Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q5 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI Q5 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 Q5 vs Toyota Camry: The Audi Q5 averages 48.4 complaints per year, with top issues in electrical systems and forward collision avoidance, including phantom braking. The Toyota Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year, with powertrain and brake failures reported. Both have recalls, but the Q5 has more. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q5
The Audi Q5 is a compact luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, offers a premium cabin and driving experience but comes with a higher-than-average rate of complaints, averaging about 48 per year over the last decade. The complaint pattern reveals a vehicle that can be unpredictable, with owners reporting sudden, unprovoked braking and forward collision warnings, as well as engine issues like smoke from the engine bay. These are not just minor annoyances; they affect the core driving experience and can create safety concerns. Living with a Q5 means being prepared for potential electrical gremlins and system malfunctions that may require multiple dealer visits.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and value, but the complaint data shows it's not without issues, averaging over 214 complaints per year. The most common problems revolve around the powertrain, with owners describing grinding noises from the transmission and even sudden acceleration incidents. Brake failures, where the pedal goes to the floor with no response, are also reported. While the Camry's overall reputation for dependability holds, these reports indicate that some units can experience serious mechanical and safety-related failures that demand attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 484 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 44 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 48.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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 Q5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM149
- 02ENGINE93
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SERVICE BRAKES56
Owners report the forward collision warning and emergency braking system activating without any obstacle, sometimes at highway speeds, causing sudden, unprovoked stops. This is a safety-critical issue that can lead to rear-end collisions.
There are reports of smoke billowing from the engine compartment, which can enter the cabin, and premature engine oil consumption triggering warning lights shortly after purchase. These issues point to potential engine defects or oil leaks.
The Pre-Sense system has been reported to malfunction, erroneously activating during turns or when no hazard is present. This can cause the vehicle to brake suddenly, startling the driver and increasing the risk of being hit from behind.
“On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny…”
“The vehicle exhibits multiple, unresolved safety-critical defects across software and mechanical systems that create an unpredictable and dangerous driving environment. Despite multiple repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to certify the vehicle as sa…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front end during acceleration, with dealers confirming transmission issues that require replacement. Some also report sudden, unintended acceleration, which is a serious safety concern.
There are reports of sudden acceleration events that led to crashes, as well as engine maintenance warnings related to a coolant valve bypass that may not be covered by a recall for all VINs, leaving owners with potential engine overheating risks.
Several owners report brake failure, where pressing the pedal produces no response, especially on hills or in parking lots. This can lead to loss of control and collisions.
“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 Q5 — 44 recalls
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 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, caus…
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
The risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241…
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 Q5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi Q5 has significantly fewer complaints per year (48.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the issues differs. The Q5's problems are more concentrated in electronics and driver-assistance systems, while the Camry's are more mechanical, involving the engine and transmission. In practice, the Q5 may require more frequent software updates and sensor calibrations, whereas the Camry might need more substantial mechanical repairs.
Key differences
- The Audi Q5's most common issue is electrical system failures, particularly with the forward collision avoidance system, causing phantom braking. The Camry's top issue is powertrain problems, including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Q5 has a higher rate of recalls (44 vs 31) but fewer complaints overall, suggesting that Audi may be more proactive in addressing issues, while the Camry's higher complaint volume might indicate more widespread problems.
- Engine problems in the Q5 include smoke and oil consumption, while the Camry's engine issues are linked to sudden acceleration and coolant valve defects.
- Brake complaints are significant in both, but the Q5's are tied to the automatic emergency braking system, whereas the Camry's are about physical brake failure.
- Check the forward collision warning and automatic braking system for any history of false activations or recalls; test drive at various speeds to ensure it doesn't brake unexpectedly.
- Inspect the engine bay for signs of oil leaks or smoke, and verify oil consumption by checking the dipstick regularly after purchase.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have the transmission fluid and system checked by a specialist.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on a hill, to ensure the pedal responds immediately and doesn't sink to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's full NHTSA recall history and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic who specializes in the make/model.
- For the Audi Q5, ask for service records related to electrical system updates and any previous complaints about Pre-Sense.
- For the Toyota Camry, request transmission service records and check for any open investigations or technical service bulletins.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive that includes highway speeds, city driving, and hills to evaluate braking and acceleration behavior.
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 Q5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| 2025 | 41 | 153 |
| 2024 | 20 | 48 |
| 2023 | 32 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 71 | 155 |
| 2020 | 24 | 270 |
| 2019 | 50 | 393 |
| 2018 | 201 | 736 |
| 2017 | 42 | 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 Q5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q5 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI Q5 total complaints
- 484
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- AUDI Q5 total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI Q5 avg complaints/year
- 48.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q5
- AUDI Q5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN