Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI A6 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 vs Toyota Camry: The Audi A6 has 194 complaints over 10 years (19.4/yr) vs Camry's 2143 (214.3/yr). Audi issues center on electrical failures and steering lock; Camry on transmission and brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6
The Audi A6, over a decade of ownership, shows a reliability profile dominated by electrical system troubles, with owners reporting water ingress causing wiring corrosion, mold, and failures of convenience and safety features. Engine issues include overheating and seizing, while forward collision avoidance systems have triggered false warnings or locked steering, raising concerns about electronic reliability. With 194 complaints over 10 years, it averages about 19 per year, a relatively low rate, but the nature of the issues—especially those affecting safety systems—can be alarming.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, with 2143 complaints over 10 years, averages over 214 per year, a much higher rate, but this reflects its popularity and higher sales volume. Owners report a mix of powertrain problems like transmission grinding and replacement needs, engine issues including sudden acceleration and coolant valve recalls, and brake failures where the pedal goes unresponsive. While the sheer number of complaints is higher, many are isolated incidents, and the Camry's reputation for reliability is challenged by these reports, particularly concerning safety-critical systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 194 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 19.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 163 |
| 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM121
- 02ENGINE40
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE25
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water ingress into the passenger compartment causing wiring harness corrosion, electrical failures, and mold growth. This can lead to intermittent issues with seat controls, engine restart, and air conditioning, and may require extensive repairs.
Engine overheating and seizing have been reported, with low coolant warnings. In some cases, the engine restarter system malfunctioned, leading to shutdowns and loss of air conditioning, indicating potential cooling or electrical integration problems.
The Audi pre-sense system can work intermittently, sometimes triggering a cascade of warning lights and even locking the steering while driving. Dealers may attribute issues to impact and charge for realignment, leaving owners with safety systems that are unreliable.
“* Passenger front Seat wiring harness corrosion and failure due to water ingress due to leaking web plate in the longitudinal member on passenger side. Water ingress in passenger compartment caused electrical failure and black mold to grow in the interior car…”
“Car reported an engine restarter issue (with battery symbol) and recommended to contact the dealer. Car next shut down automatic restart system, and air conditioning stopped working. Within a short period of time (same day), the car listed a red battery symbo…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and dealers recommending full transmission replacement. Some owners note recalls for similar problems, but parts may be on backorder, leaving vehicles out of service.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes and total loss. Additionally, engine maintenance lights may point to coolant valve bypass recalls that are not applied to all VINs, causing safety concerns.
Brake failure incidents include a complete lack of response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills, and instances where braking is ineffective in parking lots. These are critical safety issues that demand immediate attention.
“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 A6 — 41 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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
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…
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 A6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has fewer complaints per year (19.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to its popularity. In practice, the Audi's issues are more concentrated in electronics and can be costly to fix, while the Camry's problems span multiple systems, including safety-critical brakes and engine. Neither is clearly more reliable; buyers should weigh the nature of the issues and their tolerance for potential repairs.
Key differences
- Audi A6: Electrical system failures from water ingress lead to mold and multiple component malfunctions; Camry: Transmission failures and brake loss are more prominent.
- Audi A6: Forward collision avoidance can lock steering, a unique safety risk; Camry: Sudden acceleration incidents have caused crashes.
- Audi A6: Lower complaint rate (19.4/yr) vs Camry's 214.3/yr, but Camry's rate is inflated by sales volume.
- Audi A6: Recalls focus on cameras, seat belts, tires, airbags, electrical; Camry: Recalls include airbag occupant classification, seats, wheels, labels.
- Check for water stains or musty odors in the cabin, indicating past water ingress that could lead to electrical issues.
- Test the forward collision warning and steering response at low speeds to ensure no unexpected locking or warning lights.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration and have the transmission inspected, as replacement may be needed.
- Test brakes on a slight incline to ensure pedal response is consistent and not spongy or unresponsive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on electrical systems for the Audi and transmission/brakes for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles, including highway speeds and emergency braking, to assess any warning lights or unusual behavior.
- Ask for service records to see if common issues like water leaks or transmission problems have been addressed.
- Consider extended warranty or repair coverage, especially for the Audi's electrical components and the Camry's transmission.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 119 |
| 2025 | 8 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 2 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 15 | 155 |
| 2020 | 25 | 270 |
| 2019 | 114 | 393 |
| 2018 | 2 | 736 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 A6 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI A6 total complaints
- 194
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 19.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN