Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Alero vs Toyota Camry
How the Oldsmobile Alero 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
Oldsmobile Alero vs Toyota Camry: The Alero averaged 306.8 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Camry averaged 214.3 per year over 10 years. The Alero has 17 recalls and 2 deaths; the Camry has 31 recalls and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Alero or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Alero
The Oldsmobile Alero is a compact car that averaged about 307 complaints per year over five years, with electrical and lighting problems dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe the key being removable while the car is still running, windshield leaks that damage dashboard electronics, and stalling that can cut power steering and brakes. With 17 recalls, including several for ignition issues, this is a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that averaged about 214 complaints per year over ten years, with power train, engine, and brake issues most common. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake pedal failures, and air conditioning problems. With 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels, it has more recalls overall but fewer complaints per year than the Alero.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Alero | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,534 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 76 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 306.8 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 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.
Oldsmobile Alero
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM515
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING315
- 03SERVICE BRAKES236
- 04HYDRAULIC205
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING177
Owners report the ignition key can be pulled out while the car is still running and in drive, and windshield leaks can cause dashboard electronics to erode and stall the engine. These issues can leave you stranded or unable to restart the car.
Complaints include turn signals that work only intermittently and starting problems where the key turns but the engine won't fire, sometimes with a grinding noise. Failing lights and starting issues make the car less visible and less reliable.
Owners describe the engine stalling without warning, which causes the power steering and brakes to fail, leading to crashes. This is a serious safety concern because you lose control when the engine quits.
The hydraulic system, which includes brake and power steering fluid lines, is a frequent complaint area. Leaks or failures here can contribute to the brake and steering loss reported in crashes.
“I OWN A 2004 ALERO OLDSMOBILE I PURCHASED THE CAR USED IN 2008. IT LATER ONLY HAD ONE RECALL WHICH WAS FOR THE IGNITION ISSUES. WHILE THE CAR IS ON AND IN DRIVE THE KEY IS STILL ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR STILL REMAINS ON AND IN DRIVE.…”
“NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING WHICH CAUSE TO LEAK ON EQUIPMENT UNDER INSIDE AND OUT DASHBOARD WITCH CAUSED EROSION AND DEFECTS TO OTHER OPERATING EQUIPMENT LEAD TO CAR STALLING WHILE DRIVING,SOME OPERATIONS OF WILL WORK, SOME WON'T. IT HAS A MIND OF IT'S…”
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 also describe sudden acceleration when braking at low speeds, which can cause crashes.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration that has led to crashes, and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger a maintenance light but may not be covered by recall for every VIN. These can be expensive and dangerous.
Drivers report the brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or when slowing down. This loss of braking can lead to serious accidents.
Air conditioning problems are common, including condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are comfort issues but can be costly to fix.
“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.
Oldsmobile Alero — 17 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
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
Oldsmobile Alero or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 214) than the Oldsmobile Alero (about 307), despite being studied over twice as long. In practice, that means the Camry may have fewer recurring problems each year, but it still has notable transmission, brake, and acceleration complaints that require attention.
Key differences
- The Alero averages about 307 complaints per year, while the Camry averages about 214 per year, meaning the Alero has more reported issues annually.
- Alero owners frequently report ignition key removal while driving and stalling that kills power brakes and steering; Camry owners more often report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Alero has 17 recalls, many for ignition issues, while the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Camry complaints include brake pedal failure and AC odor/condenser damage, while Alero complaints center on electrical and lighting failures that can prevent starting.
- Check if the ignition key can be removed while the engine is running and in gear; this is a reported defect that can lead to theft or rollaway.
- Inspect for water leaks around the windshield and dashboard, as leaks have been reported to damage electronics and cause stalling.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which owners report as a sign of transmission failure needing replacement.
- Test the brakes on a hill or slope for any loss of pedal response, as sudden brake failure has been reported.
Before you buy
- Ask for a complete vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially ignition recalls on the Alero and air bag/seat recalls on the Camry.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the ignition system, electrical components, and brakes on the Alero, and the transmission, brakes, and engine on the Camry.
- Test drive both cars in conditions that mimic your daily route, including hills and stop-and-go traffic, to check for stalling, brake response, and transmission noises.
- Check for signs of water leaks in the Alero's interior, especially under the dashboard, and for AC odors or condenser damage in the Camry.
- Verify that the key cannot be removed while the Alero is running and in gear, and that the Camry's brakes feel firm and responsive.
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 Oldsmobile Alero or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Alero vs Toyota Camry
- Oldsmobile Alero total complaints
- 1,534
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Oldsmobile Alero total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Oldsmobile Alero avg complaints/year
- 306.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Oldsmobile Alero top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN