Head-to-head reliability
Acura RSX vs Toyota Camry
How the Acura RSX 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 RSX vs Toyota Camry: The RSX averages 39 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. RSX owners report transmission pop-outs and suspension clunks; Camry owners report brake noise and electrical glitches. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RSX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RSX
The Acura RSX is a sporty compact that shows a moderate complaint rate of about 39 per year over five years. Owners frequently report transmission problems, especially popping out of third gear, and suspension noises that require strut replacements. Airbag sensor failures and engine cooling fan issues also appear. With 16 recalls and 24 injuries reported, it's a car that demands attention to drivetrain and safety systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher annual complaint rate of about 206 per year over ten years. Complaints span power train hesitation, engine shuddering, brake noises, and electrical glitches. With 31 recalls and 158 injuries, the volume of reports suggests a wide range of potential issues. Buyers should expect more frequent visits to the mechanic for various systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RSX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 197 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 28 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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 RSX
- 01POWER TRAIN51
- 02AIR BAGS34
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING27
- 04SUSPENSION21
- 05SERVICE BRAKES12
Owners of the RSX, especially the Type S with manual transmission, report the car popping out of third gear during shifts, even with the clutch fully engaged. This can lead to unexpected loss of power and expensive transmission repairs.
Complaints include airbag warning lights due to failed passenger detection sensors and airbag control units. There's also a report of feet getting trapped by an unknown component under the dash, which could be dangerous in a crash.
Front strut assemblies often fail, causing clunking or clicking noises when turning at low speeds. Owners report multiple replacements and parts being on backorder, meaning the car may be off the road for weeks.
Some owners report cooling fans that won't start in stop-and-go traffic with the A/C off, which could lead to overheating. Others mention clicking noises from the suspension that were misdiagnosed as engine issues.
“ACURA 2006 RSX S VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW. WE HAD DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SHIFTING INTO GEARS AND POPPING OUT OF THIRD GEAR. REPAIR WORK WAS DONE NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED. ACURA CORPORATION, AND THE ACU…”
“MY 05 ACURA RSX TYPE S WITH A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS A PROBLEM WHERE DURING SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR (WITH THE CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED DURING THE SHIFT) IT POPS OUT OF 3RD GEAR WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DISENGAGED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ABOUT ONCE EVERY 7 H…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Camry owners report intermittent issues like the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others experience hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on, pointing to transmission or engine management problems.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the gas pedal results in a several-second delay before the car moves. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but owners find abnormal.
Multiple safety systems, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping, can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electrical issues that could be costly to diagnose and repair.
“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 RSX — 16 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED 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 ASSOCIATED…
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: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
The defect: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
The risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
The fix: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGU…
The defect: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006; and model year 2006-2007 Honda S2000 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2006, through November 13, 2006. The brake booster may be unable to maintain…
The risk: With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-…
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 RSX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Acura RSX has far fewer complaints per year (about 39) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206). In practice, this means RSX owners report fewer overall problems, but the issues they do have—like transmission pop-outs and airbag sensor failures—can be serious. The Camry's higher volume of complaints covers a broader range of systems, so buyers may face more frequent but sometimes less severe repairs.
Key differences
- The Acura RSX has about 39 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry has about 206 per year, indicating the Camry generates far more owner reports.
- RSX owners most often complain about manual transmission popping out of third gear and suspension clunks, whereas Camry owners report ignition key sticking, brake noise, and multiple electrical system malfunctions.
- The Camry has 31 recalls versus 16 for the RSX, and the Camry's recalls include airbag occupant classification sensors and seat issues, while the RSX recalls cover exterior lighting and brake vacuum assist.
- The RSX has 24 injuries reported over 5 years, while the Camry has 158 injuries over 10 years, but these numbers must be considered alongside the much higher number of Camrys on the road.
- During a test drive, shift through all gears, especially from 2nd to 3rd, and listen for any pop-out or grinding; this is a common manual transmission issue.
- Inspect the front suspension for clunking or clicking noises when turning at low speeds, and check if struts have been replaced; original struts may fail.
- Check that the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park; if it sticks, it could be a sign of a power train defect.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for any clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if the car has been subject to any recalls and whether they were repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission (especially for the RSX) and the brake and electrical systems (especially for the Camry).
- For the RSX, check the airbag warning light and ensure all airbag sensors are functional; for the Camry, test all electronic safety features like blind spot monitoring and lane keeping.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes (RSX) and brake system repairs (Camry).
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic, highway merging, and parking maneuvers to replicate common complaint scenarios.
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 RSX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RSX vs Toyota Camry
- Acura RSX total complaints
- 197
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Acura RSX total recalls
- 16
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Acura RSX avg complaints/year
- 39.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Acura RSX
- Acura RSX top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN