Head-to-head reliability
Saturn AURA vs Toyota Camry
How the Saturn AURA 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
Saturn AURA vs Toyota Camry: The AURA averages 358 complaints per year with 30 injuries, while the Camry averages 214 per year with 163 injuries. The AURA's steering failures and the Camry's transmission and brake issues are key concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn AURA or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn AURA
The Saturn AURA is a mid-size sedan that generates a high number of complaints per year—about 358 annually over four years—with steering and power train issues dominating. Owners frequently report sudden power steering loss and transmission problems that can affect control. With 16 recalls and 30 injuries reported, it demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan with a lower complaint rate—about 214 per year over ten years—but still has notable power train, engine, and brake complaints. Owners describe transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, and brake failures. With 31 recalls and 163 injuries, it has a broader but less intense issue pattern.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn AURA | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,432 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 44 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 358.0 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 30 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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.
Saturn AURA
- 01STEERING387
- 02POWER TRAIN373
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM256
- 04SERVICE BRAKES213
- 05AIR BAGS149
Owners report the power steering completely failing while driving, making the car very difficult to turn, especially at high speeds. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning.
Complaints include the transmission failing to shift properly, causing jerking, and brake lights illuminating without the pedal being pressed. These issues can affect drivability and safety systems.
Owners describe brake lights randomly illuminating and the vehicle stalling without warning. These electrical glitches can lead to confusion and potential accidents.
Reports include brake lights staying on constantly, traction control alerts, and transmission jerking. These symptoms suggest brake system malfunctions that could impair stopping.
“The power steering completely failed while driving. This made the car very difficult to turn and because it happened at a high speed, if there had been an immediate need to swerve, it would not have been possible due to the power steering failure. It is not a…”
“THE CAR WAS EXITING THE OFFRAMP AT 70 MPH WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WILE TRYING TO EXECUTE A LEFT TURN WITH NO POWER STEERING. I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH SATURN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE RECALL WAS TURNED INTO A # 15356 SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTM…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, often diagnosed as transmission failure requiring replacement. This can be costly and may recur.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues. Sudden acceleration is a severe safety risk that can lead to crashes.
Some owners experience no response from the brake pedal, such as when driving downhill. This total brake failure is extremely dangerous.
Issues like AC condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors are reported. While not safety-critical, they affect comfort and ownership satisfaction.
“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.
Saturn AURA — 16 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: 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,…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power…
The risk: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to co…
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
Saturn AURA or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214 vs. 358) and a lower rate of injuries per complaint, but it still has significant safety-related issues. The Saturn AURA's higher annual complaint rate suggests more frequent problems, especially with steering and power train, which could mean higher ownership hassle.
Key differences
- The Saturn AURA has a much higher complaint rate per year (358 vs. 214), indicating more frequent owner-reported problems.
- Steering failures are a top complaint for the AURA, while the Camry's top issues are power train and engine-related.
- The Camry has more total recalls (31 vs. 16) but a lower annual complaint rate, suggesting recalls may address some issues.
- Sudden acceleration is reported in the Camry, a severe safety concern, while the AURA's steering loss is also critical.
- Test the power steering at various speeds and listen for whining or stiffness, as sudden failure is commonly reported.
- Check for transmission jerking or delayed shifting during a test drive, and ensure brake lights function correctly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope to ensure they respond, as some owners report total brake failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system on the AURA and the transmission on the Camry.
- Test drive on highways and hills to replicate high-speed steering and braking scenarios.
- Check for electrical issues like random brake light illumination or stalling.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, especially for steering and brakes.
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 Saturn AURA or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn AURA vs Toyota Camry
- Saturn AURA total complaints
- 1,432
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Saturn AURA total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn AURA avg complaints/year
- 358.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Saturn AURA top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN