Last updated: 2026-05-15

Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86: Reliability Compared

Chevrolet Camaro reliability comparison

Chevrolet Camaro

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableToyota GR86 reliability comparison

Toyota GR86

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Camaro and the Toyota GR86? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota GR86 currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 75/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Camaro and Toyota GR86 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Toyota GR86 is in its second generation, which launched for the 2022 model year. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, potential first-year issues may still be present, though Toyota's reputation for reliability remains a strong consideration. The first generation ran from 2013 to 2020, with a notable facelift in 2017, which helped refine its design and performance. Conversely, the Chevrolet Camaro is in its sixth generation, which began in 2016 and is nearing the end of its cycle, having concluded in 2024. This generation experienced a facelift in 2019, which typically indicates a mature platform with most initial issues resolved, often resulting in a more reliable vehicle.

Verdict

The Toyota GR86 is more reliable than the Chevrolet Camaro, scoring 77/100 vs 75/100.

The Toyota GR86 and Chevrolet Camaro both offer respectable reliability, but the GR86 slightly outpaces the Camaro with a higher average reliability score of 77/100 compared to 75/100. However, the Camaro has a lower owner complaint rate of 1.8 per 10,000 units versus the GR86's 5.7, suggesting fewer reported issues relative to its sales volume. The GR86 has experienced fewer recalls with 3 across 5 years, while the Camaro has had 7 over 6 years. While repair costs for the GR86 are not available, the Camaro's estimated annual repair cost is $585, which should be considered in the overall ownership experience.

Key Differences

  1. 1Toyota GR86 has 4 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Chevrolet Camaro has 3.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Toyota GR86 scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Chevrolet Camaro
—
2Toyota GR86
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet CamaroToyota GR86
Reliability Score75/10077/100
Years Tracked65
Total Recalls73
Complaints per 10k Sold1.85.7
Year Wins1 (1 tied)1 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Camaro and Toyota GR86?

The Toyota GR86 and Chevrolet Camaro exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Camaro experiencing a higher volume of complaints overall. The Camaro's most significant issues are related to the power train, with 41 complaints, including 4 crash-linked incidents, and the electrical system with 25 complaints. In contrast, the GR86's primary concern is the engine, accounting for 14 of its 36 total complaints. Additionally, the Camaro reports issues in the steering and air bags categories, with the latter having 3 crash-linked complaints, highlighting safety-related concerns that the GR86 does not exhibit.

Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86 common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet CamaroToyota GR86
ENGINE0.2Very Low2.2Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low1.1Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.2Very Low0.5Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None0.6Very Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.3Very Low—None
STEERING0.2Very Low—None
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
SERVICE BRAKES—None—None
WHEELS—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet Camaro or Toyota GR86?

The Chevrolet Camaro has an annual repair cost of $585, with an average of 0.2 repair shop visits per year and a 17% risk of major repairs. Unfortunately, specific repair cost data for the Toyota GR86 is unavailable, making direct cost comparisons challenging. However, the Camaro's relatively low repair frequency suggests fewer disruptions and predictable maintenance expenses, appealing to cost-conscious buyers. The major repair risk of 17% over five years could mean significant expenses for the Camaro, potentially reaching around $2,925 if major repairs occur. Without comparable data for the GR86, the Camaro appears to offer a more transparent cost structure for budget-focused consumers.

How Does Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86 Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86 year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet CamaroToyota GR86Edge
202477/1000R / 4C77/1001R / 3CTie
202381/1000R / 0C77/1001R / 9CChevrolet Camaro
202275/1001R / 10C76/1001R / 21CToyota GR86

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Chevrolet Camaro scored 81/100 and the 2024 Toyota GR86 scored 77/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Camaro vs the Toyota GR86?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer recalls, the Toyota GR86 might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 77/100 and only three recalls, it presents a solid option for those who want peace of mind on the road. However, keep in mind that it has a slightly higher number of owner complaints at 5.7 per 10,000 sold, focusing on issues like the engine and fuel/propulsion system. On the other hand, if you're looking for a car with a lower frequency of owner complaints, the Chevrolet Camaro could be appealing. It has only 1.8 complaints per 10,000 sold and an estimated annual repair cost of $585. With a reliability score of 75/100, it's just a touch behind the GR86 but has a higher major repair risk at 17%. This could be a concern if you want to avoid unexpected expenses. Ultimately, if reliability and fewer recalls are your primary concerns, the Toyota GR86 is recommended. However, if you value lower complaint frequency and manageable repair costs, the Chevrolet Camaro might suit you better.

Chevrolet Camaro vs Toyota GR86: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Camaro more reliable than the Toyota GR86?
Based on our data, the Toyota GR86 is more reliable with an average score of 77/100 compared to 75/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Camaro or the Toyota GR86?
The Chevrolet Camaro has more recalls (7) compared to the Toyota GR86 (3). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Camaro or the Toyota GR86?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Camaro has a lower complaint rate at 1.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 5.7 for the Toyota GR86. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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