Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Montana vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac Montana 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 Montana vs Toyota Camry: The Montana averaged 138 complaints per year over 5 years, with 4 deaths, while the Camry averaged 214.3 per year over 10 years, with 1 death. The Montana's issues include severe structural and fuel leaks; the Camry's include transmission and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Montana or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Montana
The Pontiac Montana is a minivan that owners report living with a range of persistent mechanical and electrical problems. Over five years, it averaged 138 complaints per year, with engine and cooling issues being the most common, followed by electrical, structure, fuel, and power train problems. Owners describe recurring head gasket failures, fuel leaks, and even a rear axle dislodging, which can be costly and potentially dangerous. With 35 recalls and 4 deaths reported, a buyer should expect to address multiple safety and reliability concerns.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that, over ten years, averaged 214.3 complaints per year, with power train, unknown, engine, brake, and electrical issues leading the list. Owners report transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems, among others. Despite 31 recalls and 1 death, the Camry's higher annual complaint rate suggests more frequent owner-reported issues, though many may be less severe than the Montana's structural failures. A buyer should still be vigilant about the specific systems flagged.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Montana | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 690 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 44 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 90 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 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 Montana
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING156
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM78
- 03STRUCTURE71
- 04FUEL SYSTEM66
- 05POWER TRAIN55
Owners frequently report head gasket failures that require repeated replacement, as well as instrument panel glitches when near radar antennas. These issues can lead to costly repairs and unexpected warning lights.
Complaints include speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge failures, plus brake and head lights that blow out repeatedly. Such problems can affect visibility and vehicle monitoring.
Reports include a rear axle becoming dislodged while driving and a door bracket fracturing and cutting a finger. These structural failures pose serious safety risks.
Owners describe strong fuel odors, leaks from under the vehicle, and a fractured fuel neck causing leaks. Fuel leaks can lead to fire hazards and are a critical concern.
“REPEATED DRIVING WITHIN 1/4 MILE OF THE INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR ANTENNA CAUSES SOME OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILURE INDICATORS TO TURN ON FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. THE "BATTERY" AND "AIRBAG" INDICATORS TURN ON AND CLICKING NOISE IS HEARD FR…”
“I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKET ON MY 2004 PONTIAC MONTANA EVERY YEAR AT THE SAME TIME THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I WILL HAVE TO HAVE THE GASKET REPLACED I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER SINCE I HAVE REPLACED IT 2 TIM…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission upon acceleration, sometimes requiring replacement, and sudden unintended acceleration incidents. These can lead to loss of control and costly repairs.
Complaints include sudden acceleration causing crashes and coolant valve bypass issues that trigger maintenance codes. These engine problems can be dangerous and expensive.
Owners describe brake pedal failures with no response, especially on steep hills, and braking issues in parking lots. Brake failure is a severe safety risk.
Reports include AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors from the HVAC system. While not safety-critical, these are common annoyances.
“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 Montana — 35 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
The risk: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
The risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RES…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: B…
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 Montana or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Montana has fewer complaints per year (138) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Montana's issues include severe structural and fuel system failures that can be life-threatening. The Camry's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent problems, though many are powertrain or brake-related and also serious. In practice, the Montana may require fewer visits but for more critical repairs, while the Camry may have more numerous but sometimes less catastrophic issues.
Key differences
- The Pontiac Montana has a lower annual complaint rate (138 vs. 214.3) but includes severe structural failures like rear axle dislodging and fuel leaks.
- The Toyota Camry's most common complaints are power train and brake issues, including transmission grinding and brake failure, which are also safety-critical.
- The Montana has 4 deaths reported over 5 years, while the Camry has 1 death over 10 years, indicating different risk profiles.
- Both have recalls, but the Montana's recalls include steering and fuel system, while the Camry's include air bags and seats.
- Check for fuel odors or leaks under the vehicle, especially around the fuel tank and filler neck, as owners report fractures and leaks.
- Inspect the rear axle and suspension components for signs of detachment or unusual wear, as one owner reported the rear axle becoming dislodged.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for grinding noises from the transmission, especially during acceleration, as owners report transmission failure.
- Check brake responsiveness on hills and during low-speed maneuvers, as owners report brake pedal failure with no response.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the Pontiac Montana for head gasket issues, fuel leaks, and structural integrity.
- For the Toyota Camry, have a mechanic check transmission operation, brake function, and engine for sudden acceleration issues.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway and hill driving, to replicate conditions reported in complaints.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for specific model years to identify patterns before making an offer.
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 Montana or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Montana vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Montana total complaints
- 690
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Pontiac Montana total recalls
- 35
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac Montana avg complaints/year
- 138.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Montana
- Pontiac Montana top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN