Head-to-head reliability
Acura Integra vs Toyota Camry
How the Acura Integra 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
Acura Integra vs Toyota Camry: The Integra has fewer complaints per year (50.2) than the Camry (214.3), but its main issue is a sticky steering gearbox, which is under recall. The Camry has more varied problems, including transmission and brake failures. Both have had recalls, but the Integra's steering issue is a critical safety concern. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura Integra or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra, in its modern form, is a compact sporty sedan that owners report as having a serious steering issue. The dominant complaint is a 'sticky' steering feel, especially on the highway, which can make the wheel hard to recenter. This is tied to a recall and technical service bulletin, indicating a known problem with the electric power steering gearbox. While other issues like a spontaneously exploding sunroof and random engine shutdowns are reported, they are far less common. Overall, the Integra's reliability picture is heavily colored by this one significant steering defect.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a much higher total number of complaints, but spread over more years and covering a wider range of issues. Owners report problems across the powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical system. Notable complaints include transmission grinding, sudden unintended acceleration, brake failure, and a persistent AC odor. While the Camry has more recalls and a higher complaint rate, the issues are more varied and not as concentrated in one critical system as the Integra's steering problem.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura Integra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 301 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 50.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 Better | 163 |
| 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.
Acura Integra
- 01STEERING246
- 02LANE DEPARTURE13
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
- 04SEAT BELTS9
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8
Owners report a 'sticky' steering wheel that is hard to turn or recenter, especially at highway speeds. This is linked to the electric power steering gearbox and is the subject of a recall (24V-744). This can make the car feel unstable and require constant correction, which is tiring and potentially dangerous.
Some owners report sudden, unexplained engine shutdowns while driving, which can be very dangerous. Others have reported the sunroof spontaneously exploding, though this is less common. These issues are hard to diagnose and could leave you stranded or in a hazardous situation.
There are reports of the passenger seat belt buckle coming undone on its own, which is a serious safety concern. Additionally, the placement of the horn buttons on the steering wheel has been criticized as a potential safety issue in an emergency.
“Vehicle: 2024 Acura Integra Affected Component: Steering Gearbox Assembly / Electric Power Steering (EPS) Related Recall: NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-744 / Acura TSB 24-054 Description of Incident: My vehicle is actively experiencing the dangerous "sticky," hea…”
“The steering on this vehicle began feeling sticky intermittently, not every trip starting 7/31/2024. Since then it has become more and more of an issue. The sticky steering is most noticeable on the interstate when trying to recenter the steering wheel after…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, often requiring complete replacement. This is a major repair and can be costly. Some also report sudden unintended acceleration, which is a critical safety issue.
There are reports of engine issues, including a specific code (P268115) related to a coolant valve bypass that may not be covered by a recall for all VINs. This can lead to engine overheating or other problems.
Several owners report a complete loss of brake response, which is terrifying and dangerous. This can happen on hills or in parking lots, leading to potential crashes.
A common complaint is a persistent, unpleasant odor from the air conditioning system, often described as vinegar-like or mildewy. While not a safety issue, it can make the car unpleasant to drive.
“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.
Acura Integra — 15 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
The defect: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIA…
The risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
The fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
The defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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
Acura Integra or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Acura Integra has far fewer complaints per year (50.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but its issues are more concentrated in a single, critical area: steering. The Camry's problems are more widespread but also more varied. In practice, the Integra's steering defect is a known and recalled issue, while the Camry's problems are more unpredictable and could affect multiple systems.
Key differences
- The Integra's main problem is a sticky steering gearbox, which is a known recall issue, while the Camry has multiple serious issues like transmission failure and brake loss.
- The Integra has a much lower complaint rate per year (50.2) than the Camry (214.3), but the Integra's complaints are more focused on one safety-critical component.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the Integra (12 and 8), but the Integra has zero deaths while the Camry has one.
- The Integra has fewer recalls (15) than the Camry (31), but the Integra's steering recall is a major safety concern.
- Check if the steering recall (24V-744) has been performed; if not, have it done immediately. Test drive at highway speeds to feel for any stickiness or difficulty in steering.
- Inspect the sunroof for any signs of stress or previous replacement, and be aware of the potential for sudden shutdowns by checking for any related service bulletins.
- Listen for any grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have a mechanic inspect the transmission if possible.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure they respond properly. Also, check for any signs of an AC odor by running the system.
Before you buy
- For the Acura Integra: verify the steering recall has been completed and test drive at highway speeds to check for sticky steering.
- For the Toyota Camry: have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic focusing on the transmission, brakes, and engine.
- Check the vehicle's service history for any transmission or brake-related repairs.
- Ask about any open recalls and ensure they are addressed before purchase.
- Consider getting a vehicle history report to check for any accident or damage that might exacerbate existing issues.
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 | Acura Integra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 7 | 153 |
| 2024 | 63 | 48 |
| 2023 | 207 | 62 |
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 Acura Integra or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura Integra vs Toyota Camry
- Acura Integra total complaints
- 301
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Acura Integra total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Acura Integra avg complaints/year
- 50.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Acura Integra
- Acura Integra top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN