Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Aurora vs Toyota Camry
How the Oldsmobile Aurora 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 Aurora vs Toyota Camry: The Aurora averaged 56.7 complaints per year over 3 years with 5 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 per year over 10 years with 31 recalls. The Aurora had 10 crash-related reports and 4 injuries; the Camry had 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Aurora or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Aurora
The Oldsmobile Aurora is a discontinued sedan that averaged about 57 complaints per year over a three-year span, with 5 recalls and 10 crash-related reports. Owner complaints cluster around steering noises, electrical glitches, engine stalling, and brake failures. Living with one means staying alert for clunks, flickering lights, and sudden stalls, and budgeting for repeated repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much longer complaint history: about 206 complaints per year over ten years, 31 recalls, and 171 crash-related reports. Owners report power train hesitation, engine shuddering, brake noises, and electrical system malfunctions. While the volume is higher, the per-year rate is still lower than the Aurora's, but the sheer number of reports means many cars have had issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Aurora | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 170 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 56.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Oldsmobile Aurora
- 01STEERING35
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING22
- 04SERVICE BRAKES19
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners report a clunking or clicking noise from the front end, especially on turns or bumps, often felt through the steering wheel. Some had steering gear replaced and shafts lubricated multiple times without a permanent fix, so a buyer should test-drive over rough roads and listen for noises.
Complaints include a check engine light that may be a sensor issue, and alternator charging that fluctuates between 13.2 and 15.7 amps, causing headlights and instrument lights to flicker. This can mean repeated electrical repairs and potential battery drain.
One owner reported the car stalling eight times, often after highway driving or while leaving exit ramps and making left turns. Stalling in traffic is a serious safety concern and can be hard to diagnose, so a buyer should check for any history of stalling or rough running.
A complaint describes the brake pedal going to the floor at 55 mph, leading to a crash where air bags did not deploy. Another mentions sudden loss of steering, brakes, and anti-lock function. These are severe failures that make a thorough brake inspection essential.
“CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END/UNDERCARRAIGE, ON TURNS OR BUMPS, CAN BE FELT IN STEERING, SINCE 15000 MILES (NOTICED SOMETIME AFTER IMPLODED GAS TANK REPLACEMENT). FOUR DEALERS WORKED ON AT LEAST 10 TIMES - REPLACED STEERING GEAR, LUBED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLA…”
“I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR A TOTAL OF 3 WEEKS. WHEN TAKING THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE BEFORE BUYING IT, I NOTICED A "CLICKING" IN THE STEERING. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE FIXED. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CAR IN 3 TIMES, AND THE PART IS STILL NOT FIXED. AFTER BRINGING IT…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others note hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints list multiple systems failing at once, such as smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This suggests complex electronic faults that can be difficult and expensive to trace.
A recurring complaint is a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, making the car feel unresponsive. This can be a safety risk when merging or pulling out, and may require dealer diagnosis.
Owners report the electronic parking brake not disengaging, requiring a tow, and a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers call normal for the 2023 Camry. These issues can affect daily usability and may need repeated dealer visits.
“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.
Oldsmobile Aurora — 5 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
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
Oldsmobile Aurora or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Aurora has about 57 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has about 206 per year, but the Camry's data covers ten years versus three for the Aurora. In practice, the Aurora's lower annual rate still includes serious steering, stalling, and brake failures, while the Camry's higher volume means many owners report power train and electronic problems. Neither is trouble-free, but the Aurora's issues appear more frequent relative to its short production span.
Key differences
- The Aurora has 170 complaints over 3 years (about 57 per year), while the Camry has 2056 over 10 years (about 206 per year), but the Camry's longer span means more total reports.
- Aurora owners frequently report steering clunks and brake pedal failure, while Camry owners report power train hesitation and electronic parking brake problems.
- The Aurora has 5 recalls, including fuel tank and air bag issues; the Camry has 31 recalls, including seat and air bag sensor issues.
- Crash-related reports are 10 for the Aurora and 171 for the Camry, with 4 injuries and 0 deaths for the Aurora versus 158 injuries and 1 death for the Camry.
- Listen for clunking or clicking from the front end on turns and bumps, and check if the steering gear or intermediate shaft has been replaced repeatedly.
- Test the brakes at low speed and check for a soft or sinking pedal, and ask if the car has ever stalled after highway driving or on turns.
- Check if the ignition key releases easily when in Park, and test for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration with the check engine light on.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the steering system, brakes, and electrical components, especially for the Aurora.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key release, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for any steering, brake, or engine repairs.
- During a test drive, include highway speeds, turns, and rough roads to reproduce reported symptoms.
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 Aurora or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Aurora vs Toyota Camry
- Oldsmobile Aurora total complaints
- 170
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Oldsmobile Aurora total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Oldsmobile Aurora avg complaints/year
- 56.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Aurora
- Oldsmobile Aurora top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN