Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac G5 vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac G5 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 G5 vs Toyota Camry: The G5 has 381 complaints over 4 years (95.3/yr) with frequent fuel leaks and power steering loss, while the Camry has 2143 over 10 years (214.3/yr) with transmission and brake issues. The Camry's lower per-year rate suggests fewer annual problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac G5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac G5
The Pontiac G5, a compact car sold in the late 2000s, shows a high complaint rate relative to its production years, with owners frequently reporting sudden loss of power steering, fuel leaks, and airbag warning lights. These issues often appear at moderate mileages and can affect daily drivability and safety, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection and awareness of recall status.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan with a longer production span, has a lower average complaint rate per year, but still shows notable patterns in transmission, engine, and brake issues. Owners report problems like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration concerns, and brake failure, which are serious but less frequent per year than the G5's top issues, suggesting a generally more reliable but not trouble-free ownership experience.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac G5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 381 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 40 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 95.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 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.
Pontiac G5
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM97
- 02STEERING96
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM77
- 04AIR BAGS67
- 05FUEL SYSTEM35
Owners report strong gasoline smells and visible leaks, often from the retaining clip holding fuel/brake lines, which can pose a fire hazard and require immediate attention.
Sudden loss of power steering assist is common, often due to a faulty power steering motor, making the car hard to steer, especially at low speeds or in turns, and increasing accident risk.
Electrical issues, including problems with the ignition switch and power steering warning lights, can cause unexpected stalling or loss of steering, as seen in complaints where drivers nearly crashed.
The 'Service Air Bag' light frequently illuminates, indicating that airbags may not deploy in a crash, leaving occupants unprotected; some owners report no recall available for this issue.
“AROUND 127000 MILES I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE, AND A SMALL DRIP FROM UNDER MY CAR, AFTER TAKING A CLOSER LOOK I NOTICED THAT IT WAS GAS, AND IT WAS COMING FROM THE RETAINING CLIP THAT HOLDS THE FUEL/BRAKE LINES IN PLACE, I WAS NOT FINANCIALLY STABL…”
“My 2009 Pontiac G5 was driven to work this morning 6-10-21and parked in a Michigan State vehicle garage. Security notified me at work that my vehicle had a puddle of gas under and near a rear tire. I removed vehicle frome parking garage and parked it in a rem…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are prominent, with owners reporting grinding noises and the need for full transmission replacement, which can be costly and affect acceleration and drivability.
Engine issues include sudden unintended acceleration, which can lead to crashes, and coolant valve bypass problems that trigger maintenance lights and may affect engine cooling.
Brake failure, such as no response when pressing the pedal, has been reported, which is critical for safety and can lead to collisions, especially on hills or in parking lots.
Electrical problems, including issues with the airbag occupant classification sensor and other components, can cause warning lights and system malfunctions, though less frequent than the top issues.
“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 G5 — 21 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
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 replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later v…
The defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year…
The risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
The fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should cont…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
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 G5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214.3) compared to the Pontiac G5 (95.3), but the G5's average is based on only 4 years, so the Camry's rate is actually lower per year. In practice, the Camry's issues are more spread out and less concentrated on safety-critical systems like steering and fuel leaks, making it a more predictable choice for a used car buyer.
Key differences
- The Pontiac G5 has a higher rate of fuel leaks and power steering failures, which can be immediate safety hazards, while the Camry's top issues are more about transmission and brake wear.
- The Camry has a longer production history and more recalls, but its complaints per year are lower, indicating a more consistent track record.
- Airbag warning lights are a common complaint in the G5, suggesting potential non-deployment, whereas the Camry's airbag issues are less prominent in complaints.
- The G5's electrical system problems often tie into steering loss, while the Camry's electrical issues are less frequently reported as safety-critical.
- Inspect the fuel lines and retaining clips for leaks, and check for any signs of gasoline odor.
- Test the power steering at low speeds and watch for warning lights; verify if the power steering motor recall was performed.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected by a mechanic.
- Test the brakes on a slope and check for any warning lights related to the brake system or engine.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN and ensure they are completed.
- For the G5, specifically ask about the power steering motor and fuel line recalls.
- For the Camry, ask about transmission service history and any engine or brake recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic focusing on the problem areas listed.
- Test drive both vehicles, including low-speed maneuvers and braking on a hill, to feel for any issues.
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 G5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac G5 vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac G5 total complaints
- 381
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Pontiac G5 total recalls
- 21
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac G5 avg complaints/year
- 95.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac G5
- Pontiac G5 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN