Head-to-head reliability
Saturn L300 vs Toyota Camry
How the Saturn L300 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 L300 vs Toyota Camry: The L300 has 0 complaints over 3 years, while the Camry has 2143 over 10 years, including 181 crashes and 1 death. The Camry's top issues are powertrain and brakes, with reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn L300 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn L300
The Saturn L300 is a discontinued model with a very sparse complaint history, showing no owner-reported issues over its final three years. This suggests that, based on available data, it has been relatively trouble-free in terms of owner complaints, though it has had two recalls. For a first-time buyer, this could mean fewer reported problems, but the lack of data also means less insight into long-term reliability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, in contrast, has a high volume of complaints, averaging over 200 per year, with significant issues reported in the powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical systems. Owners describe serious problems like sudden acceleration, transmission failures, and brake loss, which are concerning for safety. While the Camry is popular and generally reliable, this data highlights that some model years have had notable defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn L300 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 L300
No component data available.
No owner complaints are on record, but a recall was issued for brake lights, which could mean they may fail to illuminate, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Buyers should verify the recall was performed.
A recall was issued for seat belts, but no specific failure is described in complaints. This could involve buckles or retractors not working properly, which is critical for occupant protection.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue, but parts may be on backorder, leaving drivers with unreliable vehicles.
Several complaints describe sudden, uncontrollable acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss. Others mention engine maintenance warnings related to a coolant valve bypass recall, but some VINs are not covered, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, with one owner experiencing no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill curve, leading to a crash. Another complaint involves brakes not engaging properly in a parking lot, suggesting potential brake system defects.
While not detailed in the sample, the high number of electrical complaints suggests issues with sensors or wiring, possibly affecting safety systems like airbags or stability control.
“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 L300 — 2 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE REQUIRED TEST LOAD FOR THE REQUIRED TIME.
The risk: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REAR SEAT CENTER BELT ANCHOR REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
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 L300 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Saturn L300 has far fewer complaints per year (0.0) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's complaints include serious safety-related failures, while the L300's recalls are less severe. In practice, the L300 may offer fewer headaches, but the Camry's popularity means more data and potentially better support.
Key differences
- The Camry has a high rate of powertrain complaints, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration, while the L300 has no such reports.
- Brake failures are reported in the Camry, with instances of complete loss of braking, whereas the L300 has no brake complaints but a recall for brake lights.
- The Camry's engine issues include sudden acceleration and coolant valve problems, while the L300 has no engine complaints.
- The L300 has only two recalls (brake lights and seat belts), while the Camry has 31 recalls covering airbags, seats, wheels, and more.
- Check that the brake light recall has been completed, as faulty brake lights can lead to rear-end collisions.
- Verify the seat belt recall status, as seat belt failures could compromise safety in a crash.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of grinding or slipping, and check if any transmission recalls apply to the specific VIN.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and be aware of any sudden acceleration incidents; also check for open recalls on the engine coolant valve.
Before you buy
- For the Saturn L300, contact a Saturn dealer or NHTSA to confirm both recalls were performed and get documentation.
- For the Toyota Camry, run the VIN on NHTSA's website to see all open recalls and ensure they are fixed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive the Camry in various conditions, including acceleration and braking on hills, to detect any issues.
- Check the vehicle's service history for any transmission or brake repairs, and consider a used-car warranty for the Camry.
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 L300 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn L300 vs Toyota Camry
- Saturn L300 total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Saturn L300 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn L300 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Saturn L300
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN