Head-to-head reliability
AUDI E TRON vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI E TRON 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 E TRON vs Toyota Camry: The e-tron averages 29 complaints per year with 21 recalls, while the Camry averages 206 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The e-tron's issues often involve electrical and drivetrain problems, whereas the Camry's are more varied. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI E TRON or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI E TRON
The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to electrical gremlins. Over four years, it has averaged 29 complaints per year, with the electrical system being the most common trouble spot. Owners report issues like blank instrument displays and drivetrain disengagement, which can leave you stranded or require lengthy dealer visits. While recalls are relatively few, the complaints suggest that when problems occur, they can be frustrating and costly.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a long history, but the data shows a high volume of complaints—over 2,000 in ten years, averaging about 206 per year. The most frequent issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners reporting problems like stuck ignition keys, hesitation, and brake noises. There are also many crash-related complaints and injuries reported, though not all may be directly caused by defects. Overall, the Camry's complaint rate is much higher, indicating that many owners experience issues, some of which could affect safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI E TRON | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 116 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 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 E TRON
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- 03POWER TRAIN19
- 04ENGINE18
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM15
Owners frequently report intermittent blank instrument cluster displays and 'Electrical System Malfunction' warnings that can cause the vehicle to lose power or require dealer service. These issues can be unpredictable and may leave you without critical driving information.
Some owners describe sudden jerking and the drivetrain disengaging while approaching stops, leaving the car coasting with electrical power but no propulsion. This can be alarming and potentially dangerous in traffic.
Complaints under 'Engine' often overlap with electrical problems, such as the 'Electrical System Malfunction' message that may relate to the drivetrain. These can result in the vehicle entering a reduced-power mode or needing dealer diagnosis.
As an EV, this category likely covers charging or battery-related issues, though specific complaints are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should be aware that propulsion problems can be complex and expensive to fix.
“I own a 2021 Audi e-tron with approximately 58000 miles. Beginning in March 2026, the vehicle developed intermittent Virtual Cockpit/instrument-cluster problems with blank display. I reported the condition to Audi dealer of Princeton NJ. The vehicle subsequen…”
“am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent experience with the service department at Audi of Cherry Hill concerning my Audi e-tron. My vehicle remained at your dealership for approximately four weeks, during which time no repairs or meaningful…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking where the key cannot be removed even though the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with check engine lights, which can indicate transmission or engine issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds for the car to move. This can be a safety concern when merging or crossing intersections.
Some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system. Others have the electronic parking brake fail to disengage, requiring a tow and costly repairs.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously, according to one complaint. This suggests potential electrical gremlins that could affect safety features.
“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 E TRON — 21 recalls
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 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.
The risk: A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this rec…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.
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 E TRON or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi e-tron has far fewer complaints per year (29 vs. 206 for the Camry), but its issues tend to cluster around complex electrical and drivetrain problems that can be disabling. The Camry's higher complaint volume means you're more likely to encounter some issue, but many are familiar and may be cheaper to fix. In practice, the e-tron may spend more time in the shop for serious electronic faults, while the Camry may have more frequent but sometimes less severe problems.
Key differences
- The Audi e-tron averages 29 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages 206 per year, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the Camry.
- Electrical system problems dominate e-tron complaints, often involving blank displays or drivetrain disengagement, whereas Camry complaints are spread across power train, engine, and brakes.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, compared to 4 crash-related and 1 injury for the e-tron, though these numbers don't prove causation.
- Recalls are more frequent for the Camry (31 vs. 21), covering areas like air bags and seats, while e-tron recalls include brakes and seat belts.
- Check for any history of instrument cluster blanking or 'Electrical System Malfunction' warnings; test all displays and electronics during a test drive.
- Listen for unusual noises or jerking during low-speed stops that could indicate drivetrain disengagement issues.
- Test the ignition key removal multiple times to ensure it doesn't stick, and check for any hesitation or shuddering during acceleration.
- Inspect the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- For the e-tron, have a certified EV technician inspect the battery, charging system, and software updates.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds and check for transmission hesitation, brake noises, and key removal issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for electrical or brake repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model to uncover hidden issues.
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 E TRON | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 36 | 157 |
| 2019 | 80 | 395 |
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 E TRON or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI E TRON vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI E TRON total complaints
- 116
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI E TRON total recalls
- 21
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI E TRON avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI E TRON
- AUDI E TRON top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN