Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Grand Vitara vs Toyota Camry: The Grand Vitara averaged 32.4 complaints per year with 29 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry had 171 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Grand Vitara had 23 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV that averaged about 32 complaints per year over a decade, with 29 recalls. Owner reports cluster around air bag recalls, exterior lighting failures, and electrical gremlins. While it has fewer total complaints than the Camry, the low annual mileage many owners drive means problems can still surface, especially with aging components.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but it also sells in far greater numbers. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake problems. Despite the higher counts, many complaints are for newer models and may be addressed under warranty.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Grand Vitara | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 324 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
- 01AIR BAGS107
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING75
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 04STEERING25
- 05POWER TRAIN22
Owners report air bag recalls, including one for the tensioner that can cause the belt to come off, leading to loss of steering and alternator failure. This is a critical safety issue that should be fixed immediately if a recall is outstanding.
Frequent headlight bulb burnouts are common, with some owners told they need to replace entire headlight assemblies at significant cost. This can be a recurring expense and a safety concern if lights fail while driving.
Complaints include heating failures, temperature gauge spikes, and doors locking automatically with keys inside. These electrical quirks can leave you stranded or uncomfortable, and diagnosing them can be tricky.
Reports of power steering pump drive-belt tensioner issues and loose steering wheels. These can affect control and may be related to recalls, so a thorough inspection is essential.
“I OWN 2 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2010 & 2007 AND I GOT A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURE FOR TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR FIXING THE AIR BAG ISSUE RECALL CALLED DV SO I CHECKED AND THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED DEALER IS A ONE OUR DRIVE SO I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE…”
“MY MOST RECENT INCONVENIENCE WITH MY SUZUKI RECALL TENSIONER WAS ON 2/5/2020, I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN WHEN MY VEHICLE'S BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT CAME OFF OF THE RECALL TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY. I COULD NOT TURN MY VEHICLE, THE ALTERNAT…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe intermittent key-stuck-in-ignition problems and hesitation/shuddering with check engine lights. These can indicate transmission or engine management issues that may be costly to repair.
Delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating are reported, sometimes requiring dealer diagnosis. This can be a drivability annoyance and may point to sensor or software issues.
Electronic parking brake (EPB) failures where the brake won't disengage, requiring towing, and clicking/vibrating noises from the ABS system. Brake problems are safety-critical and should be addressed promptly.
Multiple system malfunctions including stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. Such widespread electrical faults can be dangerous and difficult to diagnose.
“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.
Suzuki Grand Vitara — 29 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
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
Suzuki Grand Vitara or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has far fewer complaints per year (32.4 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. In practice, the Grand Vitara may have fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's issues are often on newer models and may be covered by warranty. Both have safety-related complaints that warrant attention.
Key differences
- The Grand Vitara has 324 complaints over 10 years, while the Camry has 2056—but the Camry sells in much higher numbers, so per-vehicle rates may be similar.
- Air bag and lighting issues dominate Grand Vitara complaints, whereas Camry complaints center on power train, engine, and brakes.
- The Grand Vitara has 0 reported deaths in the data, while the Camry has 1 death and more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 23).
- Camry owners report electronic parking brake failures and multi-system electrical glitches, which are not prominent in Grand Vitara reports.
- Check for open air bag recalls, especially the tensioner recall that can cause belt detachment and loss of steering.
- Inspect headlight assemblies for frequent bulb failures or signs of needing full replacement.
- Test the electronic parking brake thoroughly; ensure it disengages smoothly and without noise.
- Check for transmission shudder or hesitation during a test drive, and scan for stored check engine codes.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if any open recalls exist for either vehicle.
- For the Grand Vitara, have a mechanic inspect the air bag system, steering components, and headlight wiring.
- For the Camry, test the electronic parking brake, transmission shifting, and throttle response during a test drive.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs, as these are common trouble spots.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total complaints
- 324
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total recalls
- 29
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki Grand Vitara avg complaints/year
- 32.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Suzuki Grand Vitara top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN