Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 Allroad vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI A6 Allroad 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 A6 Allroad vs Toyota Camry: The Audi A6 Allroad averages 5.3 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6 per year with 171 crash-related reports. The Camry also shows 158 injuries and 1 death, versus 1 injury and 0 deaths for the Audi. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 Allroad or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad is a low-volume luxury wagon with an average of 5.3 complaints per year over seven years, but 20 recalls in that same period. Owner reports center on electrical glitches that can cut HVAC and auto stop, sudden power loss with a 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' warning, and transmissions that disengage at speed. With only 1 injury and no deaths reported, the main ownership burden is unpredictable electronic and drivetrain faults rather than crash risk.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume sedan with 205.6 complaints per year over ten years, plus 171 crash-related reports, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Owners describe stuck ignition keys, hesitant or shuddering acceleration, brake noises, and multiple driver-assist systems failing at once. The sheer number of complaints means common, recurring problems are well documented, but the crash and injury counts are a serious signal to inspect carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 Allroad | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 37 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
AUDI A6 Allroad
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6
- 03POWER TRAIN6
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- 05ENGINE4
Owners report sudden electrical malfunctions that disable HVAC and auto stop, and in one case a critical 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' restriction that forces reduced power. These faults can leave you without climate control or full throttle response, often with little warning.
Complaints include the windshield washer fluid sensor giving no low-level warning until the reservoir is empty, and the same electrical malfunction that affects other systems. This matters because driver-assist features may not alert you when they should.
Owners describe the transmission completely disengaging at highway speed, with no forward or reverse drive after coasting to a stop. Another report notes engine surge followed by a transmission warning and total loss of drive power, which is a serious safety concern.
The fuel gauge can be inaccurate, hanging around 50% then dropping to 5% within 10 miles, and one owner reports uncommanded power loss with a 2500 RPM limit. You could run out of fuel unexpectedly or face sudden power reduction.
“I have a 2020 All Road. Received message driving close to my home to contact service due to electrical malfunction and made it to my driveway. This was on a Sunday and no service center was available. Car lost its HVAC and auto stop mechanism on the way home…”
“While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation or shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you unable to shut off the car normally or cause unpredictable acceleration.
Complaints include several-second delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, and hesitation/shuddering at various speeds with the check engine light. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating sound from the brake pedal area is reported as common. Brake problems can affect stopping confidence and lead to costly repairs.
One owner reported multiple systems failing at once: smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, secondary collision brake, and lane keeping. Losing several safety aids simultaneously increases risk in daily driving.
“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 A6 Allroad — 20 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
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 A6 Allroad or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 Allroad has far fewer complaints per year (5.3 vs 205.6) and no crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. In practice, the Audi's problems are less frequent but can involve sudden power loss, whereas the Camry's higher volume means more documented failures, including serious crash outcomes.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 Allroad averages 5.3 complaints per year with 0 crash-related reports, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6 per year with 171 crash-related reports.
- Audi owners report sudden transmission disengagement and electrical power loss, whereas Camry owners report stuck ignition keys, delayed throttle, and brake noise.
- The Camry has 158 injuries and 1 death in the data; the Audi has 1 injury and 0 deaths.
- Both have recalls, but the Audi has 20 recalls over 7 years and the Camry has 31 over 10 years, including air bag and seat issues.
- Check for any history of electrical malfunctions, especially HVAC or auto stop failure, and confirm the 'Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM' warning has not appeared.
- Test the transmission at highway speed for any hesitation, surge, or disengagement, and verify the fuel gauge reads accurately across the full range.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park multiple times and check for any delay or shudder during acceleration with the check engine light.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area and confirm the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls for electrical, air bag, and camera systems have been performed.
- During a test drive, accelerate at highway speed and check for transmission disengagement (Audi) or delayed throttle and shuddering (Camry).
- Test all driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, lane keeping, and blind spot monitoring, to ensure they activate.
- For the Audi, verify the fuel gauge accuracy and HVAC operation; for the Camry, test the ignition key removal and electronic parking brake.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and scan for stored fault codes, especially for power train and brake modules.
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 A6 Allroad | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 26 | 157 |
| 2020 | 8 | 274 |
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 A6 Allroad or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 Allroad vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI A6 Allroad total complaints
- 37
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI A6 Allroad total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A6 Allroad avg complaints/year
- 5.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6 Allroad
- AUDI A6 Allroad top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN