Head-to-head reliability
Acura NSX vs Toyota Camry
How the Acura NSX 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 NSX vs Toyota Camry: The NSX averages 1.4 complaints per year with 14 total, while the Camry averages 205.6 with 2056 total. The NSX has 9 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura NSX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is a low-volume sports car, averaging just 1.4 complaints per year over the past decade. Owner reports cluster around fuel pump failures, brake noises, and airbag deployment inconsistencies. With only 14 total complaints, it's a niche vehicle where problems are infrequent but can be serious when they occur.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with an average of 205.6 complaints per year. Recurring themes include power train hesitation, engine shuddering, and brake system noises. The sheer number of complaints reflects its popularity, but also points to widespread issues like delayed throttle response and electronic parking brake failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura NSX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 158 |
| 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 NSX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 02AIR BAGS3
- 03SERVICE BRAKES3
- 04TIRES3
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
Owners report fuel pump module failures, sometimes identical to a known recall but not covered for their VIN. This can cause stalling or failure to start, leaving you stranded.
Complaints describe a 'thud' noise when braking, often dismissed by dealers as normal. This suggests premature wear or loose components that could affect braking feel and safety.
One owner reported the passenger airbag deployed but the driver airbag did not in a crash. Such inconsistency is rare but alarming, as it could increase injury risk in a collision.
Reports include sidewall damage and flats from minor curb contact, indicating tires may be prone to damage. This could lead to unexpected blowouts if not regularly inspected.
“My vehicle is 2017 Acura NSX with VIN 19UNC1B08HY000777. My vehicle experienced a fuel pump module failure identical to the known defect under Recall 23V-858, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall. I believe it should be. This is a significant sa…”
“EVERY TIME YOU ACCELERATE IT MAKES A LOAD RATTLING NOISE & THE A.C. WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO ..”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners describe intermittent key-stuck issues where the ignition key won't release even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others report hesitation and shuddering during acceleration, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in several seconds of no movement. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common, linked to the ABS system.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic vulnerabilities that could impair safety features.
“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.
Acura NSX — 9 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura NSX vehicles. Road vibrations may cause the metal screws that secure the printed circuit board for the high mounted center brake light to loosen and contact the circuitry, possibly resulting in the brake light fuse blowing and the bra…
The risk: Brake lights that do not work increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the center high mount brake light, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-844-682-2872. Honda's number for this recall is B2B.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Acura NSX vehicles. The crossover pipe couplers between the left and right fuel tanks may leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U29, and…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
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
Acura NSX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Acura NSX has far fewer complaints per year (1.4 vs. 205.6), but its issues can be severe, like fuel pump failures. The Camry's higher volume means more frequent problems, but many are widespread and well-documented. In practice, the NSX may need less frequent attention, while the Camry's issues are more likely to affect daily driving.
Key differences
- The NSX averages 1.4 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 205.6, indicating a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- NSX complaints often involve fuel pump failures and airbag inconsistencies, whereas Camry complaints focus on power train hesitation and brake noises.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 9 for the NSX, but the NSX's recalls include critical fuel system issues.
- Camry owners report electronic glitches like key-stuck and EPB failures, while NSX owners report more mechanical issues like brake thuds and tire damage.
- Check for fuel pump module issues: listen for whining from the fuel tank and ensure the car starts promptly; verify if the VIN is covered by recall 23V-858.
- Inspect brakes for thud noises when stopping; test drive at low speeds and brake firmly to detect any unusual sounds or vibrations.
- Test the ignition key: ensure it can be removed easily when in Park; if it sticks, it may indicate a power train defect.
- Check the electronic parking brake: engage and disengage it multiple times to ensure it releases properly; listen for clicking noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Take a test drive that includes braking, accelerating, and parking to replicate common complaint scenarios.
- Have a mechanic inspect the fuel system (NSX) or power train and brakes (Camry) for signs of the reported issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump replacements or brake repairs.
- Verify that all electronic systems (airbags, stability control, parking brake) function correctly during the test drive.
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 NSX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 Acura NSX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura NSX vs Toyota Camry
- Acura NSX total complaints
- 14
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Acura NSX total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Acura NSX avg complaints/year
- 1.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Acura NSX
- Acura NSX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN