Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Gs500 vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki Gs500 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 Gs500 vs Toyota Camry: The GS500 had 4 complaints over 9 years (0.4/year) and no crashes, while the Camry had 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/year) with 181 crash-related reports. The GS500's issues include stalling and battery drain; the Camry's include transmission and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Gs500 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Gs500
The Suzuki GS500 is a simple, lightweight motorcycle that has been around for years, often bought as a first bike or commuter. Over nine years, NHTSA logged only 4 complaints, averaging 0.4 per year, with no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported. The complaints point to occasional stalling at highway speed, a strange self-acceleration feeling, battery drain, and a lighting recall. For a buyer, this suggests a machine with few reported problems, but the ones that do appear can affect rideability and electrical reliability.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for dependability, but NHTSA data shows 2,143 complaints over ten years, averaging 214.3 per year, with 181 crash-related reports, 163 injuries, and 1 death. The most common areas are power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system. Owners describe issues like transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems. While many Camrys run well, the volume of complaints means a used buyer should check these systems carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Gs500 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Gs500
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
One owner reported the motorcycle shutting off without warning above 60 mph, and giving throttle did not help. This could leave a rider stranded or in a dangerous spot on the highway, so a test ride at higher speeds is wise.
A 2002 GS500 owner said the bike felt like it was trying to accelerate on its own at speeds of at least 35 mph, though the dealer could not reproduce it. This kind of unpredictable throttle behavior is hard to diagnose and could be unsettling.
One complaint described the battery draining repeatedly, requiring replacement twice. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly, so check the charging system and battery health.
There are four recalls for exterior lighting, and one owner mentioned receiving a recall notice but worrying the dealer would refuse to do the work. Make sure any open recalls are completed, as lighting affects visibility.
“AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE ONCE I WENT OVER 60 MPH IT SHUT OFF ON ME WITH NO WARNING ALL I NOTED THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH THROTTLE I GAVE IT THE BIKE DIDN'T WANT TO GO. *TR”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission problems that may need replacement. Another complaint described unintended acceleration in a parking lot. These are serious and can be expensive to fix.
Complaints include sudden, uncontrollable acceleration that led to a crash, and a coolant valve bypass issue that some VINs are not covered for. Engine problems can be dangerous and costly, so a thorough inspection and recall check are essential.
One owner reported no brake response while driving down a steep hill, and another had trouble braking in a parking lot. Brake failure is a critical safety concern, so have the braking system inspected by a mechanic.
Several complaints mention AC condenser damage from road debris and a persistent mildew or vinegar smell from the vents. These are comfort and potential cost issues, but not usually safety-related.
“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 Gs500 — 4 recalls
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
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 Gs500 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki GS500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.4 vs. 214.3) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, while the Toyota Camry has many more complaints and some serious safety-related reports. In practice, the GS500 may be simpler and less likely to have documented problems, but the Camry's higher volume means more data and more potential issues to check.
Key differences
- The Suzuki GS500 has only 4 complaints over 9 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,143 over 10 years, showing a huge difference in reported problem volume.
- The GS500 has no crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in the data, but the Camry has 181 crash-related reports, 163 injuries, and 1 death.
- GS500 complaints focus on stalling, self-acceleration feeling, battery drain, and lighting recalls; Camry complaints include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC issues.
- The GS500 is a motorcycle with 4 recalls, all for exterior lighting; the Camry has 31 recalls covering air bags, seats, wheels, and labels.
- Test ride at highway speeds and check for any sudden shutdown or loss of power, as one owner reported the bike cutting off above 60 mph.
- Inspect the battery and charging system, and ask if the battery has been replaced multiple times, since one complaint noted repeated battery drain.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration and test drive at various speeds; a dealer may need to confirm transmission issues.
- Check brake responsiveness on hills and in parking lots, as owners reported brake failure and difficulty stopping.
Before you buy
- For the GS500, verify all four exterior lighting recalls have been completed and test the lights, turn signals, and brake light.
- For the Camry, run the VIN through Toyota's recall lookup and ensure any open recalls, especially for air bags and seats, are fixed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds for the GS500 and stop-and-go traffic plus hills for the Camry.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Camry's transmission, brakes, and engine for the specific issues reported by owners.
- Ask for maintenance records and check the battery age on the GS500 and the AC system on the Camry for odors or damage.
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 Gs500 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Gs500 vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki Gs500 total complaints
- 4
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Suzuki Gs500 total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki Gs500 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Gs500
- Suzuki Gs500 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN