Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q4 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI Q4 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 Q4 vs Toyota Camry: The Audi Q4 has 34 complaints over 5 years (6.8 per year), while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years (205.6 per year). The Q4's issues often involve electrical and brake systems, whereas the Camry's are more about power train and engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q4 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q4
The Audi Q4 is an electric SUV that has been on the road for about five years. In that time, owners have filed 34 complaints, with the majority about electrical problems, especially charging and 12-volt battery issues. There are also reports of brake trouble and forward collision warnings that don't work as expected. With only 4 recalls and a low complaint rate, it may be a manageable used EV, but the electrical complaints suggest you should check the charging system carefully.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a long history. Over ten years, owners have filed 2,056 complaints, averaging about 206 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key removal problems. There are also many recalls and crash-related complaints, so while it's a common car, it has a higher volume of reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 34 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.8 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 Q4
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 02SERVICE BRAKES7
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners report the high-voltage charging system malfunctioning, showing 'Charging System Malfunction' warnings and only allowing AC charging. Some also experience sudden loss of functionality and warnings to stop driving. This matters because charging problems can leave you stranded and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include brake issues at low speeds and a severe case of unintended acceleration while braking at highway speeds. These brake problems could affect stopping ability and safety, so a thorough brake inspection is wise.
The 'Pre-sense' system may trigger but emergency autonomous braking might not engage as expected. Owners also report brake-related issues affecting low-speed collision avoidance. This means the car's automatic braking might not always work, so don't rely solely on it.
Owners report AWD system malfunction warnings and front-camera sensor failures that affect driver-assist features. These electronic and drivetrain issues can impact safe operation and may be expensive to fix.
“The high-voltage charging system has repeatedly malfunctioned. The vehicle intermittently displays a "Charging System Malfunction" warning and a message that only AC charging is possible, the charge-port indicator blinks green and then red, and the vehicle ca…”
“I am reporting multiple ongoing electrical system malfunctions on my 2024 Audi Q4 55 e-tron SUV that create a safety risk, including sudden loss of functionality and warnings instructing me to stop driving. These issues began approximately two months after I…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others experience hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you unable to park or drive smoothly.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This hesitation can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area due to the ABS system. These brake problems can be inconvenient and costly.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This widespread electrical failure could compromise safety features you depend on.
“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 Q4 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charg…
The risk: An overheated outlet or charging cable can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations. Dealers will supply a new 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable with an incorporated tem…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q4 E-TRON and Q4 E-TRON Sportback vehicles. The incorrect headlight control module software may have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 1…
The risk: Incorrect headlight control module software may cause the parking lights not to operate as intended when the headlights are turned on and the turn signals are activated, which can reduce vehicle visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the headlight control module with a new data set, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 941L.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the OCDC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for thi…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 AUDI Q4 E-Tron SUV, AUDI Q4 E-Tron Sportback, and 2024 ID.4 vehicles. The on-board charger (OCDC) may fail and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the OCDC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for thi…
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 Q4 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi Q4 has far fewer complaints per year (6.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Camry is a much more common vehicle. The difference means you're less likely to find a complaint about a Q4, but when issues occur, they often involve critical electrical or brake systems. The Camry's higher volume of complaints suggests more frequent problems, though many may be less severe.
Key differences
- The Audi Q4 has 34 complaints over 5 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, showing a much higher volume for the Camry.
- Audi Q4 complaints focus on electrical and charging problems, while Camry complaints are more about power train, engine, and brake issues.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 3 crash-related and 2 injuries for the Q4, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Both have recalls, but the Camry has 31 recalls versus 4 for the Q4, covering areas like air bags and seats.
- Check for any history of charging system malfunctions, including warning messages and inability to charge beyond AC.
- Test the brakes at low and high speeds for unusual noises, surging, or delayed response.
- Test the ignition key removal to ensure it doesn't get stuck in Park.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal and check if the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models.
- For the Audi Q4, have a certified EV technician inspect the high-voltage charging system and 12-volt battery.
- For the Toyota Camry, test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation, shuddering, and brake noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for brake and electrical repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific 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 Q4 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 7 | 163 |
| 2024 | 27 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
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 Q4 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q4 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI Q4 total complaints
- 34
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI Q4 total recalls
- 4
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI Q4 avg complaints/year
- 6.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q4
- AUDI Q4 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN