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 and 2 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes power train and brake issues, but the L300 has limited data. 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 mid-size sedan that shows no owner complaints in the NHTSA data over three years, suggesting a very low reported failure rate. However, it has two recalls for brake lights and seat belts, which are safety-related. With no complaint text on record, it's hard to know what day-to-day ownership is like, but the absence of complaints could mean fewer headaches or simply fewer owners reporting. For a first-time buyer, this means less information to go on, so a thorough inspection is key.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular mid-size sedan with a high number of owner complaints—2056 over ten years—and 31 recalls. The complaints cover major systems like power train, engine, brakes, and electrical, with some reports of crashes and injuries. This suggests that while many Camrys are on the road, some owners experience recurring issues that can be serious. Buyers should be aware that certain model years may have common problems.
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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 158 |
| 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.
The Saturn L300 has a recall for brake lights, meaning the brake lights may not work properly, which can make it hard for other drivers to know when you're stopping. This is a safety concern that should be fixed by the dealer.
There is also a recall for seat belts, which could mean the belts may not restrain you properly in a crash. This is critical for safety, so any open recall should be addressed immediately.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report issues like the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, and the vehicle hesitating or shuddering while driving. These problems can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, and the check engine light coming on with shuddering. This can affect acceleration and overall reliability.
Some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is from the ABS system. Others report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction at once, according to one complaint. This could make the car hard to control and reduce safety features.
“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.
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 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
Saturn L300 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Saturn L300 has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 206 for the Camry), but it also has very little data to go on. The Camry's higher complaint rate means you're more likely to encounter reported issues, but many Camrys are still on the road. In practice, the L300 may have fewer reported problems, but the Camry has more information available to help you spot trouble.
Key differences
- The Saturn L300 has 0 complaints and 2 recalls, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 complaints and 31 recalls over a longer period.
- Camry owners report specific issues like stuck ignition keys, hesitation, brake noise, and electronic parking brake failures; the L300 has no complaint text, only recalls for brake lights and seat belts.
- The Camry's complaints include 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries, while the L300 has none reported.
- The L300's recalls are for safety features (brake lights, seat belts), while the Camry's recalls cover wheels, seats, and air bag sensors.
- Check if the brake light and seat belt recalls have been performed; if not, get them fixed at a dealer.
- Since there are no complaints, look for any signs of electrical or mechanical issues during a test drive, as problems may not be reported.
- Test the ignition key to ensure it doesn't get stuck in the ignition when the car is in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and check that the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are fixed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Take a thorough test drive, paying attention to transmission shifting, engine hesitation, and brake noises.
- For the Camry, specifically test the ignition key removal, electronic parking brake, and throttle response.
- For the L300, inspect brake lights and seat belts, and ask for any repair records.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic to catch issues not covered by complaints.
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
- 2,056
- Saturn L300 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn L300 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Saturn L300
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN