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 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry had 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Grand Vitara had 23 crash-related 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. Owners frequently report air bag issues, exterior lighting failures, and electrical problems. The low annual complaint rate suggests fewer reported problems, but the severity of safety-related complaints like air bags and steering means buyers should verify recall repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 214 per year—and 31 recalls. Common trouble spots include power train, engine, and brake issues, with some reports of sudden acceleration and transmission failure. Despite the higher count, the Camry remains a popular choice, but buyers should be aware of these recurring problems.
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 | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 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 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 critical because it affects both safety and drivability.
Frequent headlight bulb burnouts and the need to replace entire headlight assemblies at significant cost are common. 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 issues can leave drivers stranded or uncomfortable.
Reports of power steering pump drive-belt tension pulley problems and loose steering wheels. These can compromise control and may be linked to recalls.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the transmission, sudden acceleration, and transmission failure requiring replacement. These are serious and potentially dangerous.
Sudden uncontrollable acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues are reported. These can lead to crashes and costly repairs.
Some drivers experience no brake response when pressing the pedal, especially on slopes. This is a severe safety hazard.
HVAC odor problems and AC condenser damage from road debris are noted. These are less critical but affect comfort and repair costs.
“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 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 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 Grand Vitara or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has far fewer complaints per year (32.4 vs. 214.3), but both have safety-related issues. In practice, the Grand Vitara may have fewer overall problems, but the Camry's higher volume means more reported incidents, some severe.
Key differences
- The Grand Vitara averages 32.4 complaints per year; the Camry averages 214.3, a six-fold difference.
- Grand Vitara complaints often involve air bags and lighting; Camry complaints frequently involve power train and brakes.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death; the Grand Vitara has 23 crash-related and 0 deaths.
- Both have recalls, but the Grand Vitara's recalls include seats, while the Camry's include air bag sensors and wheels.
- Check for outstanding air bag recalls and confirm the tensioner and drive belt have been replaced.
- Inspect headlight assemblies for frequent bulb failures or damage, and test all electrical functions including heating and door locks.
- Test drive for transmission grinding or hesitation, and ask for transmission service records.
- Check brake responsiveness, especially on inclines, and verify any recall repairs for brakes or engine issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the air bags, steering, and brakes on the Grand Vitara.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check transmission, engine codes, and brake function.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including braking on slopes and accelerating.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed by a dealer.
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
- 2,143
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total recalls
- 29
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki Grand Vitara avg complaints/year
- 32.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Suzuki Grand Vitara top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN