Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Camry vs Toyota Sienna
How the Toyota Camry and Toyota Sienna compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Camry vs Toyota Sienna: The Camry has 209.9 complaints per year, with serious powertrain and brake issues, while the Sienna has 74.9 per year, with seat and transmission problems. The Camry has 177 crash-related complaints, the Sienna 35. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Camry or Toyota Sienna more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, shows a high volume of owner complaints concentrated in the powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs, sudden acceleration incidents, and brake failures, which are serious safety concerns. The frequency of complaints (about 210 per year) suggests these issues are not rare, and the presence of crash-related complaints and injuries underscores the potential impact on safety.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna, a minivan, has fewer complaints per year (about 75) but a notable focus on seat-related issues, including seats moving independently and water leaks from AC clogging. Powertrain problems like transmission whining and acceleration delay are also reported, along with brake vibration. The lower complaint rate suggests a generally more reliable vehicle, but the seat and powertrain issues are still significant for a family-oriented vehicle.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Camry | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,099 | 749 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 34 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 177 | 35 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 209.9 | 74.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 161 | 45 Better |
| 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.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN389
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER336
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues and recommending replacement. Some mention recalls for the same issue, indicating a known problem that can lead to costly repairs.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss. Also, engine maintenance lights with codes related to coolant valve bypass recalls, but some VINs are not covered, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill slope, which is extremely dangerous. This suggests potential brake system defects that require immediate attention.
“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…”
Toyota Sienna
- 01SEATS234
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER117
- 03POWER TRAIN77
- 04SERVICE BRAKES69
- 05STRUCTURE57
Owners report rear seats moving independently forward while the vehicle is stationary, which could be a safety hazard for passengers. Also, water leaks from AC clogging can damage seats and interior.
Transmission whining or humming that worsens over time, along with a delay in acceleration when pressing the gas, are common complaints. This indicates a potential transmission defect that may require replacement.
Vibration in the front brakes when driving downhill is reported, which can be alarming and may indicate warped rotors or other brake issues.
“The last week of September 2021 my husband notice a sound like water runing and a leak on the driver and passenger seats, we take the vehicle to the Dealer for an inspection on October 2nd. They said the AC hose was clogged for a spiderweb and the leak can cr…”
“TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA SIENNA. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, WHEN ALL FOUR REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS BEGAN TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER AUTONATION TOYOTA HAYWARD LOCATED…”
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 Camry — 26 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 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
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…
Toyota Sienna — 34 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300,…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the extensions to fracture.
The risk: If the steering shaft extension completely fractures, it can cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Toyota Sienna mobility van conversions. The brake lines may have incorrect tube nut fittings installed, which may cause a pressure drop within the braking system.
The risk: The reduction in the braking system pressure may cause a loss of braking power in the rear braking system, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will install an adaptor to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
Buyer analysis
Toyota Camry or Toyota Sienna: which should you buy?
The Toyota Sienna has fewer complaints per year (about 75) compared to the Camry (about 210), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means a Sienna buyer may face fewer problems overall, but the Camry's issues are more concentrated in critical safety systems like brakes and engine, which could be more severe.
Key differences
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate (209.9 per year) than the Sienna (74.9 per year).
- Camry complaints are heavily focused on powertrain, engine, and brakes, with reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure.
- Sienna complaints are dominated by seat issues (234) and include transmission whining and brake vibration.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (177) and injuries (161) compared to the Sienna (35 and 45).
- Inspect the transmission for any grinding noises or signs of failure, as many owners report needing replacement.
- Check the brake system thoroughly, especially for any loss of pedal response, which has been reported.
- Test all seats, especially rear ones, for any unexpected movement or looseness.
- Listen for transmission whining or humming during a test drive, and check for any delay in acceleration.
Before you buy
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission on both vehicles, as both have reported transmission issues.
- Check the Camry's engine for any signs of sudden acceleration or maintenance lights related to coolant valve.
- On the Sienna, test the AC system for leaks and check for water damage under seats.
- Test drive both on a downhill slope to feel for brake vibration or failure.
- Review the recall history and ensure all recalls have been addressed for the specific VIN.
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 Camry | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 106 | 12 |
| 2025 | 141 | 260 |
| 2024 | 46 | 63 |
| 2023 | 60 | 62 |
| 2022 | 58 | 13 |
| 2021 | 154 | 37 |
| 2020 | 267 | 36 |
| 2019 | 388 | 45 |
| 2018 | 731 | 69 |
| 2017 | 148 | 152 |
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 Camry or Toyota Sienna in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Camry vs Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,099
- Toyota Sienna total complaints
- 749
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Sienna total recalls
- 34
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 209.9
- Toyota Sienna avg complaints/year
- 74.9
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Sienna top complaint area
- SEATS