Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A8 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI A8 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 A8 vs Toyota Camry: The Audi A8 has 162 complaints over 10 years (16.2/yr) with engine stalling a major issue, while the Toyota Camry has 2143 complaints (214.3/yr) including transmission and brake failures. The A8 has fewer complaints but more severe engine problems, whereas the Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A8
The Audi A8, a luxury sedan, shows a reliability picture dominated by engine troubles. Owners report sudden stalling and misfiring, sometimes in traffic, which can be alarming. The high complaint rate of 16.2 per year, though lower than the Camry's, is concerning for a premium vehicle, and the nature of the failures suggests potential safety risks.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a much higher complaint volume (214.3 per year) but covers a wider range of issues, including transmission, brakes, and electrical problems. While some complaints involve serious safety concerns like sudden acceleration and brake failure, many are less critical, such as HVAC odors. The higher count may reflect its larger sales volume, but the variety of issues indicates a need for careful inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 162 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 35 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.2 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 A8
- 01ENGINE93
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
- 05POWER TRAIN11
Owners report sudden stalling and misfiring without warning, sometimes in heavy traffic, leaving the car unable to restart or shift into neutral. This can be a serious safety hazard.
High-pressure fuel pumps and cam followers fail prematurely, leading to costly repairs. Some owners note that Audi extended warranties but their VINs weren't included, causing out-of-pocket expenses.
Issues include malfunctioning adaptive cruise control and navigation system inaccuracies, which can be frustrating and may affect driver assistance features.
“WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED (4 LANE STREET -- 2 GOING, TO COMING). THERE WAS VERY HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AS IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON, NOR COULD I SHIFT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE WAY. AS A RESULT…”
“WHILE DRIVING AND GETTING OFF A HIGHWAY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT NOTICE STARTED TO STALL AS IF MISFIRING AND RUNNING ERRATIC WITHOUT NO ENGINE TROUBLE CODES OR WARNING LIGHTS AT A RED LIGHT STOP. I MANAGED TO GET HOME ABOUT HALF MILE AND ONCE PARKED COULDN'T…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises on acceleration and the need for full transmission replacement. Some owners mention recalls for similar issues on newer models, but their VINs may not be covered.
Reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration leading to crashes are particularly alarming. Additionally, engine maintenance lights may indicate coolant valve bypass issues that are not covered by recall for all VINs.
Brake failure incidents, such as no response when pressing the pedal on a hill, are reported. Other brake-related complaints involve difficulty stopping in parking lots, suggesting potential brake system problems.
“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 A8 — 35 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous over time, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began July 20, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AV.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
The risk: Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles equipped with a standard sunroof, manufactured March 12, 2013, through July 15, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with a standard sunroof glass panel that may shatter.
The risk: Should the sunroof's glass break while the vehicle is in use, the falling glass could injure the driver or passengers. It could also distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass panel, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2013. Owners may contact Audi of America at 1-800-822-2834. Volkwagen's number for this campaign is 60B6/1L.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
The risk: If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. 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 A8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi A8 has fewer complaints per year (16.2) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the A8's issues are more concentrated on engine stalling, which can be dangerous. The Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues, but also serious safety concerns. In practice, the A8 may offer a more refined experience but with a higher risk of sudden power loss, while the Camry has more frequent but varied problems.
Key differences
- Audi A8: Engine stalling and misfiring are the top issues, often occurring without warning, which can be dangerous in traffic.
- Toyota Camry: Transmission failures and brake problems are prominent, with some owners needing full replacements.
- Audi A8: Fuel pump and cam follower failures are common, leading to expensive repairs.
- Toyota Camry: Sudden acceleration incidents are reported, which is a critical safety concern.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or misfiring, and have the fuel system inspected, especially high-pressure pumps.
- Look for signs of electrical issues, such as malfunctioning driver assistance features or navigation errors.
- Inspect the transmission for any grinding noises or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any open recalls.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on slopes, to ensure there is no loss of braking power.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any previous complaints or recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and transmission.
- Test drive both vehicles in various conditions, including highway and city driving, to feel for any stalling or shifting issues.
- Check for any outstanding recalls and confirm if the VIN is included in any extended warranty programs.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if common issues like fuel pump or transmission replacements have been addressed.
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 A8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 12 | 393 |
| 2018 | 0 | 736 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 A8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A8 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI A8 total complaints
- 162
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- AUDI A8 total recalls
- 35
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI A8 avg complaints/year
- 16.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A8
- AUDI A8 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN