Head-to-head reliability
Acura RDX vs Toyota Camry
How the Acura RDX 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 RDX vs Toyota Camry: The RDX averages 115 complaints per year with 22 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 28). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RDX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 115 complaints per year over the past decade, with 22 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with the panoramic roof, rear window shattering, wiper failure, and engine problems. While it has fewer complaints than the Camry, the types of issues—like a roof that pops and creaks or a rear window that shatters spontaneously—can be frustrating and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with about 206 complaints per year, more than double the RDX, and 31 recalls. Common owner complaints include transmission shuddering, key stuck in ignition, brake noise, and multiple electrical system malfunctions. The higher complaint volume suggests more frequent visits to the dealer, though many issues may be covered under warranty or recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RDX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,147 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 114.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 Better | 158 |
| 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.
Acura RDX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER311
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER205
- 03ENGINE193
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM115
- 05POWER TRAIN111
Owners report a loud popping and creaking noise from the panoramic roof frame, as described in a technical service bulletin. This can be annoying and may indicate a structural issue that requires dealer attention.
Some owners experienced the rear hatch window shattering spontaneously while parked, and others had windshield wipers suddenly seize during heavy rain. Both issues can impair visibility and pose safety risks.
Complaints include engine-related problems that occurred while driving, such as during highway travel. These can lead to loss of power or other performance issues, requiring immediate attention.
Multiple owners reported their RDX was stolen despite having the keys, with evidence of forced entry on the driver-door key cylinder. This suggests a vulnerability that could leave the vehicle at risk.
“The panoramic roof frame assembly on my 2022 Acura RDX exhibits the exact condition described in Acura Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-004. The panoramic roof produces loud popping and creaking noises during normal driving over uneven pavement and drivewa…”
“Highlight: The car was able to be started with a button press and driven away without any key inside the car. (Also, some side information that the car had it's annual check-up on the Saturday before this incident). Normally my wife keeps her purse in the hou…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Others experienced hesitation and shuddering while driving, which can affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include multiple system malfunctions at once, such as smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing simultaneously. This can be alarming and dangerous if it happens while driving.
Some owners experienced delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator resulted in a several-second delay before the car moved. This can be risky when merging or crossing traffic.
Reports include the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that dealers say is common. These issues can be inconvenient and costly if not covered by warranty.
“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 RDX — 22 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…
The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
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 RDX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Acura RDX has fewer complaints per year (about 115 vs. 206 for the Camry), but both have similar recall counts. In practice, the RDX may require less frequent dealer visits for complaints, but the Camry's higher volume means more owner-reported issues, though many may be minor or addressed by recalls.
Key differences
- The Camry has nearly double the annual complaint rate (206 vs. 115), but the RDX has issues like spontaneous rear window shattering that are less common but alarming.
- The RDX has 22 recalls, while the Camry has 31, indicating more recall campaigns for the Camry.
- Camry owners frequently report transmission shuddering and key-stuck issues, while RDX owners report panoramic roof noise and theft vulnerability.
- Both vehicles have 1 death reported, but the Camry has far more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 28) and injuries (158 vs. 23).
- Listen for popping or creaking noises from the panoramic roof during a test drive over uneven surfaces, as this may indicate a known issue.
- Inspect the rear hatch window for any signs of stress cracks or previous shattering, and test the windshield wipers to ensure they operate smoothly.
- Check that the ignition key can be easily removed when the car is in Park, and look for any signs of hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls and prior complaints.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the panoramic roof (RDX) or transmission (Camry) for signs of the reported issues.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and heavy rain if possible, to replicate potential problems.
- Verify that all keys are present and that the keyless entry and ignition systems function correctly.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional complaints or recalls specific to the model year you are considering.
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 RDX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 30 | 163 |
| 2024 | 11 | 50 |
| 2023 | 23 | 64 |
| 2022 | 31 | 61 |
| 2021 | 114 | 157 |
| 2020 | 346 | 274 |
| 2019 | 437 | 395 |
| 2018 | 77 | 744 |
| 2017 | 77 | 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 RDX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RDX vs Toyota Camry
- Acura RDX total complaints
- 1,147
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Acura RDX total recalls
- 22
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Acura RDX avg complaints/year
- 114.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Acura RDX
- Acura RDX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN