Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Grand PRIX vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac Grand PRIX 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 PRIX vs Toyota Camry: The Grand Prix averages 271.9 complaints per year and has 51 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Grand Prix also has 14 reported deaths versus 1 for the Camry. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Grand PRIX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Grand PRIX
The Pontiac Grand Prix is a mid-size car with a high complaint volume—about 272 per year over nine years—and 51 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like headlights cutting out and ignition switch concerns, plus engine stalling and fluid leaks. These patterns suggest a car that may demand frequent troubleshooting and repairs, especially as it ages.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry shows a lower complaint rate—about 206 per year over ten years—and fewer recalls (31). However, owners of recent models report power train issues such as delayed acceleration, shuddering, and key-stuck problems, along with brake noises and electronic system malfunctions. While the overall volume is lower, the types of complaints still warrant a careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Grand PRIX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,447 | 2,056 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 51 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 147 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 271.9 | 205.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 152 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 PRIX
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM533
- 02ENGINE446
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING403
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING290
- 05POWER TRAIN255
Owners report headlights going out unexpectedly and rear defrost or fan failures that can affect visibility and safety. These electrical gremlins may be intermittent and hard to diagnose, potentially leaving you without lights while driving.
Complaints include the service engine light staying on, stalling without warning, and unknown fluid leaks. Such issues can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs, especially if the cause is not quickly identified.
Owners describe stalling during turns and fluid leaks that may be linked to cooling system problems. These failures can strand you and risk engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Reports of tail light housings retaining moisture and causing the lens to fail, leading to improper brake light illumination. This reduces your visibility to other drivers and could result in a ticket or crash.
“WHILE I'M PERSONALLY UNAWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR PEOPLE DYING DUE TO THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL, GM HAS A WELL DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF BAD IGNITION SWITCHES ON OTHER MODELS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT FOR MANY YEARS. THE EFFECTS…”
“THERE WERE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR BEGINNING WITH REAR DEFROST NOT WORKING. THE AIR WOULD ONLY WORK ON HIGH. THEN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT I TURNED THE FAN TO THE AIR/HEAT OFF AND MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT NEARLY CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. THEN…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration, which can be unsettling and may indicate transmission issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds before the car moves. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and the cause may be difficult to pinpoint.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. These issues can leave you stranded or erode confidence in the braking system.
Multiple electronic safety systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. Such failures could compromise driver assistance features and require complex diagnostics.
“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 PRIX — 51 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 0…
The risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
The fix: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-1…
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: 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: 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 PRIX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 206 vs. 272) and fewer recalls, suggesting a lower overall frequency of reported problems. However, the Camry's complaints include serious power train and brake issues, while the Grand Prix's problems are more widespread across electrical and engine systems. In practice, the Camry may require fewer visits to the shop, but both cars demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Key differences
- The Grand Prix has a higher complaint rate (271.9/year) and more recalls (51) than the Camry (205.6/year, 31 recalls).
- Grand Prix owners frequently report electrical failures like headlights going out and ignition switch concerns, while Camry owners report power train issues such as delayed acceleration and stuck keys.
- The Camry has far fewer reported deaths (1 vs. 14) and slightly more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 147), though these figures alone don't tell the whole story.
- Camry complaints often involve modern electronic safety systems malfunctioning, whereas Grand Prix complaints center on basic engine stalling and lighting failures.
- Check all exterior lights, including headlights and tail lights, for proper operation and signs of moisture in the housings.
- Test drive and listen for engine stalling or hesitation, and inspect for fluid leaks under the hood and on the ground.
- Verify that the ignition key can be easily removed when the car is in Park, and test for any delayed throttle response during acceleration.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and all lights, on the Grand Prix.
- For the Camry, test the key removal, acceleration response, and electronic parking brake during a test drive.
- Scan for stored trouble codes and check that all warning lights function correctly.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to identify common 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 Grand PRIX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Grand PRIX vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Grand PRIX total complaints
- 2,447
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Pontiac Grand PRIX total recalls
- 51
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac Grand PRIX avg complaints/year
- 271.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Grand PRIX top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN