Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DB12 vs Toyota Camry
How the Aston Martin DB12 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
Aston Martin DB12 vs Toyota Camry: The DB12 has 0 complaints and 4 recalls over 3 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years. The Camry also shows 171 crash-related reports and 158 injuries. The DB12 has no owner complaint text, so its long-term reliability is less documented. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DB12 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DB12
The Aston Martin DB12 is a low-volume luxury sports car, and its NHTSA record over three years shows zero owner complaints, so there is no reported pattern of recurring failures from drivers. However, it has four recalls, two for engine oil/lubrication pipes and hoses and two for back-over prevention display function. With no complaints, the main ownership concern is recall-related repairs rather than frequent breakdowns, but the absence of complaint data means long-term reliability is largely unknown.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, and its NHTSA record over ten years shows 2,056 complaints, 31 recalls, 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and one death. Owners frequently report power train issues like a stuck ignition key or shuddering during acceleration, as well as brake problems such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage. Electrical and unknown-component complaints also appear, often involving multiple driver-assist systems malfunctioning at once. This volume of reports suggests that while many Camrys are trouble-free, a notable number of owners experience repeated and sometimes serious issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DB12 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Aston Martin DB12
No component data available.
Two recalls cover engine oil/lubrication pipes and hoses, which could leak oil or fail and potentially lead to engine damage or fire. Buyers should confirm these recalls were performed, as a neglected fix could mean costly repairs.
Two recalls address the back-over prevention display function, which may not show the rearview image properly when reversing. This could increase the risk of backing into a person or object, so verifying the software update is important.
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect to remove it. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving with the check engine light on, which can affect drivability and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second pause before the car moves. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and it may point to electronic throttle or engine management issues.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that is attributed to the ABS system. These problems can leave the car immobile or cause uncertainty about braking performance.
Multiple driver-assist systems—such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—have malfunctioned simultaneously, according to owner reports. When these systems fail together, it can be alarming and may indicate a broader electrical or software fault.
“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.
Aston Martin DB12 — 4 recalls
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2024-2025 DBX707, 2024-2025 DB12, and 2025 Vantage vehicles. The engine oil cooler hose may split during vehicle operation, resulting in a loss of oil and oil pressure.
The risk: A sudden loss of oil and oil pressure could lead to the engine stalling or seizing, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2024. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-03-1973.
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2024-2025 DB12, 2025 Vantage, and 2025 DBX707 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: The head unit software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Ma…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2024-2025 DBX707, 2024-2025 DB12, and 2025 Vantage vehicles. The engine oil cooler hose may split during vehicle operation, resulting in a loss of oil and oil pressure.
The risk: A sudden loss of oil and oil pressure could lead to the engine stalling or seizing, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2024. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-03-1973.
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2024-2025 DB12, 2025 Vantage, and 2025 DBX707 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be obstructed by the infotainment home screen menu when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: The head unit software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Ma…
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
Aston Martin DB12 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DB12 has far fewer issues per year on paper, with zero complaints over three years compared to the Camry’s average of about 206 complaints per year. In practice, the DB12’s main concern is completing four recalls, while the Camry’s higher complaint volume means a buyer is more likely to encounter reported problems like power train hesitation or brake faults. However, the DB12’s lack of complaint data makes its long-term reliability less predictable.
Key differences
- The DB12 has 0 complaints and 4 recalls over 3 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls over 10 years, showing a much higher reported issue volume for the Camry.
- Camry owners report specific power train failures like a stuck ignition key and shuddering acceleration, whereas the DB12 has no owner complaint text on record.
- The DB12’s recalls focus on engine oil pipes and back-over display, while the Camry’s recalls include wheels, seats, and air bag occupant sensors.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death in its complaint data, while the DB12 has none of these, though this does not guarantee safety for either vehicle.
- Check for open recalls on the engine oil/lubrication pipes and hoses, as a leak could cause engine damage or fire.
- Verify that the back-over prevention display recall has been performed, since a non-functioning rearview image increases backing risk.
- Test the ignition key release in Park and listen for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, as these are common power train complaints.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS or EPB issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed, especially for the DB12’s oil pipes and display, and the Camry’s air bag and seat recalls.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal, acceleration response, and electronic parking brake during a test drive.
- For the DB12, ask for documentation of recall repairs and inspect for oil leaks around the engine lubrication pipes.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
- Check for any outstanding NHTSA recalls by VIN and ensure they are addressed before purchase.
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 | Aston Martin DB12 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
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 Aston Martin DB12 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DB12 vs Toyota Camry
- Aston Martin DB12 total complaints
- 0
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Aston Martin DB12 total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Aston Martin DB12 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DB12
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN