Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Grand AM vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac Grand AM 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 Grand AM vs Toyota Camry: The Grand AM averaged 399 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averaged 206 over 10 years. The Grand AM had 14 deaths reported in complaints, the Camry 1. Both have recalls, but the Camry's lower complaint rate may mean fewer issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Grand AM or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Grand AM
The Pontiac Grand AM is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to own. Over six years, it averaged about 399 complaints per year, with many reports of stalling, electrical glitches, and lighting failures. The high number of crash-related complaints (154) and fatalities (14) suggests that some failures may have serious consequences. Buyers should be aware that this is an older vehicle with a pattern of recurring electrical and safety issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, according to owner complaints, has a lower complaint rate than the Grand AM. Over ten years, it averaged about 206 complaints per year, with issues often related to the power train, engine, and advanced safety systems. While it has fewer complaints per year, some reported problems like unintended acceleration and brake noise can be concerning. Overall, the data shows a more manageable ownership experience, but not without its own quirks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Grand AM | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,391 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 154 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 398.5 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 135 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 14 | 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 Grand AM
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM834
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING489
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING293
- 04SERVICE BRAKES286
- 05HYDRAULIC237
Owners frequently report stalling, failure to start, and random security light illumination. These issues can leave you stranded and may require costly diagnostics and repairs.
Complaints include brake lights and other lights that work intermittently or fail without warning. This can be a safety hazard and may lead to tickets or accidents.
Some owners report engine-related problems, though specific details are limited in the sample. These can include overheating or performance issues that affect reliability.
Brake issues are reported, though the sample complaints focus on other areas. Problems here could compromise stopping ability and require immediate attention.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE SECURITY SENSOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIA…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report issues like the ignition key getting stuck and the car hesitating or shuddering while driving. These can be frustrating and may indicate transmission or engine management problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, which can be dangerous in traffic. This suggests potential electronic throttle or sensor issues.
Some owners experience the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow. Others hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring. These electronic glitches can be distracting and costly to diagnose.
“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 Grand AM — 32 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: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS THAT ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FRACTURE UNDER HIGH LOADS THAT CAN OCCUR IN SOME DRIVING CONDITIONS.
The risk: IF THE BOLT FRACTURE, THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE COULD DETACH FROM THE KNUCKLE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING COULD OCCUR, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AND THE DRIVER MAY…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
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 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 Grand AM or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206) compared to the Pontiac Grand AM (about 399), suggesting it may be less troublesome to own. However, the Camry still has its own set of reported issues, particularly with power train and brakes. In practice, the Camry's lower complaint rate could mean fewer trips to the mechanic, but both vehicles require careful inspection before purchase.
Key differences
- The Pontiac Grand AM has a much higher complaint rate per year (399 vs. 206), indicating more frequent owner-reported problems.
- Electrical system issues are the top complaint for the Grand AM, while the Camry's top complaint is the power train.
- The Grand AM has 14 reported deaths in complaints, compared to 1 for the Camry, though these numbers don't prove causation.
- The Camry's complaints often involve modern electronic features like smart stop and lane keeping, while the Grand AM's are more basic electrical and lighting failures.
- Check all exterior lights, including brake lights and turn signals, for intermittent operation or failure.
- Test the ignition and starting system thoroughly; look for any security light issues or failure to start.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
- Listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check for delayed throttle response during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring.
- Test all lights and signals to ensure they work consistently.
- For the Camry, check for any stored trouble codes related to the transmission or throttle.
- Take a test drive that includes braking and acceleration to feel for any hesitation or unusual noises.
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 Grand AM or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Grand AM vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Grand AM total complaints
- 2,391
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Pontiac Grand AM total recalls
- 32
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac Grand AM avg complaints/year
- 398.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Grand AM top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN