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 10.7 complaints per year, mostly about MMI system reboots that can disable the backup camera, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year, including transmission failures and brake issues. The A5 has 24 recalls, the Camry 31. 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, over a decade of ownership, shows a clear pattern of electrical gremlins, particularly around its infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Owners report the MMI screen randomly rebooting, which can knock out the backup camera mid-maneuver and cause distracting audio alerts. While the total complaint count is relatively low, the nature of these issues—intermittent and safety-adjacent—suggests a car that can be frustrating and occasionally startling to live with.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with a much higher volume of complaints, presents a mixed picture. Many reports center on the powertrain, with some owners describing grinding noises and even transmission replacements, while others mention sudden acceleration incidents. Brake issues, including a reported loss of braking on a hill, add to safety concerns. However, the Camry's high sales volume means more cars on the road, and many complaints are about comfort items like AC odors, so the raw numbers need context.
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 | 107 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.7 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 05ENGINE7
The most common issue is the MMI infotainment system randomly shutting down and rebooting. Owners report the screen going dark while using the backup camera, which is a safety hazard, and the system also triggers false 'SOS malfunction' warnings with loud beeps.
The backup camera is often affected by the MMI reboots, going blank while reversing. Some owners also report the camera becoming inoperable when the SOS system deactivates, increasing the risk of backing into something.
Some owners report unexpected and forceful brake application in stop-and-go traffic, which can impede normal driving. Others mention auto start/stop and cruise control malfunctions that make the car feel unsafe to drive.
“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…”
“The car has a very loud sequence of high pitched beeps accompanying a “SOS EMERGENCY CALL FUNCTION MALFUNCTION” warning light that comes on and stays on. It is a major driving distraction when the warning beeps suddenly come on (up to six sustained times in a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that sometimes require replacement. There are also reports of sudden unintended acceleration, leading to crashes.
Engine problems include a specific code (P268115) related to a coolant valve bypass, which some owners say is a recall issue but not covered for their VIN. Others describe sudden acceleration events that have resulted in total loss of the vehicle.
Brake complaints range from a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal on a hill to issues with braking in parking lots. Some incidents have led to crashes, highlighting a serious safety concern.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecti…
The risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
The risk: If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Vo…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles. The front suspension fasteners may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle production, possibly resulting in a front wheel becoming loose.
The risk: A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the front suspension fasteners, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswag…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles were built with head curtain air bag assemblies that may not unfold properly. As such, these vehicle fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the head curtain air bag, if the air bag does not deploy properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will modify the head curtain air bags so that they deploy properly, free of charge. The recall began on January 18, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 11-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
AUDI A5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 10.7) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214.3), but the A5's issues are more concentrated in electronics and driver-assist features. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues, but the presence of serious powertrain and brake complaints means buyers should not dismiss them. In practice, the A5 may offer a more refined experience but with annoying tech glitches, while the Camry could have more costly mechanical failures.
Key differences
- The Audi A5's main issue is the MMI system rebooting, which can disable the backup camera and cause distracting alerts, while the Camry's issues are more varied, including transmission failures and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint rate, but that's partly due to its popularity; the A5's complaints are fewer but more consistently about electronics.
- Brake problems in the Camry include reports of complete brake failure, which is a critical safety concern, whereas the A5's brake-related complaints are tied to the forward collision system's false activations.
- The A5 has had recalls for airbags and suspension, while the Camry has recalls for airbag sensors and seats, but neither list is exhaustive.
- Test the MMI system thoroughly: check for random reboots, especially when using the backup camera or navigation. Listen for any 'SOS malfunction' warnings or beeps.
- Inspect the forward collision avoidance system: try to see if the brake hold engages unexpectedly in stop-and-go traffic.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems. Ask for service records related to the transmission.
- Test the brakes on a hill and in a parking lot to ensure they respond properly. Be alert for any signs of sudden acceleration when starting or driving.
Before you buy
- For the Audi A5: check the MMI system for reboots and ensure the backup camera works consistently. Also, verify that all recalls have been performed.
- For the Toyota Camry: ask about any transmission replacements or repairs, and check for engine codes like P268115. Test the brakes in various conditions.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic who can check for common issues in each model.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any recurring problems or major repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for the specific VIN to see if any recalls are outstanding.
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 | 119 |
| 2025 | 9 | 153 |
| 2024 | 8 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 7 | 155 |
| 2020 | 60 | 270 |
| 2019 | 12 | 393 |
| 2018 | 8 | 736 |
| 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
- 107
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- AUDI A5 total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A5 avg complaints/year
- 10.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A5
- AUDI A5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN