Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota Camry
How the Toyota Tacoma 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 Tacoma vs Toyota Camry: Over 10 years, the Tacoma averaged 119 complaints per year with 25 recalls, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. Both have power train and brake issues, but the Tacoma's rate is lower. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup that owners often buy for its utility and durability. Over 10 years, NHTSA logged 1,194 complaints, about 119 per year, with 25 recalls and 71 crash-related reports. The most common complaints involve the power train, brakes, and fuel system, with owners describing shuddering, transmission fluid issues, and brake vibrations. While many Tacomas serve reliably, these patterns suggest that some trucks may need attention to these systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan known for comfort and efficiency. In the same 10-year period, NHTSA recorded 2,056 complaints, roughly 206 per year, along with 31 recalls and 171 crash-related reports. The top complaint areas are the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting issues like key sticking, hesitation, and brake noises. This higher complaint volume means a used Camry buyer should be aware of these potential trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,194 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 71 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 93 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Tacoma
- 01POWER TRAIN258
- 02SERVICE BRAKES211
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM158
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 05ENGINE138
Owners report shuddering under load, especially uphill or from a stop, often linked to a failing torque converter. Some also find transmission fluid black and burnt at low mileage, which can lead to costly repairs if ignored.
Complaints include vibrations felt through the seats when braking, sometimes traced to rear brake drums. Another report describes the auto vehicle hold system not engaging as expected on slippery surfaces, which could affect stopping confidence.
Drivers have experienced engine light warnings for electronic faults and instances where the engine did not respond when accelerating, with the dashboard lighting up as if the key was turned off. These issues can leave a driver momentarily without power.
Some owners report paint failure, such as peeling on Super White models, and others mention torque converter symptoms under this category. Paint problems are cosmetic but can affect resale value and lead to rust if untreated.
“Vehicle exhibits symptoms typically associated with (at least in older vehicles) of a failing torque converter. Initial onset was around the 5k mile mark, the truck was purchased brand new. Vehicles shudders under load, especially uphill or from a stop, the t…”
“Transmission is failing, fluid was black and burnt at 35k miles (dealer did not provide a large enough sample to allow for testing the fluid because I didn't specify the amount I needed), and vehicle is not throwing a CEL or MIL so therefore Toyota says that…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
A recurring complaint is the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others report hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine management issues.
Owners describe delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second lag before the car moves. This hesitation can be unsettling when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Another common complaint is a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers often attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned simultaneously in some cars. This can suddenly reduce driver assistance features and may indicate a broader electrical fault.
“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 Tacoma — 25 recalls
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V…
The risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may con…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
The risk: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota custo…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
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 Tacoma or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tacoma has fewer complaints per year (about 119) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), suggesting the Tacoma may have a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have notable problem areas, so the difference means a buyer should still carefully inspect the specific systems mentioned for each model.
Key differences
- The Tacoma has about 119 complaints per year versus about 206 for the Camry, indicating fewer reported issues overall for the Tacoma.
- Tacoma owners frequently report torque converter shudder and transmission fluid problems, while Camry owners more often report stuck ignition keys and delayed throttle response.
- Brake complaints differ: Tacoma issues include vibrations and auto-hold concerns, whereas Camry issues include electronic parking brake failure and ABS noise.
- The Camry has more crash-related reports (171 vs. 71) and injuries (158 vs. 93), though these numbers don't prove cause and should be interpreted cautiously.
- During a test drive, accelerate from a stop and uphill to feel for shuddering or hesitation that could indicate a failing torque converter.
- Check the transmission fluid color and smell; black or burnt fluid at low mileage suggests neglect or internal damage.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking; if it sticks, it may signal a costly repair.
- Test the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises when braking, which could point to ABS or brake switch issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the power train, brakes, and electrical systems.
- For the Tacoma, specifically ask the mechanic to check transmission fluid condition and torque converter operation.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, electronic parking brake, and throttle response during the test drive.
- Review NHTSA complaints for the specific model year you are considering to see if patterns persist.
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 Tacoma | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 100 | 163 |
| 2024 | 151 | 50 |
| 2023 | 54 | 64 |
| 2022 | 59 | 61 |
| 2021 | 80 | 157 |
| 2020 | 87 | 274 |
| 2019 | 218 | 395 |
| 2018 | 206 | 744 |
| 2017 | 239 | 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 Tacoma or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota Camry
- Toyota Tacoma total complaints
- 1,194
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Toyota Tacoma total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Toyota Tacoma avg complaints/year
- 119.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tacoma top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN