Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DB7 vs Toyota Camry
How the Aston Martin DB7 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 DB7 vs Toyota Camry: The DB7 has 1 complaint over 4 years and 9 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years and 31 recalls. The Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year, mostly power train and engine issues, versus 0.3 for the DB7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DB7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DB7
The Aston Martin DB7 is a low-volume luxury sports car with very few owner complaints filed with NHTSA—just 1 over 4 years. However, it has 9 recalls, including multiple steering-related issues. The single complaint describes a subtle suspension defect causing dangerous handling, plus concerns about air bags, seat belts, and equipment. Living with a DB7 means dealing with potential steering and suspension problems that can affect control, and recalls that may not have been fixed.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. The most common problem areas are the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system. Owners report issues like hesitation, shuddering, stuck ignition keys, brake noise, and multiple system malfunctions. There are also 31 recalls, including air bag sensors and seat issues. While many complaints exist, the Camry remains a common choice, but buyers should be aware of these recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DB7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 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 DB7
- 01SUSPENSION1
- 02AIR BAGS1
- 03SEAT BELTS1
- 04EQUIPMENT1
One owner reported a subtle suspension defect that caused dangerous handling. This could mean the car doesn't respond predictably, especially in emergency maneuvers, which is a serious safety concern.
The same complaint mentioned air bag issues, though details are vague. If air bags don't deploy correctly, it increases injury risk in a crash.
Seat belt problems were also noted in the complaint. A faulty seat belt may not restrain you properly in an accident.
The complaint referenced equipment issues, possibly related to other safety systems. This could mean various components are not functioning as intended.
“ITEM NUMBER SIX BELOW IS THE MOST MATERIAL SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT THE CAR HAD A SUBTLE DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION THAT CAUSED A DANGEROUS HANDLING PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP KNEW ABOUT THESE ISSUES BUT FAILED TO DISCLOSE THEM DESPITE BEING ASKED DIRECTLY IF…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking (can't remove key even in Park) and hesitation/shuddering while driving with check engine light. These can leave you stranded or cause unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and hesitation/shuddering. This can make merging or accelerating unpredictable.
Owners report the electronic parking brake not disengaging (requiring a tow) and clicking/vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Multiple system malfunctions are reported, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assistance failing at once. This can be disorienting and dangerous.
“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 DB7 — 9 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SIX CYLINDER AND TWELVE CYLINDER VARIANTS. THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHTING SWITCH GEAR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TRAP WIRES, LEADING TO A PARTIAL LOSS OF LIGHTING FUNCTIONALITY.
The risk: DEPENDING ON WHICH WIRES ARE TRAPPED, THE LOSS OF LIGHTING FUNCTION CAN VARY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH GEAR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 12, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING HIGH PRESSURE FLEXIBLE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LEFT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HOSE MAY SCORCH THROUGH RESULTING IN A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND POWER ASSISTANCE.
The risk: THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FRE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WELDS SECURING THE FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET COULD BE INADEQUATE RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET.
The risk: THE SEPARATED BRACKET COULD DISPLACE THE DAMPER, AND LIMIT STEERING ACTION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CAN START UP ON SIX OF THE TWELVE CYLINDERS. THIS IS DUE TO ONE OF THE TWO POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES NOT OPERATING WITH ITS DESIGN SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION WILL BE EVIDENT BY A LACK OF ENGINE POWER AND OR SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST TAIL PIPE.
The risk: IF THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN IN THIS CONDITION, IT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE EXHAUST CATALYST DUE TO OVERHEATING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES WITH RECALIBRATED PROGRAMS.
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 DB7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DB7 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 205.6), but it also has more recalls (9 vs. 31) relative to its tiny production numbers. In practice, the DB7's low complaint count may reflect limited road time, while the Camry's high count shows common, recurring issues that many owners face. The Camry's problems are better documented and more likely to affect daily driving.
Key differences
- The DB7 has only 1 complaint but 9 recalls, many for steering components like the wheel, hydraulic hoses, and linkages—suggesting potential steering failures that could affect control.
- The Camry has thousands of complaints, with power train issues like stuck ignition keys and hesitation being common, plus brake problems such as the electronic parking brake failing to disengage.
- The DB7's single complaint describes a dangerous handling defect from suspension, while the Camry's complaints cover a wide range of systems including engine, brakes, and electrical malfunctions.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, while the DB7 has none—but this may be due to far fewer vehicles on the road.
- Check for any steering play, unusual noises, or leaks from the power steering system, as multiple recalls involve steering hoses and linkages.
- Test drive on varied roads to feel for subtle handling problems or suspension defects that could indicate the reported dangerous handling issue.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it could be the reported defect requiring battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly, as these are common complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the DB7's steering recalls and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- For the DB7, have a mechanic inspect the suspension and steering components thoroughly, including hoses and linkages.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key, brake pedal feel, and electronic parking brake operation during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for any repair records related to the specific complaints (e.g., power train hesitation for Camry, suspension for DB7).
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model to catch potential issues before buying.
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 DB7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DB7 vs Toyota Camry
- Aston Martin DB7 total complaints
- 1
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Aston Martin DB7 total recalls
- 9
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Aston Martin DB7 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DB7
- Aston Martin DB7 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN