Head-to-head reliability
Saturn VUE vs Toyota Camry
How the Saturn VUE 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 VUE vs Toyota Camry: The VUE has 267 complaints per year, with electrical and transmission failures common, while the Camry has 214 per year, with engine and brake issues. The VUE has more airbag deployments without crash, but the Camry has more sudden acceleration reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn VUE or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn VUE
The Saturn VUE, especially the 2009 model, shows a high complaint rate of about 267 per year, with electrical and powertrain issues dominating. Owners report intermittent stabilitrak warnings that can lead to loss of power and control, and transmission failures that make the car undriveable. Airbag deployments without crash and steering problems add to safety concerns. Overall, it's a vehicle that demands frequent repairs and vigilance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with about 214 complaints per year, has a lower but still significant issue rate. Complaints center on powertrain (transmission grinding), engine (sudden acceleration, coolant valve problems), and brakes (loss of braking). While not as electrical-heavy as the VUE, the Camry's issues are serious, including potential safety hazards. It's a more reliable choice but not without its own set of problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn VUE | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,407 | 2,143 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.4 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 108 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 VUE
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM707
- 02POWER TRAIN661
- 03AIR BAGS319
- 04STEERING288
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING151
Owners report intermittent 'Stabilitrak off' warnings and loss of power while driving, which can lead to loss of control. This is a safety-critical issue that may not be easily replicated by mechanics.
Transmission failures are common, with reports of losing reverse gear and limited forward speed (10-40 mph), making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This often requires expensive transmission replacement.
There are reports of side curtain airbags deploying without a crash, which can startle drivers and potentially cause accidents. This indicates a possible sensor or electrical malfunction.
Power steering problems are reported, including a tugging feeling in the wheel and ongoing difficulties with power steering assist, which can make steering difficult and increase driver effort.
“THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WHEN A MESSAGE STATING "STABILITRACK OFF" APPEARED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I CONTINUED DRIVING WITH THE MESSAGE AND PARKED AS NORMAL.THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE CAR THE MESSAGE WAS GONE. SEVERAL MONTHS LAT…”
“WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises on acceleration and the need for replacement, as reported by dealers. This is a costly repair that may be covered by recalls for some models.
Owners report sudden unintended acceleration, which is a serious safety hazard, and engine maintenance lights related to coolant valve bypass recalls that may not apply to all VINs.
Brake failure is reported, with no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
While not as prominent, electrical issues include problems with the AC condenser being damaged by rocks, leading to AC failure, and recurring mildew odors from the HVAC system.
“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 VUE — 10 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSIN…
The risk: ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OR BRAKING INPUTS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TURN OUT…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE(S) AND TIE ROD(S). THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
The risk: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVE…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
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: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Own…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
The risk: IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASON…
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 VUE or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (214 vs 267) and a lower rate of safety-related issues like airbag deployments and steering failures. While both have serious problems, the Camry's issues are less frequent and often covered by recalls, making it a more reliable choice in practice.
Key differences
- The VUE has more electrical system complaints (707) than the Camry (246), with issues like stabilitrak failures causing loss of control.
- The VUE has more airbag complaints (319) including deployments without crash, while the Camry has fewer airbag complaints but more brake failures.
- The Camry has more engine complaints (315) including sudden acceleration, while the VUE has more steering complaints (288) with power steering problems.
- The VUE has a higher complaint rate per year (267 vs 214), indicating a generally less reliable vehicle.
- Check for any stabilitrak warning lights and test drive to see if power loss occurs.
- Inspect the transmission for slipping or hesitation, especially when shifting into reverse.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission and electrical system.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds and on hills to check for power loss or brake issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake repairs.
- Research the specific model year for known issues and check the NHTSA website for 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 VUE or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn VUE vs Toyota Camry
- Saturn VUE total complaints
- 2,407
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Saturn VUE total recalls
- 10
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Saturn VUE avg complaints/year
- 267.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Saturn VUE top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN