Head-to-head reliability
Saturn ION vs Toyota Camry
How the Saturn ION 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 ION vs Toyota Camry: The ION has 4,349 complaints over 5 years (avg 870/yr) vs Camry's 2,143 over 10 years (avg 214/yr). ION reports more steering and electrical failures, while Camry has transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn ION or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn ION
The Saturn ION, a compact sedan from the early 2000s, shows a high rate of owner complaints, averaging nearly 870 per year. The most common issues revolve around steering and electrical problems, with many owners reporting sudden loss of power steering and ignition switch failures. Fuel system leaks and airbag non-deployment are also notable concerns, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection and potentially costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has a much lower complaint rate, averaging about 214 per year over a decade. While it still has issues, they are less frequent and often relate to transmission noise, engine problems, and brake concerns. Owners also report HVAC odors and occasional sudden acceleration, but these are less common than the ION's systemic failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn ION | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,349 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 208 | 181 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 869.8 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 153 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.
Saturn ION
- 01STEERING1,701
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,550
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM317
- 04AIR BAGS261
- 05FUEL SYSTEM253
Owners report the power steering light coming on and the wheel becoming hard to turn, often due to a failing rack and pinion. This can lead to a loss of steering control, a serious safety risk.
The ignition switch is a frequent problem, with keys getting stuck or failing to turn, sometimes causing the vehicle to stall or not start. This can leave drivers stranded and is linked to recalls.
Fuel line leaks are reported, producing a strong fuel smell and posing a fire hazard. Owners also mention fuel pump issues and check engine lights related to fueling.
There are reports of air bags not deploying in crashes, which is critical for occupant safety. This is especially concerning given the vehicle's crash-related complaints.
“SEVERAL TIMES THESE LAST FEW MONTHS MY VEHICLE PWR STR LIGHT HAS COME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL IS HARD TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WENT IN THE HOUSE AND GOT MY HUSBAND. WHEN HE TURNED IT ON AND PUT IT IN REVERSE…”
“Rack and pinion is going bad, my mechanic said it's a common issue in these vehicles. When going around a corner it will want to float the opposite way, the steering will eventually get tight my mechanic said until I loose all steering. I am a single mother a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners hearing grinding noises and being told the transmission needs replacement. This can be a very expensive repair.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration, which is alarming and can lead to crashes. Others mention engine maintenance lights and coolant valve problems.
Brake failure is reported, with the pedal going to the floor or no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
While less frequent, electrical issues can include problems with sensors and other components, contributing to overall reliability concerns.
“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 ION — 35 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
The defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year…
The risk: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
The fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should cont…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignitio…
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cu…
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 ION or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has significantly fewer complaints per year (214 vs. 870) and a lower rate of crash-related incidents. This suggests it is generally more reliable and safer to own, though it still has its share of issues. The Saturn ION's higher complaint volume and severe steering and electrical problems make it a riskier purchase.
Key differences
- Saturn ION has over four times more complaints per year than the Camry, indicating a much higher rate of problems.
- Steering failure is a dominant issue on the ION, with owners losing power steering, while the Camry's main issues are transmission and brake related.
- The ION has more recalls (35 vs 31) and a higher number of crash-related complaints (208 vs 181) despite fewer years on the road.
- Electrical system problems, especially ignition switch failures, are prominent on the ION, whereas the Camry's electrical issues are less frequent and severe.
- Check the power steering system for any warning lights or difficulty turning the wheel, as rack and pinion failure is common.
- Test the ignition switch thoroughly, ensuring the key turns smoothly and doesn't stick, and look for any signs of electrical issues.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have it inspected by a mechanic, as transmission replacement is costly.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and check for any warning lights related to the brake system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and prior accident damage.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the steering, electrical, and fuel systems for the ION, and transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles, paying attention to steering response, braking, and any unusual noises.
- Check for any signs of fuel leaks or odors in the ION, and for any HVAC odors in the Camry.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by the dealer before purchase.
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 ION or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn ION vs Toyota Camry
- Saturn ION total complaints
- 4,349
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Saturn ION total recalls
- 35
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn ION avg complaints/year
- 869.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Saturn ION top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN