Head-to-head reliability
Acura RL vs Toyota Camry
How the Acura RL 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 RL vs Toyota Camry: The RL has fewer complaints per year (23.6) but more recalls (58), with airbag and lighting issues. The Camry has more complaints (214.3/yr) but fewer recalls (31), with transmission and brake problems. Both have safety concerns, but the RL's electrical failures can be severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RL or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RL
The Acura RL is a luxury sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a source of frustration due to a high number of airbag recalls and electrical gremlins. Owners report flickering headlights that can fail at night, and in one alarming case, a door handle that melted and left the car inoperable. Brake issues, including simultaneous pedal deployment, add to the concerns. While the RL may offer a comfortable ride, these issues suggest a need for careful inspection and awareness of open recalls.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, shows a higher volume of complaints, but this is partly due to its larger sales base. Owners frequently report transmission problems, including grinding noises and failures, as well as engine issues like sudden acceleration and coolant valve problems. Brake failures, such as a complete loss of response on a hill, are also noted. Despite these, the Camry's issues are spread across many components, and its recall count is lower than the RL's.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RL | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 236 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 58 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 14 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.6 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 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 RL
- 01AIR BAGS81
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING60
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
- 04SERVICE BRAKES16
- 05HYDRAULIC12
Owners report Takata inflator recalls, with concerns about passenger-side airbag safety. Many complain about the long wait for replacement parts, leaving them feeling unsafe.
Headlights flicker or go out when driving over bumps, sometimes requiring the driver to pull over and restart the lights. This is a safety hazard at night.
One owner reported a front passenger door handle that started smoking and melted, disabling the car's electrical system and preventing it from starting. This indicates potential wiring or component failures.
There are reports of the gas and brake pedals deploying simultaneously, leading to unintended acceleration and a crash. This is a serious safety concern.
“TAKATA RECALL - WE RECEIVED AN "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" NOTICE, INFORMING US OF THE DEFECTS IN PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATORS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT IS SUCH THAT I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING MYSELF OR A FAMILY MEMBER RIDE IN THE VEHICLE…”
“NHTSA RECALL 16V-061 HELLO,I AM CONCERNED WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL.I WAS NOTIFIED IN MARCH OF 2016 ABOUT A RECALL THAT WOULD TAKE PLACE IN THE SUMMER OF 2016. TODAY IS AUGUST 14, 2016 AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY DOCUMENTATION IN REGARDS TO THIS M…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with owners reporting grinding noises on acceleration and the need for full transmission replacement. Some mention recalls for the same problem, but parts may be on backorder.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes. Also, a specific code (P268115) indicates a coolant valve bypass issue that may not be covered by a recall for all VINs.
Brake failure has been reported, including a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal on a steep hill, forcing the driver to find another way to stop.
While not as prominent, electrical issues exist, such as problems with the air conditioning condenser being damaged by rocks, leading to AC failure.
“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 RL — 58 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mary…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. T…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
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 RL or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Acura RL has fewer complaints per year (23.6) compared to the Camry (214.3), but the RL's issues are more concentrated in safety-critical areas like airbags and lighting. The Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity, but its problems are more varied. In practice, the RL may require more attention to recalls and electrical gremlins, while the Camry may have more frequent mechanical repairs.
Key differences
- The Acura RL has a much higher recall count (58) than the Camry (31), with many airbag-related recalls.
- The Camry has more complaints overall, but the RL has a higher proportion of airbag and lighting complaints.
- The RL's electrical issues can be severe, like a melting door handle, while the Camry's issues are more typical of high-mileage wear.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) than the RL (14 and 12), but the RL has fewer deaths (0 vs 1).
- Check for open Takata airbag recalls and ensure they have been completed.
- Inspect the headlights for flickering or intermittent operation, especially after bumps.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration.
- Test the brakes on a hill to ensure they respond properly, and check for any warning lights.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's website to see all open recalls for both vehicles.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and any prior recall work on the RL.
- Test drive the Camry at various speeds and listen for transmission noises.
- Check the RL's electrical system, including door handles and lights, for any signs of melting or malfunction.
- Ask for service records to see if the Camry's transmission has been serviced or replaced.
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 RL or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RL vs Toyota Camry
- Acura RL total complaints
- 236
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Acura RL total recalls
- 58
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Acura RL avg complaints/year
- 23.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Acura RL
- Acura RL top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN