Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki XL7 vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki XL7 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 XL7 vs Toyota Camry: The XL7 averages 36.2 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averages 205.6 per year over 10 years. The Camry has 31 recalls versus 2 for the XL7, but the Camry's higher volume explains much of the difference. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki XL7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki XL7
The Suzuki XL7 is a discontinued SUV with a relatively low complaint volume—217 over six years—but the pattern shows persistent, varied problems. Owners report steering and engine issues, air bag warning lights, electrical gremlins like door locks and sunroof leaks, and fuel system concerns. With Suzuki out of the U.S. market, parts and dealer support can be harder to find, making these issues more burdensome.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has a much higher complaint count—2,056 over ten years—but that reflects its huge sales volume. The pattern includes power train shuddering and key-stuck problems, engine hesitation, brake noise and electronic parking brake failures, and complex electrical/software glitches. Recalls are frequent, covering seats, air bag sensors, and wheels, so checking recall history is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki XL7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 217 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 XL7
- 01STEERING53
- 02ENGINE39
- 03AIR BAGS36
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM28
Owners report pulsating at low speeds, grinding noises, and even the vehicle shutting off during a U-turn, often after timing chain work. These symptoms suggest steering or related component wear that can affect control and safety.
Complaints include check engine lights, oil consumption (over two quarts low), and timing chain codes. Such issues can lead to costly repairs and potential engine damage if ignored.
The service air bag light comes on and off, and the passenger air bag may deactivate regardless of seat weight. This means the air bag may not deploy when needed, and diagnosis is difficult with Suzuki out of business.
Door locks fail to respond to the key fob, and sunroof leaks into the cabin. These problems can leave you locked out or cause water damage to electronics.
“TO BEGIN, MY MOONROOF LEAKED INTO THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS IN THE CABIN ANY TIME I WASHED THE CAR. HAD TO TAKE IT IN 3 TIMES TO GET IT FIXED. WINDOW SEALS WERE BUCKLING AND GOT THOSE REPLACED BY DEALER - BUT CONTINUED TO BUCKLE. ALL STABILITRAC LIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS…”
“FALL 2018 HAD OBD CODE FOR TIMING CHAIN- REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER, END OF NOVEMBER 2019 PULSATING AT LOW SPEEDS- ALIGNMENT, NEW BRAKES, NEW TIRES. JANUARY 2020 MADE A U TURN AT LOW SPEEDS APPROX. 2 MPH AND VEHICLE MADE GRINDING NOISE AND SHUT OFF W…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection, and shuddering/hesitation while driving with check engine lights. These can strand you or indicate transmission issues.
Delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating are reported, sometimes multiple times. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. Brake problems directly affect stopping ability.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. Such widespread electrical glitches can overwhelm the driver and are hard 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 XL7 — 2 recalls
The defect: American Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2007 XL-7 vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; and manufactured June 13, 2006, through December 22, 2006. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the…
The risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The fix: American Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on March 7, 2013. Owners may contact American Suzuki Customer Relations at 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." AN INCORRECT PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED WHEN INSTALLING THE WINDSHIELD.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURIES TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY GLASS (WINDSHIELD, LIFTGATE GLASS, OR THE SIDE STATIONARY GLASS) THAT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2007. 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 XL7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki XL7 has far fewer complaints per year (36.2 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's higher count is partly due to its much larger sales volume. In practice, the XL7's issues are less frequent but may be harder to fix due to parts availability, while the Camry's issues are more numerous but better supported by dealers and recalls.
Key differences
- The XL7 has 217 complaints over 6 years (36.2/year) vs. the Camry's 2,056 over 10 years (205.6/year), but the Camry sells in far greater numbers.
- XL7 owners report steering pulsation/grinding and air bag light issues; Camry owners report key-stuck and brake/electronic parking brake failures.
- The Camry has 31 recalls covering seats, air bag sensors, and wheels; the XL7 has only 2 recalls (fuel pump and windshield).
- Suzuki's exit from the U.S. makes XL7 repairs harder, while Toyota's widespread dealer network supports Camry fixes.
- Check for steering pulsation or grinding noises at low speeds, and listen for timing chain rattle; these are reported failure patterns.
- Test the sunroof for leaks (pour water) and verify all door locks respond to the key fob, as electrical and leak issues are common.
- Ensure the ignition key can be removed smoothly in Park, and test for shuddering or hesitation during a test drive.
- Verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages without noise or sticking, and check for any brake pedal clicking/vibration.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Camry's seat and air bag sensor recalls.
- For the XL7, have a mechanic inspect the steering system, timing chain, and sunroof seals; for the Camry, check power train behavior and brake function.
- Test all electrical features: door locks, windows, air bag lights, and infotainment on the XL7; and stability control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping on the Camry.
- Confirm availability of parts and qualified mechanics for the Suzuki, as dealer support is limited.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, engine response, and any unusual noises from steering or brakes.
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 XL7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki XL7 vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki XL7 total complaints
- 217
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Suzuki XL7 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki XL7 avg complaints/year
- 36.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki XL7
- Suzuki XL7 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN