Head-to-head reliability
Saturn SKY vs Toyota Camry
How the Saturn SKY 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 SKY vs Toyota Camry: The SKY averages 129 complaints per year with 18 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The SKY's top issue is air bags (366 reports), and the Camry's is power train (395 reports). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn SKY or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn SKY
The Saturn SKY is a two-seat convertible that averages 129 complaints per year over four years, with air bag issues dominating the list. Owners frequently report the passenger weight sensor failing, which turns on the air bag light and can disable the passenger air bag. Brake and electrical problems, including ignition switch trouble, also appear in complaints. With 18 recalls and 19 injuries reported, living with a SKY means staying on top of safety recalls and budgeting for sensor repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with 214.3 complaints per year over ten years, covering a wide range of systems. Power train complaints include transmission grinding and sudden acceleration, while engine issues involve coolant valve recalls and unexpected acceleration. Brake and electrical problems also show up, and there is one reported death. With 31 recalls and 163 injuries, the Camry's higher volume means more overall reports, but many are spread across different components.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn SKY | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 516 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.0 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 SKY
- 01AIR BAGS366
- 02SERVICE BRAKES83
- 03HYDRAULIC62
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM53
- 05SEATS30
Owners report the passenger weight sensor fails, causing the air bag light to stay on and the passenger air bag to become inoperative. The fix often requires replacing the entire seat at a cost of around $948, which is a significant expense for a used car.
Complaints describe the electronic brake control module (EBCM) failing, which triggers warning lights and can affect braking performance. This is a safety concern because it may reduce braking assistance in an emergency.
Hydraulic issues are often linked to the same EBCM failure, with owners seeing brake and air bag warning lights together. This overlap suggests that electrical and hydraulic brake problems can appear at the same time.
Some owners report the ignition key will not turn, preventing the car from being shut off normally, and others note air bag sensor faults. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded or unable to turn off the engine.
“FIRST INCIDENT HAPPEN WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK. I GOT INTO A PARKING PLACE AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO PARK. THEN WENT TO SHUT OFF THE CAR BY TURNING THE KEY. THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND SO I COULD NOT TURN MY CAR OFF. I HAD TO CUT THE CAR OFF BY OPENING THE HOOD A…”
“SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE ASSESSMENT WAS THAT THE PASSENGER WEIGHT SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT AT A COST OF $948. THE FAILURE IS TO THE SENSOR TAPE AFFIXED TO THE BOTTOM…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission that may require a full replacement, and some describe sudden acceleration incidents. These issues can be costly and potentially dangerous if they occur while driving.
Complaints include sudden acceleration and a coolant valve bypass problem that may not be covered by recall for every VIN. This means some owners face repair bills for a known issue that is not always fixed for free.
Some drivers report a complete loss of brake response when pressing the pedal, such as on a steep hill. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention if experienced.
Electrical complaints often involve warning lights and sensor issues, though the sample text focuses on other areas. These problems can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, leading to multiple dealer visits.
“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 SKY — 18 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800…
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: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later v…
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…
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 SKY or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Saturn SKY has far fewer complaints per year (129) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the SKY's complaints are heavily concentrated in air bag and brake safety systems. The Camry's higher annual rate reflects its longer production run and larger owner base, with issues spread across power train, engine, and brakes. In practice, the SKY may have fewer total problems, but the ones it has can be serious and expensive.
Key differences
- The Saturn SKY's top complaint is air bags (366 reports), often due to a failed passenger weight sensor that disables the air bag and costs about $948 to fix.
- The Toyota Camry's top complaint is power train (395 reports), including transmission grinding that may require replacement and sudden acceleration incidents.
- The SKY has 18 recalls and 19 injuries over 4 years, while the Camry has 31 recalls and 163 injuries over 10 years, showing a much larger overall complaint volume for the Camry.
- Both vehicles have brake complaints, but the SKY's are tied to the electronic brake control module, while the Camry's include reports of complete brake failure on hills.
- Check that the passenger air bag light is not illuminated and that the passenger seat sensor works; a failed sensor can disable the air bag and cost nearly $1,000 to replace.
- Test the ignition switch to ensure the key turns freely and the car can be shut off normally; some owners report the key getting stuck and having to cut power manually.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test drive at various speeds; some owners needed a full transmission replacement.
- Test the brakes on a downhill slope or during hard braking to ensure the pedal responds; there are reports of complete brake failure with no warning.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed, especially for air bag and ignition issues on the Saturn SKY and power train recalls on the Toyota Camry.
- Have a mechanic inspect the air bag system and passenger seat sensor on the SKY, and check for any stored trouble codes.
- For the Camry, ask a mechanic to check transmission fluid condition and scan for transmission codes, and test the brakes thoroughly.
- Search NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if common problems apply.
- Budget for potential repairs: set aside funds for air bag sensor replacement on the SKY or transmission work on 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 SKY or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn SKY vs Toyota Camry
- Saturn SKY total complaints
- 516
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Saturn SKY total recalls
- 18
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn SKY avg complaints/year
- 129.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Saturn SKY
- Saturn SKY top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN