Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q6 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI Q6 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 Q6 vs Toyota Camry: The Q6 has 67 complaints over 2 years (33.5/year) and 3 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Q6's issues center on electrical shutdowns and door-lock failures; the Camry's on powertrain hesitation and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q6 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q6
The Audi Q6 is a newer electric SUV, so the two years of NHTSA data reflect early ownership. Owners report electrical gremlins that can shut the car off or lock them out, plus driver-assist systems that quit mid-drive. With 67 complaints in two years, the pattern suggests a vehicle that may spend time at the dealer for software and sensor fixes.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running family sedan with a decade of complaint history. The 2,056 complaints over 10 years show a broad mix of powertrain, engine, and brake issues, but the per-year rate is lower than the Audi's. Many reports involve hesitation, warning lights, and electronic parking brake failures that can strand a driver.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 33.5 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 Q6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE20
- 03LANE DEPARTURE12
- 04POWER TRAIN12
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
Owners report the Q6 shutting off or switching into an inoperable gear while moving, often tied to a 'Central' electrical fault. This can leave you stranded or unable to drive, and it's the most common complaint area.
Complaints describe intermittent door-lock and door-release failures that can trap occupants inside or outside. This matters because it could delay escape in an emergency, even though it's filed under a safety-system category.
Drivers report lane-assist and front-collision warnings becoming unavailable, along with driver profile errors and instrument cluster restarts while driving. These glitches can distract you and mean the safety aids you paid for may not work when needed.
Some owners describe sudden, violent failures at low speeds, including the vehicle shutting off or refusing to accelerate. This is a serious drivability concern that could leave you in a dangerous spot.
“Thank you for your response and for acknowledging the difficulties I have experienced with my Audi Q6 e-tron. I appreciate your willingness to escalate my concerns and ensure they are properly reviewed. I had originally sent this to you on 9/10/2025 for escal…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced an electrical malfunction that caused it to shut off or switch into an inoperable gear while in motion, without driver input. A “Central…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, sometimes requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which can point to costly repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the gas does nothing for several seconds before the car moves. This lag can be scary when merging or pulling out into traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that the manufacturer calls normal. A stuck brake can leave you unable to drive.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once, often with warning lights. This suggests electrical or sensor issues that are hard to diagnose and may recur.
“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 Q6 — 3 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron vehicles. The rearview camera may show a blurry image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A blurry rearview image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace surround view cameras as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contac…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 and Q6 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibi…
The risk: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 916C.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat be…
The risk: An improperly secured child seat can increase risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number f…
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 Q6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi Q6 has far fewer total complaints (67 vs. 2,056), but it also has only 2 years of data versus 10 for the Camry. Per year, the Q6 averages 33.5 complaints while the Camry averages 205.6, so the Camry actually has a lower complaint rate per year. In practice, the Q6's issues are concentrated in electrical and driver-assist failures, while the Camry's are spread across powertrain, engine, and brakes.
Key differences
- The Audi Q6's top complaint is electrical system failures that can shut the car off or lock doors, while the Camry's top complaint is power train issues like stuck keys and hesitation.
- The Q6 has 2 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries in 2 years; the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries over 10 years, but far more vehicles on the road.
- The Q6's recalls cover back-over camera, software, and seat belt retractor; the Camry's recalls include wheels, seats, and air bag occupant sensors.
- The Q6 is a newer EV with only 2 years of data, so long-term reliability is unknown; the Camry has a decade of data showing recurring brake and engine complaints.
- Test the door locks and releases from inside and outside on all doors—owners report intermittent failures that could trap occupants.
- Ask for a software update history and check if the car has had electrical shutdowns or 'Central' faults; a dealer scan may reveal stored codes.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking to see if it sticks, and listen for any clicking or vibrating from the brake pedal area.
- Check for delayed throttle response during a test drive, especially from a stop, and look for any check engine light or hesitation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and any dealer service records, focusing on electrical, brake, and powertrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection that includes scanning for stored error codes in all systems.
- For the Q6, test all driver-assist features (lane keep, forward collision warning) and door locks multiple times.
- For the Camry, test the electronic parking brake engagement and release, and check for smooth acceleration from a stop.
- Verify that all open recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA recall lookup with the VIN.
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 Q6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 66 | 163 |
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 Q6 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q6 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI Q6 total complaints
- 67
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI Q6 total recalls
- 3
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI Q6 avg complaints/year
- 33.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q6
- AUDI Q6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN