Head-to-head reliability
Saturn Relay vs Toyota Camry
How the Saturn Relay 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 Relay vs Toyota Camry: The Relay has 122 complaints over 3 years (about 41 per year) and 6 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints over 10 years (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. The Relay's complaints often involve severe brake and door failures, whereas the Camry's are more varied. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn Relay or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn Relay
The Saturn Relay is a minivan that owners report living with a range of brake, electrical, and door problems. Complaints average about 41 per year over three years, with brakes being the most common issue. Owners describe scary brake failures like cavitation on downgrades and traction control interfering with stability control. Sliding doors also fall off or fail to latch, which is a serious safety concern for families.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher total number of complaints, but that's over ten years and many more vehicles on the road. The yearly average is about 206 complaints, which is higher than the Relay's, but the types of problems vary widely. Owners report issues with the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, including key stuck, hesitation, and brake noise. There are also many recalls, including for air bag sensors and seats.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn Relay | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 122 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 40.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 Relay
- 01SERVICE BRAKES46
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 03HYDRAULIC29
- 04STRUCTURE17
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES14
Owners report brake cavitation (loss of braking power) after repeated use on downgrades, and traction control engaging can knock out stability control. This could lead to longer stopping distances or loss of control.
Complaints include intermittent no-start conditions traced to fuel pump relay failures, and recurring ABS/traction control warning lights. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded or disable safety systems.
The same brake cavitation and traction control issues appear under hydraulic, indicating problems with the brake hydraulic system. This reinforces that brake performance is a major concern.
Owners report power sliding doors that fail to latch or even fall off, as described in complaints about 2007 models. This is a severe safety risk, especially with children.
“I HAVE A 2006 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS AN EXECUTIVE DRIVEN CAR AND WAS PURCHASED WITH 400 MILES ON IT AND THE WARRANTY TRANSFERRED OVER TO ME. THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED IT WOULD KNOCK OUT THE STABILITY CO…”
“I WAS TRAVELING ON AZ STATE ROUTE 87 ON A 6 PERCENT DOWNGRADE. I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES FOR NO MORE THAN 3 TO 5 SECONDS AT A TIME, THIS OCCURRED OVER A 5 MINUTE TIME FRAME. ON THE THIRD APPLICATION THE BRAKES BEGAN TO CAVITATE VERY BADLY. T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnect to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine light. These issues can leave you unable to shut off the car or cause drivability problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of lag before the car moves. This could be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
Owners report electronic parking brake (EPB) failing to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area due to ABS system. These brake issues can prevent the car from moving or indicate ABS problems.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist all failing at once. This suggests complex electronic vulnerabilities that could compromise 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 Relay — 6 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: 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 TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE I…
The risk: IF THE REAR LATCHES OF THE SEAT RELEASE EARLY IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT, THE FRONT OUTBOARD LATCH MAY DISENGAGE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE HANDLE AND INSTALL A BLACK PLASTIC CAP OVER THE EXPOSED METAL STUD TO ELIMINATE THE SIDE IMPACT SAFETY CONCERN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800…
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 Relay or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Saturn Relay has far fewer complaints per year (about 41) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Relay's issues are often severe, like brakes failing and doors falling off. The Camry's higher complaint rate reflects its much larger sales volume over ten years, but it also has many recalls. In practice, the Relay may have fewer problems overall, but the ones it has can be life-threatening, while the Camry's issues are more varied and sometimes less critical.
Key differences
- Saturn Relay has 122 complaints over 3 years (avg 40.7/yr) vs Toyota Camry's 2056 over 10 years (avg 205.6/yr), but the Relay's complaints include severe brake cavitation and sliding doors falling off.
- Relay has 6 recalls, including steering and seat issues, while Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag sensors and wheels.
- Relay's top complaint is service brakes (46), with reports of cavitation and traction control interference; Camry's top complaint is power train (385), with key stuck and hesitation.
- Relay has 4 crash-related complaints and 3 injuries; Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, but over a much longer period and larger fleet.
- Test the brakes on a downgrade or after repeated stops to check for cavitation or soft pedal; also verify traction control and stability control operation.
- Inspect both power sliding doors for proper latching and alignment; open and close them multiple times and check for any signs of sagging or failure to secure.
- Check for intermittent key stuck in Park by starting and shutting off the car several times; ensure the key can be removed easily.
- Test the electronic parking brake by engaging and disengaging it multiple times; listen for unusual noises from the brake pedal area and ensure it releases properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes, including ABS and traction control systems, and test drive on various road conditions.
- For the Relay, specifically test the power sliding doors and check for any recalls related to steering or seats.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key operation, throttle response, and electronic parking brake, and scan for any stored error codes.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs, and consider a pre-purchase inspection from a dealership familiar with the model.
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 Relay or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn Relay vs Toyota Camry
- Saturn Relay total complaints
- 122
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Saturn Relay total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn Relay avg complaints/year
- 40.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Saturn Relay
- Saturn Relay top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN