Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Aztek vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac Aztek 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
Pontiac Aztek vs Toyota Camry: The Aztek averaged 100.5 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averaged 214.3 per year over 10 years. The Aztek had 18 recalls and 34 injuries; the Camry had 31 recalls and 163 injuries. Both show serious brake and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Aztek or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 100.5 complaints per year over six years, with 18 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical shutdowns, fuel odors and leaks, engine cooling failures like blown head gaskets, and brake problems including pedal going to the floor. These patterns suggest that living with an Aztek means staying alert to sudden electrical, fuel, and brake issues that can appear even at low mileage.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan that averaged about 214.3 complaints per year over ten years, with 31 recalls. Owners report power train issues such as transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, engine problems like coolant valve faults, and brake failures where the pedal can go to the floor. While the Camry has more complaints per year, many are spread across different systems and model years, so a careful pre-purchase inspection remains important.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Aztek | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 603 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 100.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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.
Pontiac Aztek
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM113
- 02FUEL SYSTEM102
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING84
- 04SERVICE BRAKES83
- 05GASOLINE83
Owners describe the vehicle shutting down completely while driving, with the radio and dash lights quitting and the key sometimes stuck in the ignition. This matters because a sudden loss of electrical power can disable hazard lights and leave you stranded.
Complaints include strong fuel odors inside and outside the vehicle, fuel spilling onto the ground during refueling, and a fractured fuel line weld. These issues are serious because they can lead to fuel leaks and potential fire hazards.
A reported case involves a blown head gasket on a 3.4L V-6 at only 36,130 miles, with repair quotes around $1,100. This indicates that engine cooling failures can occur early and lead to costly repairs.
Owners report the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard while driving and ABS failing to respond during abrupt stops, sometimes resulting in crashes. These brake failures are critical because they directly affect your ability to stop the vehicle.
“I WAS LEAVING SCHOOL AND I STARTED TO SMELL GAS, SO I STOPPED AND CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY LEAKING AND THERE WASN'T. A WEEK HAD WENT BY AND I DIDN'T SMELL THE GAS ANYMORE BUT MY RADIO AND DASH LIGHTS HAD QUIT WORKING. SO I HAD THE FUSES CHANGED AND THE…”
“I PURCHASED A NEW 2005 PONTIAC AZTEK ON JULY 1, 2005. SEVEN DAYS LATER, WITH 611 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, IT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE I WAS ON THE ROAD. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, TURN ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS, OR EVEN REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. WH…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. This matters because transmission repairs are expensive and can leave the vehicle undrivable.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and engine maintenance codes related to a coolant valve bypass recall. Sudden acceleration is a serious safety concern, and coolant valve issues can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
Owners describe pressing the brake pedal with no response, such as while driving down a steep hill, forcing them to take emergency action. Brake failure is a critical safety issue that could lead to a crash.
Reports include AC condenser damage from road debris and a recurring mildew or vinegar odor from the vents. These issues affect comfort and can lead to costly AC repairs, though they are not typically safety-critical.
“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.
Pontiac Aztek — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
The risk: THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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
Pontiac Aztek or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Aztek has fewer complaints per year (about 100.5) than the Toyota Camry (about 214.3), but the Aztek's complaints often involve severe safety issues like electrical shutdowns, fuel leaks, and brake failures. The Camry's higher complaint rate is spread across more model years and includes a wider range of issues, some of which are also serious. In practice, the Aztek may have fewer reported problems overall, but the ones it has can be more immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Aztek has about 100.5 complaints per year, while the Camry has about 214.3 per year, but the Aztek's complaints include more immediate safety failures like complete electrical shutdowns and fuel leaks.
- The Aztek's top issues are electrical, fuel, engine cooling, and brakes, with reports of fuel odors and brake pedal going to the floor; the Camry's top issues are power train, engine, brakes, and unknown, with reports of transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Aztek has 18 recalls over 6 years, while the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, indicating the Camry has had more recall campaigns but over a longer period.
- The Aztek has 0 deaths and 34 injuries in its complaint data, while the Camry has 1 death and 163 injuries, though these numbers reflect reported complaints and not necessarily the full picture.
- Check for any signs of electrical problems: test all lights, radio, and ignition, and ask if the vehicle has ever shut down unexpectedly or had fuse issues.
- Inspect the fuel system for odors or leaks: smell for gas inside and outside, look for stains under the vehicle, and check the fuel line and tank for cracks or fractures.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test-drive at various speeds; ask for transmission service records.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including ABS function, and be alert for any sudden acceleration or unusual engine behavior during the test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both the Aztek and Camry using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the Aztek for electrical, fuel, and brake system integrity, including a pressure test of the fuel system and a check of the ABS.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check the transmission for grinding or slipping, scan for engine codes, and test the brakes and acceleration response.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, smells, or changes in pedal feel, and note any sudden acceleration or braking issues.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records and specifically inquire about any past repairs related to the reported problem areas.
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 Pontiac Aztek or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Aztek vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Aztek total complaints
- 603
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Pontiac Aztek total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac Aztek avg complaints/year
- 100.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Aztek
- Pontiac Aztek top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN