Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Sienna vs Toyota Camry
How the Toyota Sienna 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 Sienna vs Toyota Camry: The Sienna has 769 complaints over 10 years (77/yr) versus the Camry's 2143 (214/yr). The Sienna's top issue is seats, while the Camry faces serious engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Sienna or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan that owners report as generally comfortable but with notable issues in the second-row seats, which can slide or fail to adjust properly, posing a hazard during braking. There are also reports of water leaks into the cabin, engine shutdowns, and brake problems, though these are less frequent. Overall, it has a moderate complaint rate of about 77 per year, with a significant portion related to seats.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan with a higher complaint rate of about 214 per year, indicating more frequent issues. Owners report transmission problems, sudden acceleration incidents, engine coolant valve failures, and brake failures, which are serious safety concerns. The higher number of complaints and crash-related incidents suggest that the Camry may have more reliability and safety issues in real-world use.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Sienna | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 769 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 76.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 163 |
| 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 Sienna
- 01SEATS236
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER119
- 03POWER TRAIN77
- 04SERVICE BRAKES73
- 05STRUCTURE61
Owners report that second-row captain's chairs can slide forward unexpectedly during braking, and seat height adjustment may be inadequate for tall drivers, causing head impacts during turns. These issues can increase injury risk in a collision.
There are reports of water leaking into the cabin, staining headliners and seat belts, which could affect airbag deployment and cause electrical issues. Also, small objects can fall into the center console gap, potentially causing distractions.
Some owners experience engine shutdowns without warning, leading to loss of power while driving, which is dangerous especially when carrying children. Others report shuddering and RPM fluctuations upon ignition, indicating potential transmission or engine problems.
Brake issues include the vehicle skidding when braking at low speeds, with ABS warning lights illuminating and abnormal sounds. This suggests potential problems with the ABS system or brake components, affecting stopping ability.
“While driving my new 2026 Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition home from the dealership on the day of purchase (XXX), I applied routine braking to stop at a yellow light. Both second-row captain's chairs, which had been slid fully rearward and left in the upright p…”
“Seat height not adjusting is ludicrous and a hazard! My husband is 6'4", my sons, 6'1", they seat height is not safe and braking/turns cause them to hit their heads. This could be life threatening in a real accident. There should be a lower profile seat that…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that may require replacement. This is a costly repair and can leave you stranded.
There are complaints about AC condensers being easily damaged by rocks, leading to refrigerant leaks, and recurring mildew odors from the HVAC system, which can be unpleasant and costly to fix.
Serious reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration have led to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, engine coolant valve bypass codes indicate a known issue that may not be covered by recall for all VINs, posing a safety risk.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a downhill curve, which is extremely dangerous. This suggests potential master cylinder or brake line issues 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…”
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 Sienna — 44 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: 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: 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…
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
Toyota Sienna or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Sienna has fewer complaints per year (77) compared to the Camry (214), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Sienna's seat problems are unique and can be a safety concern for families. The Camry's higher complaint rate, especially with engine and brake failures, suggests more frequent and serious reliability issues.
Key differences
- The Sienna has a much lower complaint rate per year (77) than the Camry (214), indicating fewer reported problems overall.
- The Sienna's most common issue is with seats, which can slide or be uncomfortable for tall drivers, while the Camry's top issues are powertrain and engine problems, including sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the Sienna (36 and 45), suggesting a higher safety risk in real-world incidents.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Sienna's recalls focus on fuel pumps and airbags, while the Camry's include occupant classification sensors and wheel lug nuts.
- Inspect the second-row seats: ensure they lock securely in place and that the height adjustment works properly, as owners report sliding and inadequate height.
- Check for water leaks around the roof and seat belts, as some owners have reported water intrusion that could affect airbags.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, as owners report sudden loss of braking power.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, as this could indicate a need for costly replacement.
Before you buy
- For the Sienna, test the second-row seats by sliding them and adjusting height to ensure they stay put and provide adequate headroom.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for any signs of wear or previous repairs.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls have been addressed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for brake and transmission services.
- Take both vehicles for a test drive, including highway speeds and braking, to feel for any vibrations or unusual noises.
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 Sienna | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 119 |
| 2025 | 265 | 153 |
| 2024 | 65 | 48 |
| 2023 | 66 | 62 |
| 2022 | 15 | 59 |
| 2021 | 40 | 155 |
| 2020 | 38 | 270 |
| 2019 | 45 | 393 |
| 2018 | 69 | 736 |
| 2017 | 153 | 148 |
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 Sienna or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Sienna vs Toyota Camry
- Toyota Sienna total complaints
- 769
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Toyota Sienna total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Sienna avg complaints/year
- 76.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Sienna top complaint area
- SEATS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN