Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q7 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI Q7 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 Q7 vs Toyota Camry: The Audi Q7 averages 64.6 complaints per year with 40 recalls, while the Toyota Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Q7 has fewer complaints but more severe issues like electrical failures and coolant leaks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has averaged 64.6 complaints per year, with the most common issues in exterior lighting, electrical system, and engine. Owners report serious problems like adaptive headlights failing, complete electrical shutdowns from belt starter generator malfunctions, and coolant leaks in the 3.0L V6 engine. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and safety risks, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan known for reliability, but it still has its share of problems. It averages 205.6 complaints per year, with the most common issues in power train, engine, and service brakes. Owners report intermittent key stuck in ignition, hesitation and shuddering while driving, and brake system noises. While the Camry has more complaints overall, many are for less severe issues, but some can affect drivability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 646 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 64.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 Q7
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING160
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136
- 03ENGINE131
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SUSPENSION60
Owners report that matrix adaptive headlights may stop working, reducing visibility at night. This is a safety concern because it can make it harder to see the road and other vehicles.
Complaints include complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a belt starter generator (BSG) malfunction. This can cause the vehicle to shut down unexpectedly, increasing crash risk.
Owners report systemic coolant leaks in the 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine, which can lead to overheating and engine damage. This is a costly repair and can strand drivers.
Some owners report that the vehicle can lock unexpectedly with the key fob inside, potentially trapping children or pets. This is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“Matrix adaptive headlights are not working. Night driving with increased adoption of LED headlights become challenging due to high glare level and associated temporary vision sensitivity reduction, I was hoping that matrix adaptive headlights will improve thi…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even when the vehicle is in Park. This can leave drivers unable to secure their vehicle.
Complaints include hesitation and shuddering while driving, along with the check engine light. This can affect acceleration and overall drivability, and may indicate a serious engine issue.
Owners report that the electronic parking brake (EPB) may not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Also, some hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which may be normal but is annoying.
Multiple systems like smart stop, stability control, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This can compromise safety features and make driving unpredictable.
“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 Q7 — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020 Q7 vehicles. Incompatibility between the front camera control software and the heating element used for the front camera on the windshield may cause the heating element to overheat.
The risk: An overheated heating element can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.…
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 Q7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi Q7 has far fewer complaints per year (64.6) than the Toyota Camry (205.6), but the Q7's issues tend to be more severe and expensive, such as electrical failures and engine leaks. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many less critical problems, but some like key stuck and brake issues can still be problematic. In practice, the Q7 may require more costly repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but generally less costly issues.
Key differences
- The Audi Q7 has 64.6 complaints per year vs. the Camry's 205.6, but Q7 issues like electrical failure and coolant leaks are more severe.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs. 20) and injuries (158 vs. 21), though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- The Q7's top issue is exterior lighting (160 complaints), while the Camry's is power train (385 complaints).
- The Q7 has 40 recalls vs. the Camry's 31, but recall subjects differ: Q7 includes roof and fuel pump, Camry includes seats and air bag sensors.
- Check for coolant leaks around the engine, especially in the 3.0L V6, as owners report systemic leaks that can lead to overheating.
- Test all electrical functions, including adaptive headlights and infotainment, and ask about any history of belt starter generator replacement.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park to ensure it doesn't stick, a reported power train issue.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic specializing in the respective brand.
- For the Q7, specifically ask about electrical system and coolant leak repairs.
- For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation or shuddering.
- Verify that all safety systems (brakes, stability control, air bags) are functioning correctly.
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 Q7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 16 | 163 |
| 2024 | 2 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 75 | 157 |
| 2020 | 28 | 274 |
| 2019 | 62 | 395 |
| 2018 | 143 | 744 |
| 2017 | 319 | 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 Q7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q7 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI Q7 total complaints
- 646
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI Q7 total recalls
- 40
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI Q7 avg complaints/year
- 64.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q7
- AUDI Q7 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN