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 averages 20 complaints per year with 41 recalls, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The A6's issues often involve electrical failures, whereas the Camry's include power train and brake problems. 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 is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has averaged 20 complaints per year, with electrical system issues dominating. Owners report water leaks causing electrical failures and sudden power loss, which can be alarming. With 41 recalls, it requires diligent attention to safety fixes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for dependability, but it still has its share of problems. It averages 205.6 complaints per year, far more than the Audi A6, but that's partly because there are many more Camrys on the road. The most common complaints involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with some owners experiencing hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises. With 31 recalls, it's important to check for open recalls.
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 | 200 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 02ENGINE41
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaking into the passenger compartment, corroding wiring harnesses and causing electrical failures, mold growth, and sudden loss of engine power. This can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks.
Complaints include sudden loss of engine power and throttle response, often accompanied by a dashboard warning limiting engine speed. This can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
Multiple warning lights and malfunctioning driver-assist systems, including steering lock-up and unintended emergency SOS activation, have been reported. These failures could compromise safety features.
Issues with electronic door locks malfunctioning and persistent moldy odors from the HVAC system are noted. These affect convenience and interior air quality.
“* 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…”
“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 intermittent ignition key stuck in Park, hesitation and shuddering while driving, and check engine lights. These can indicate transmission or engine management problems.
Complaints include multiple system malfunctions such as stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring failing simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic issues.
Delayed throttle response and hesitation when accelerating are reported, sometimes with check engine lights. This can affect drivability and may signal underlying engine issues.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing, and clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area are common. These could indicate ABS or brake system problems.
“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 — 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 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 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's higher volume reflects its much larger sales. In practice, the A6's issues tend to be electrical and can be severe, while the Camry's are more varied but often less catastrophic. Both have recalls, so checking for open recalls is essential.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 has 20 complaints per year vs. the Camry's 205.6, but the Camry sells in much higher volumes.
- Audi A6 complaints often involve electrical system failures like water leaks and sudden power loss, while Camry complaints frequently involve power train hesitation and brake noises.
- The Audi A6 has 41 recalls over 10 years, compared to 31 for the Camry, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 2).
- Camry owners report issues with multiple systems failing at once, while Audi A6 owners report specific component failures like forward collision avoidance malfunctions.
- Check for water leaks in the passenger footwell and trunk, which can corrode wiring and cause electrical failures.
- Test all driver-assist features, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, for warning lights or erratic behavior.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, it could indicate a power train issue.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may signal ABS problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for the Audi A6.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Inspect for mold or mildew odors in the Audi A6's HVAC system and water stains in the interior.
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 | 8 | 0 |
| 2025 | 9 | 163 |
| 2024 | 3 | 50 |
| 2023 | 2 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 17 | 157 |
| 2020 | 25 | 274 |
| 2019 | 114 | 395 |
| 2018 | 2 | 744 |
| 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
- 200
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN