Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Aerio vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki Aerio 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
Suzuki Aerio vs Toyota Camry: The Aerio has 121 complaints over 6 years (20/yr) vs Camry's 2143 over 10 years (214/yr). Aerio's top issues are brakes and transmission; Camry's include engine and transmission. Camry has more recalls (31 vs 7). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Aerio or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Aerio
The Suzuki Aerio is a compact car that, based on NHTSA data, shows a pattern of brake and powertrain issues. Owners report brake dust, hot smells, and premature pad wear, as well as transmission problems like popping out of gear and power loss. With 121 complaints over 6 years (about 20 per year), it's a vehicle that may require frequent attention to its braking and transmission systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume (2143 over 10 years, about 214 per year) but also a larger sales base. Complaints highlight transmission grinding, sudden acceleration concerns, and brake failures, along with engine and electrical issues. While the Camry has more recalls and incidents, its problems are spread across many components, and some may be isolated to certain model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Aerio | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 121 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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.
Suzuki Aerio
- 01SERVICE BRAKES20
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03HYDRAULIC17
- 04SUSPENSION16
- 05TIRES15
Owners report brake pads wearing prematurely, with hot smells and excessive brake dust. Some also mention alignment issues that recur shortly after correction, suggesting possible suspension or brake component problems.
Transmission issues are common, including manual transmissions popping out of gear and automatic transmissions revving without power. These can be safety concerns, especially when merging or passing.
Brake fluid loss and hydraulic system problems are noted, often linked to the brake issues. Owners describe needing frequent brake fluid additions, which could indicate a leak or master cylinder problem.
Recurring misalignment is a frequent complaint, with some owners needing alignment corrections multiple times. This could point to worn suspension components or steering issues.
“I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED AT ABOUT 9,000 MILES IN MAY. THERE WAS A HOT SMELL AND A LOT OF BRAKE DUST AROUND THE RIM AND TIRES. THE SUZUKI DEALER SERVICE DEPT. SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS JUST NEEDED BRAKE FLUID ADDED. AT THAT TIME THE PADS W…”
“I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON NOV 2, 2005. TWO MONTHS LATER THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT SO I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO GET THAT RECTIFIED. EXACTLY 7 DAYS LATER IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AGAIN SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM AND AFTER I EXPLAINED THE SI…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are reported, including grinding noises and the need for replacement. Some owners mention recalls for similar issues, but not all vehicles are covered, leading to out-of-pocket repairs.
Sudden acceleration incidents are described, which can be terrifying and lead to crashes. Also, engine maintenance lights and coolant valve issues appear, sometimes not covered by recalls.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Electrical issues may contribute to other problems, but specific complaints are not detailed in the sample. However, the high number of electrical complaints suggests potential reliability concerns.
“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.
Suzuki Aerio — 7 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STAND…
The risk: IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 20…
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
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
Suzuki Aerio or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Aerio has fewer complaints per year (20.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity. In practice, the Aerio's issues are concentrated in brakes and transmission, while the Camry's are more varied. Neither is problem-free, but the Aerio's lower complaint rate may indicate fewer overall issues per vehicle, though its problems are serious.
Key differences
- The Aerio has a higher proportion of brake-related complaints (20 out of 121) compared to the Camry (290 out of 2143), suggesting brakes are a more dominant issue on the Aerio.
- The Camry has a significant number of engine complaints (315) including sudden acceleration, which is a severe safety concern not prominent in the Aerio's data.
- The Aerio's transmission issues include manual gear popping out, while the Camry's transmission problems involve grinding and replacement needs.
- The Camry has more recalls (31 vs 7) and more crash-related complaints (181 vs 11), indicating a higher absolute number of safety incidents, though the Aerio's incidents are not negligible.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly: check for pad wear, brake fluid leaks, and any signs of overheating (e.g., discolored rotors).
- Test the transmission, especially if manual: ensure it stays in gear and doesn't pop out under acceleration.
- Check for any transmission shudder or grinding during test drive, and verify if any transmission recalls apply to the VIN.
- Ask about any history of sudden acceleration or engine stalling, and have a mechanic scan for engine codes.
Before you buy
- For the Aerio: have a mechanic inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels; test drive at highway speeds to check for transmission slipping.
- For the Camry: check the VIN for open recalls, especially transmission and engine-related; test brakes on a hill to ensure response.
- For both: get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs: Aerio parts may be harder to find, while Camry parts are widely available.
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 Suzuki Aerio or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Aerio vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki Aerio total complaints
- 121
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Suzuki Aerio total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki Aerio avg complaints/year
- 20.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Aerio
- Suzuki Aerio top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN