Head-to-head reliability
Acura TLX vs Toyota Camry
How the Acura TLX 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 TLX vs Toyota Camry: The TLX averages 54.6 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The TLX has fewer complaints but reports engine and transmission issues; the Camry has more complaints but a larger owner base. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura TLX or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is a luxury sedan that averages about 55 complaints per year over the past decade, with engine and power train issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe sudden loss of acceleration, engine knocking, and transmission fluid leaks, which can be alarming and expensive. Electrical glitches, such as a blank instrument cluster, add to ownership frustration. While recalls are relatively few, the pattern suggests a car that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its enormous sales volume. Owners frequently report power train shuddering, brake noises, and complex electronic malfunctions involving safety systems. The complaints often involve multiple systems failing at once, which can be overwhelming. Despite the higher counts, the Camry's issues are well-documented and many are covered by recalls or service campaigns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura TLX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 546 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 54.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 TLX
- 01ENGINE140
- 02POWER TRAIN103
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM94
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM61
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration in humid or rainy conditions, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light and misfire. Others describe loud knocking noises followed by power loss, which can indicate serious internal damage.
Complaints include transmission fluid leaks from the transfer case area and dashboard warning lights with loss of drive modes shortly after purchase. These issues can lead to costly repairs and reduced drivability.
A recurring problem is the digital instrument cluster going completely black while driving, leaving the driver without speed or warning information. Some also report adaptive damper system errors due to wiring issues.
While fewer complaints, some owners mention fuel system problems that could affect engine performance. Recalls for fuel tank assembly suggest potential safety risks that should be addressed.
“While driving in humid, rainy conditions for over five hours, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration. Moisture appears to have built up, resulting in a misfire and a flashing MIL/Check Engine light. This occurred while I was overtaking anot…”
“- The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoper…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in the ignition even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration, often with a check engine light.
A common complaint is delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, leading to sluggish acceleration from a stop. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Additionally, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported, which dealers often attribute to the ABS system.
Multiple safety systems—including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously, often accompanied by warning lights. This can leave the driver without critical assistance 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 TLX — 33 recalls
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
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 (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
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 TLX or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Acura TLX has far fewer complaints per year (about 55 vs. 206 for the Camry), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales. In practice, the TLX may have fewer overall issues, but the Camry's problems are more widely reported and often addressed through recalls. Buyers should weigh the TLX's lower complaint rate against the Camry's broader dealer network and parts availability.
Key differences
- The Acura TLX averages about 55 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- TLX owners frequently report engine misfires and transmission leaks, whereas Camry owners report stuck ignition keys and brake noise.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 24) and injuries (158 vs. 16), though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Both have recalls for air bag sensors, but the TLX also has recalls for fuel tank and brake pedals, while the Camry has recalls for seats and wheel studs.
- Check for transmission fluid leaks around the transfer case and under the car, as owners report active leaks.
- Test the digital instrument cluster for any flickering or blanking out, especially after startup or during a test drive.
- Ensure the ignition key can be easily removed when the car is in Park; if it sticks, it could be a recurring problem.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to acceleration response, transmission shifting, and any warning lights.
- For the TLX, specifically check for transmission fluid leaks and test all electronic features, including the instrument cluster.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, electronic parking brake, and listen for unusual brake noises.
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 TLX | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 163 |
| 2024 | 5 | 50 |
| 2023 | 11 | 64 |
| 2022 | 26 | 61 |
| 2021 | 70 | 157 |
| 2020 | 63 | 274 |
| 2019 | 92 | 395 |
| 2018 | 94 | 744 |
| 2017 | 71 | 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 TLX or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura TLX vs Toyota Camry
- Acura TLX total complaints
- 546
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Acura TLX total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Acura TLX avg complaints/year
- 54.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Acura TLX
- Acura TLX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN