Head-to-head reliability
Toyota BZ vs Toyota Camry
How the Toyota BZ 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
Toyota BZ vs Toyota Camry: The BZ has 0 complaints and 1 recall in 1 year, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The Camry also has 171 crash-related reports and 1 death. The BZ shows far fewer reported issues per year, but its recall covers electrical and propulsion systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota BZ or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota BZ
The Toyota BZ is a relatively new electric vehicle with no owner complaints on record over one year, suggesting early reliability is strong. However, it has one recall for electrical and propulsion system issues, which could affect the vehicle's operation. With zero crash-related reports, injuries, or deaths, the BZ appears to have a clean safety record so far. For a first-time buyer, this means low reported problems, but the recall should be addressed before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running sedan with over 2,000 complaints in 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report issues across major systems like power train, engine, brakes, and electrical, with some complaints involving hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. There are also 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports, including one death. This suggests that while many Camrys are on the road, buyers should be aware of potential recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota BZ | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Toyota BZ
No component data available.
The only recall for the Toyota BZ involves the electrical system, specifically related to the propulsion system. This could mean a risk of power loss or failure to start, which is critical for an electric vehicle. Buyers should confirm the recall repair was completed.
The recall also covers the propulsion system, which is the core of the electric drivetrain. A fault here could lead to reduced power or inability to drive. Since there are no owner complaints, the recall is the main known issue to check.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on. These can be frustrating and may indicate transmission or engine management problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be a safety concern in traffic. The check engine light often accompanies these symptoms, pointing to engine or sensor issues.
Some owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is from the ABS system and common. These issues can affect daily usability and brake confidence.
Multiple systems like smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping have malfunctioned simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or software glitches that could impair safety features. Such failures can be unpredictable and costly 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.
Toyota BZ — 1 recall
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Toyota BZ, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicles. The electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the high voltage battery may experience a fault, resulting in a loss of drive power.
The risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LA07 and 26TA11. S…
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
Toyota BZ or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota BZ has far fewer issues per year (0 complaints vs. about 206 for the Camry), but it has a recall for electrical and propulsion problems. The Camry's higher complaint volume reflects its longer production and larger fleet, but also points to recurring power train, engine, and brake issues. In practice, the BZ may offer a simpler ownership experience if the recall is fixed, while the Camry requires more vigilance for common problems.
Key differences
- The Toyota BZ has zero owner complaints and one recall for electrical/propulsion, while the Camry has over 2,000 complaints and 31 recalls across many systems.
- Camry owners report specific failures like stuck ignition keys, hesitation/shuddering, and electronic parking brake problems; the BZ has no such complaint text on record.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related reports and 1 death, whereas the BZ has none, though this may reflect different sales volumes and years on the road.
- The BZ's only known issue is a recall for electrical and propulsion systems, which is critical for an EV; the Camry's issues span power train, engine, brakes, and electrical, affecting daily driving.
- Check if the electrical/propulsion system recall has been performed and ask for documentation; an unrepaired recall could lead to power loss or failure to start.
- Since there are no owner complaints, any unusual noises or warning lights during a test drive should be taken seriously, as they may indicate early problems not yet reported.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and listen for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration; these are common owner-reported symptoms.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS or brake switch issues.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are repaired, especially the BZ's electrical/propulsion recall and any Camry recalls for air bags, seats, or wheels.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and maintenance records to see if common Camry issues like power train or brake problems have been addressed.
- During a test drive, pay attention to acceleration response, transmission shifting, and any warning lights on the dashboard.
- For the Camry, test the key removal, electronic parking brake, and listen for unusual brake noises; for the BZ, check for any electrical glitches or warning messages.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the areas mentioned in complaints and recalls, before purchase.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota BZ | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
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 Toyota BZ or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota BZ vs Toyota Camry
- Toyota BZ total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Toyota BZ total recalls
- 1
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Toyota BZ avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota BZ
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN