Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A7 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI A7 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 A7 vs Toyota Camry: The A7 has 67 complaints over 10 years (6.7/year) and 43 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. A7 issues often involve sudden electrical failures; Camry issues include stuck keys and brake noise. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A7
The Audi A7 is a luxury hatchback with complex electronics and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Over 10 years, owners filed 67 complaints (6.7 per year) and 43 recalls. The most common complaints involve electrical failures that can trigger cascading warnings and sudden shutdowns, plus engine control unit faults that cut power while driving. These issues can strand a driver and are expensive to diagnose and fix.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a strong reputation for dependability. However, NHTSA data shows 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. Owners report power train problems like a stuck ignition key or shuddering during acceleration, along with brake noises and multiple warning lights. The sheer volume of complaints means many owners experience issues, even if the rate per vehicle is lower.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.7 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 A7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 02ENGINE14
- 03POWER TRAIN9
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 05AIR BAGS7
Owners report an 'electrical malfunction' warning that quickly cascades into transmission and steering warnings, sometimes forcing them to pull over. The alternator can fail, causing the car to stop moving at high speeds. These failures are sudden and can leave you stranded.
The engine control unit can fail, shutting off the engine unexpectedly while driving on local roads or highways. This creates a severe safety risk because you lose power without warning. Multiple owners have reported this same sudden shutdown.
The 48-volt mild-hybrid starter generator is a common failure point, sending many electrical errors as components fail. One owner noted this issue has a recall on similar Audi models but not on the A7. A failed starter generator can prevent the car from moving.
The auto start/stop feature can engage before the car fully stops, making the brakes feel like they are aggressively applied. Also, the fuel filler flap can get stuck and won't open, especially in winter. These issues are annoying and can leave you unable to refuel.
“Received an electrical malfunction - please call service warning icon on dash display. In less than one mile, I received cascading sequential warnings - including transmission and steering warnings - please pull over now. I attempted to exit the freeway on th…”
“The alternator malfunctioned and was not available for inspection upon request My safety was put at risk as the car ceased to move while driving on high speeds on the hwy The problem has been reproduced by several other audi owners. This is a widespread issue…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an intermittent defect where the ignition key gets stuck and cannot be removed even when the car is in Park. The only fix is to disconnect the battery. Others describe hesitation and shuddering during acceleration with the check engine light on.
Some owners experience a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the accelerator, making the car feel unresponsive. This can happen multiple times and may be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake can fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. A new switch may not fix it. Also, a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common and traced to the ABS system, which owners find abnormal.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once, lighting up the dashboard. This can happen while driving and may affect steering and braking assistance.
“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 A7 — 43 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 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ…
The risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
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 A7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A7 has far fewer complaints per year (6.7 vs. 205.6), but its issues are more severe, often involving sudden power loss or cascading electrical failures. The Camry has many more complaints, but most are less likely to cause a crash. In practice, the A7 demands more vigilance for high-risk failures, while the Camry may have more frequent but less catastrophic problems.
Key differences
- The Audi A7 has 67 complaints over 10 years (6.7/year) versus the Camry's 2,056 (205.6/year), but A7 issues often involve sudden engine shutdown or cascading electrical failures.
- The Camry's most common complaint area is power train (385 complaints), including stuck ignition keys and shuddering, while the A7's top area is electrical (29 complaints) with alternator and starter generator failures.
- The A7 has 43 recalls and 4 injuries reported; the Camry has 31 recalls but 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, showing that Camry issues more often lead to crashes.
- A7 owners report fuel filler flap and auto start/stop problems; Camry owners report brake noise and electronic parking brake failures, both affecting daily usability.
- Check for any history of electrical malfunction warnings, especially cascading transmission or steering warnings, and test the alternator and 48-volt starter generator.
- Inspect the fuel filler flap operation, especially in cold weather, and verify the auto start/stop system does not engage before a complete stop.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, the battery may need disconnecting, indicating a power train defect.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly; these are common ABS and EPB issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the A7's electrical and fuel systems and the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored error codes, particularly in the A7's electrical and engine control units and the Camry's power train and brake systems.
- Test drive both cars extensively, including highway speeds, to feel for sudden power loss (A7) or hesitation/shuddering (Camry).
- For the A7, verify the 48-volt mild-hybrid system and alternator function; for the Camry, check the ignition key removal and electronic parking brake operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs related to the complaints listed for each model.
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 A7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 6 | 157 |
| 2020 | 2 | 274 |
| 2019 | 43 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 A7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A7 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI A7 total complaints
- 67
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI A7 total recalls
- 43
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A7 avg complaints/year
- 6.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A7
- AUDI A7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN