Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A5 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI A5 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
AUDI A5 vs Toyota Camry: The A5 averages 10.9 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry also has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, versus 2 and 0 for the A5. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A5
The Audi A5 is a luxury coupe or sedan that averages about 11 complaints per year over a decade, with 24 recalls. The most common owner gripe is the MMI infotainment system randomly shutting down or rebooting, which can blank the backup camera. There are also reports of transmission failure warnings and unexpected brake hold activation. Overall, the A5 has a lower complaint rate but electronics and some powertrain issues dominate.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—and 31 recalls. Owners frequently report power train problems like hesitation, shuddering, and key stuck in ignition, plus brake noises and multiple system malfunctions. With 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, the data shows more severe outcomes. Still, many issues are intermittent and may be addressed by dealers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 109 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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.
AUDI A5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION17
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8
- 05ENGINE8
Owners report the MMI infotainment system shutting down or rebooting randomly, sometimes every few minutes. This can cause the backup camera to go blank while reversing, increasing the risk of backing into something.
Complaints include transmission failure warnings and MMI resets that affect navigation, CarPlay, and radio. These glitches can be startling and may require dealer visits to diagnose.
The MMI rebooting can disable the rearview camera, leaving a black screen when reversing. Owners say this happens repeatedly and poses a safety hazard.
One owner reported unexpected and forceful brake hold activation that impeded normal driving maneuvers. This could surprise a driver in traffic and potentially cause a collision.
“The vehicle's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system is reportedly shutting down randomly while the vehicle is in operation. This issue occurs without warning and is intermittent, making it unpredictable. Observed Symptoms/Events: Complete Loss of MMI Functionali…”
“13 Jun 25 2100 hrs - Auto went thru multiple of errors and transmission would not go into gear, electric door locks released all emergency pull handles and car was not able to move. Called Audi Emergency Service. Tried to get out of vehicle and door could not…”
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 battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or pulling out.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported, which dealers say comes from the ABS system.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This could leave the driver without key safety aids.
“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.
AUDI A5 — 24 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passen…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number fo…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that ca…
The risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall i…
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
AUDI A5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 11 vs. 206 for the Camry) and fewer crash-related reports. In practice, the A5 may have fewer overall issues, but its electronics problems can be persistent and annoying. The Camry's higher volume includes more severe outcomes like injuries, so buyers should weigh frequency against potential severity.
Key differences
- The Audi A5 averages about 11 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year over the same period.
- Audi A5 complaints center on MMI infotainment reboots and transmission warnings; Camry complaints often involve power train hesitation, stuck keys, and brake noises.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, compared to 2 crash-related and 0 injuries for the A5.
- Both have recalls, but the A5 has 24 and the Camry has 31, with Camry recalls including air bag sensors and seat issues.
- Test the MMI system thoroughly: check for random reboots, screen freezes, and backup camera function while reversing.
- Listen for transmission warnings or hesitation during a test drive, and ask if any software updates have been applied.
- Check that the ignition key releases smoothly when the car is in Park; try removing it multiple times.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement and disengagement, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- During a test drive, operate all infotainment and safety systems, including backup camera and forward collision alerts.
- For the Audi A5, specifically test the MMI for reboots and the transmission for smooth shifting.
- For the Toyota Camry, test the key removal, throttle response, and electronic parking brake.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the components mentioned in owner complaints.
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 | AUDI A5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 9 | 163 |
| 2024 | 8 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 8 | 157 |
| 2020 | 60 | 274 |
| 2019 | 12 | 395 |
| 2018 | 9 | 744 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 AUDI A5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A5 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI A5 total complaints
- 109
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI A5 total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A5 avg complaints/year
- 10.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A5
- AUDI A5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN