Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac G6 vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac G6 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 G6 vs Toyota Camry: The G6 averaged 980.8 complaints per year over 6 years, versus 205.6 for the Camry over 10 years. Both have 31 recalls, but G6 complaints center on steering (3,108) while Camry's top area is power train (385). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac G6 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac G6
The Pontiac G6 is a used car that demands extra caution. Over six years, owners filed 5,885 complaints—an average of about 981 per year—with steering problems dominating. Many complaints describe sudden power-steering loss or lock-up, and electrical gremlins that affect lights and brakes. With 31 recalls and 6 deaths reported, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry shows a lower complaint rate: 2,056 complaints over ten years, or about 206 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, but the sample complaints include stalling, delayed acceleration, and electronic parking brake failures. With 31 recalls and 1 death reported, it still requires careful checking, especially of newer models.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac G6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,885 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 243 | 171 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 980.8 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 156 Better | 158 |
| 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 G6
- 01STEERING3,108
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM992
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING962
- 04SERVICE BRAKES729
- 05AIR BAGS409
Owners report the power steering control module locking the wheel while parked or causing intermittent loss of assist, sometimes fixed temporarily by restarting. This can leave you unable to turn out of a parking spot or steer suddenly.
Complaints include brake lights and headlights failing, warning lights flashing, and dashboard clicking. These electrical faults can compromise visibility and brake signaling, and may be linked to other systems.
Headlights and brake lights repeatedly burn out even after bulb replacement, with owners describing wiring problems. Driving at night or signaling becomes unreliable, increasing crash risk.
Some owners report brake lights not working and warning indicators for traction and stability control illuminating. In one case, a steering lock-up led to a crash where air bags did not deploy, highlighting potential brake and steering interaction.
“WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED AND RUNNING THE POWER STEERING CONTROL ESC WILL BE ON ON THE DASH AND LOCK UP THE STEERING WHEEL AND I CAN'T TURN OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN THIS OCCURRED I USED TO BE ABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON AND IT WOULD BE OFF.…”
“The power steering angle sensor malfunctioned/stopped working properly at approx. 197,000 miles. The part was taken out and replaced by a local GM dealership. With the sensor malfunctioning, we experienced intermittent loss of power steering as well as shakin…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering with check engine lights. These issues can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include several-second delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and shuddering with check engine lights. This can be a safety concern when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported as common. Brake problems affect basic stopping confidence.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—malfunctioned simultaneously in one report. Such electronic failures can overwhelm a driver with warnings and reduce safety aids.
“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.
Pontiac G6 — 31 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January…
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position,…
The defect: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura veh…
The risk: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
The defect: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
The risk: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may no…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instruct…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January…
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position,…
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
Pontiac G6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has far fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 981 for the Pontiac G6), suggesting a lower frequency of reported problems. In practice, a Camry buyer may spend less time at the shop, but both models have recalls and serious issues that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Pontiac G6 is dominated by steering complaints (3,108), often sudden loss of power assist, while the Camry's top area is power train (385) with key-stuck and hesitation issues.
- G6 owners frequently report electrical and lighting failures that can leave brake lights or headlights dead; Camry complaints include electronic parking brake and multi-system electronic glitches.
- The G6 averages about 981 complaints per year versus about 206 for the Camry, indicating a much higher reported problem rate.
- Both have 31 recalls, but the G6's recalls include steering and electrical wiring, matching owner complaints; Camry recalls include seats and air bag sensors.
- Test the power steering from a cold start and while parking—listen for warning chimes and feel for any lock-up or intermittent assist loss.
- Check all exterior lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and look for dashboard warning lights; flickering or non-working lights may signal wiring faults.
- On 2023 models, try removing the key from the ignition in Park—if it sticks, that is a reported power train defect.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and release, and listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area during braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially steering and electrical recalls on the G6.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system and scan for stored codes on the G6.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Check that all lights and warning indicators work properly on both vehicles.
- Budget for potential repairs: G6 steering components can be costly, and Camry electronic brake or power train fixes may be needed.
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 G6 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac G6 vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac G6 total complaints
- 5,885
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Pontiac G6 total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac G6 avg complaints/year
- 980.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Pontiac G6 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN