged 71 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Camry averaged 214 per year with 31 recalls. The GLK's complaints are heavily air bag-related (499), whereas the Camry's top issue is power train (395). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLK Class or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLK Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLK Class is a compact luxury SUV that averaged 71 complaints per year over a decade, with no recalls on record. The complaint pattern is dominated by air bag issues (499 of 710 complaints), often tied to a recall campaign that owners say took too long to remedy. Other recurring themes include fuel leaks above the gas tank, key fob/ignition failures, and brake problems that can cause fishtailing or unintended activation. For a used buyer, this means the GLK can be a comfortable but potentially frustrating ownership experience if these specific systems haven't been addressed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—2143 over 10 years, or about 214 per year—and 31 recalls. The most common complaints involve the power train (395), unknown or other issues (342), engine (315), and service brakes (290). Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sudden acceleration, brake pedal failures, and AC problems. While the Camry has more total complaints, the higher sales volume means the rate per vehicle may be lower, but the variety of issues is broader.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLK Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 710 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 71.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 GLK Class
- 01AIR BAGS499
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM49
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
- 04SERVICE BRAKES31
- 05STEERING29
Owners of 2011 GLK350 models report abnormal noises before air bag deployment or delayed recall repairs. With 499 complaints and 23 crash-related incidents, this is the most critical area to verify recall completion.
Multiple owners describe a strong raw gas smell after filling up, with leaks above the gas tank. Some say their VIN wasn't included in a recall, leaving them to pay for repairs themselves.
Key fob and ignition failures are common: the car won't start despite the fob locking/unlocking doors, and the problem can be intermittent. This can leave you stranded without warning.
Reports include fishtailing during highway braking and brakes erroneously activating, causing smoke from the wheels. These are serious safety concerns that demand a thorough brake inspection.
“The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and saw the front driver’s side headr…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK350W. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. KNOXVILLE MERCEDES-BENZ (…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. Some cite recalls on similar models but not their VIN, leading to out-of-pocket costs.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues (code P268115) that owners say should be covered by recall but aren't for their VIN. These can lead to crashes or engine damage.
Some drivers experience no brake response when pressing the pedal, especially on steep hills. This is a severe safety defect that could result in a crash if not repaired.
Common issues include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew/vinegar odors from the vents. These are comfort and reliability annoyances rather than safety risks.
“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.
Mercedes BENZ GLK Class
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
Mercedes BENZ GLK Class or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLK Class has far fewer complaints per year (71 vs. 214 for the Camry), but its issues are concentrated in safety-critical areas like air bags and brakes. The Camry's higher complaint count reflects its much larger sales volume, yet it also has 31 recalls versus none for the GLK. In practice, the GLK may have fewer overall problems, but the Camry's problems are more varied and include powertrain failures.
Key differences
- The GLK has 0 recalls but 499 air bag complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- GLK owners report fuel leaks and key fob failures; Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The GLK averaged 71 complaints per year; the Camry averaged 214 per year, but the Camry sold in much higher volumes.
- Brake issues on the GLK include fishtailing and unintended activation; on the Camry, some report complete brake pedal failure.
- Check for any open air bag recalls and confirm the repair was completed—owners report long waits and abnormal noises before deployment.
- Inspect for fuel odors around the gas tank and test the key fob/ignition system multiple times, as intermittent no-start issues are common.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may indicate transmission failure requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a steep hill or incline to ensure the pedal responds; some owners report no braking response in these conditions.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all recalls for the specific VIN have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the air bag system, fuel tank area, and brake components on the GLK.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check transmission fluid and listen for grinding, and test the brakes under various conditions.
- Test all electrical functions, including key fob, ignition, and AC system, on both vehicles.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the complaints listed here.
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 GLK Class | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 0 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 GLK Class or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLK Class vs Toyota Camry
- Mercedes BENZ GLK Class total complaints
- 710
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mercedes BENZ GLK Class total recalls
- 0
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mercedes BENZ GLK Class avg complaints/year
- 71.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLK Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLK Class top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN