Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Verona vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki Verona 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 Verona vs Toyota Camry: The Verona averaged 43.2 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Camry averaged 205.6 over 10 years. The Verona has 9 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints. Both have 1 death reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Verona or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Verona
The Suzuki Verona is a sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over five years, it averaged 43.2 complaints per year, with the engine and cooling system being the most common trouble spot. Owners frequently report stalling, transmission clunks, and electrical gremlins, which can leave you stranded. With 9 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan with a generally strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows it's not immune to problems. Over ten years, it averaged 205.6 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake issues being the most frequent. Owners report shuddering, delayed acceleration, and electronic parking brake failures. With 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, it's clear that even reliable models can have significant issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Verona | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 216 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 43.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 158 |
| 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.
Suzuki Verona
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING80
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM37
- 03POWER TRAIN31
- 04FUEL SYSTEM25
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
Owners report the engine stalling without warning, sometimes in the middle of the street, and refusing to restart. This is a serious safety risk as it can happen while driving, leaving you unable to accelerate or move out of traffic.
Complaints include stalling and cutting off without notice, often linked to the daytime running light module. A recall exists for the DRL system, but owners still report electrical issues that can cause the car to shut down unexpectedly.
Transmission problems are common, with owners reporting loud clunks when accelerating and even multiple transmission replacements. This can be expensive and indicates a weak point in the drivetrain.
Owners describe engine stalling during deceleration and throttle body failures that require replacement. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and may recur even after repairs.
“I PURCHASED THE 2004 SUZUKI VERONA LAST YEAR FROM A THIRD PARTY. THE ENGINE STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT COMPLETELY STOPS. LAST YEAR IT STOPPED COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. LUCKILY NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME. I HAD TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK AND FIX IT.…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI VERONA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED, IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR, BUT T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can be unsettling and may indicate transmission problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, as you expect immediate power.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which can be distracting and may signal ABS issues.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This can overwhelm the driver with warnings and reduce vehicle safety features.
“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 Verona — 9 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Verona vehicles manufactured June 2003 to October 2005. In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.
The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DRL module in the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2014. Owners can contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO INADEQUATE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PULLEY.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TO DISCONNECT RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING, AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Verona vehicles manufactured June 2003 to October 2005. In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.
The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DRL module in the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2014. Owners can contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO INADEQUATE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PULLEY.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TO DISCONNECT RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING, AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
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 Verona or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Verona has fewer complaints per year (43.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Verona's issues are often more severe, like stalling and transmission failures. The Camry's higher volume of complaints reflects its larger sales, but many are for less critical issues. In practice, the Verona may be more prone to sudden breakdowns, while the Camry has a broader range of problems.
Key differences
- The Suzuki Verona has a much lower annual complaint rate (43.2 vs. 205.6), but its complaints often involve stalling and transmission failures that can leave you stranded.
- The Toyota Camry has more recalls (31 vs. 9) and crash-related complaints (171 vs. 10), but many are for less critical issues like seat sensors and lug nuts.
- Verona owners frequently report engine stalling and electrical shutdowns, while Camry owners report delayed acceleration and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Verona's power train issues include multiple transmission replacements, whereas the Camry's power train complaints often involve key stuck and hesitation.
- Check for any signs of engine stalling or hesitation during a test drive, and ask for maintenance records related to the throttle body and transmission.
- Inspect the daytime running lights and electrical system for proper function, and verify that any recalls (especially for the DRL module) have been addressed.
- Test the electronic parking brake thoroughly to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- During a test drive, pay attention to throttle response and transmission behavior, looking for hesitation, shuddering, or delayed acceleration.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for accidents, recalls, and service records.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Verify that all open recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate potential stalling or hesitation.
- For the Camry, specifically test the electronic parking brake and all electronic safety features; for the Verona, check for transmission clunks and electrical glitches.
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 Verona or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Verona vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki Verona total complaints
- 216
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Suzuki Verona total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki Verona avg complaints/year
- 43.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Verona
- Suzuki Verona top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN