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 Q7 averages 63.4 complaints per year, while the Camry has 214.3. The Q7 has 40 recalls, the Camry 31. Owners report headlight and electrical failures in the Q7, and transmission and brake issues in the Camry. 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, a luxury three-row SUV, shows a reliability pattern centered on advanced electronics and engine systems. Owners report issues with adaptive headlights, electrical failures, and coolant leaks, which can be costly and inconvenient. The complaint rate is lower than the Camry's, but the nature of the problems suggests a vehicle that may require more specialized attention.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has a higher complaint volume, but many issues are less severe, such as HVAC odors and transmission noise. However, there are serious reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are critical safety concerns. The higher complaint count may reflect its larger sales volume, but the presence of safety-related complaints warrants attention.
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 | 634 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 63.4 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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 Q7
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING160
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM134
- 03ENGINE127
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
- 05SUSPENSION59
Owners report matrix adaptive headlights malfunctioning, reducing visibility at night and causing glare issues for oncoming traffic.
Complete electrical failures, including Belt Starter Generator (BSG) malfunctions, can occur at highway speeds, leading to sudden loss of power.
Systemic coolant leaks in the 3.0L turbo V6 (EA839) engine are reported, which can cause overheating and potential engine damage.
“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 TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues, including grinding noises and the need for replacement, are reported, with some models experiencing backorders for parts.
Sudden acceleration incidents have been reported, leading to crashes, and there are also issues with coolant valve bypass codes that may not be covered by recall.
Brake failure, such as no response when pressing the pedal, has been reported, especially on downhill slopes, posing a serious safety risk.
“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 Q7 — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand…
The risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical conn…
The risk: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for th…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand…
The risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
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 Q7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi Q7 has fewer complaints per year (63.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's issues are more varied and include critical safety concerns. In practice, the Q7 may offer a more reliable ownership experience in terms of frequency, but both have serious potential problems.
Key differences
- Audi Q7 owners report more issues with advanced lighting and electrical systems, while Camry owners report more transmission and brake problems.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181) and injuries (163) compared to the Q7 (19 crashes, 20 injuries), but the Q7 has more recalls (40 vs 31).
- Engine issues in the Q7 focus on coolant leaks, while Camry engine complaints include sudden acceleration, a more immediate safety threat.
- The Q7's complaint rate is lower, but the nature of its issues (e.g., BSG failure) can lead to sudden loss of power, similar to the Camry's acceleration issues.
- Inspect the adaptive headlights for proper operation and any error messages.
- Check for coolant leaks around the engine and verify the condition of the Belt Starter Generator (BSG) if equipped.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on slopes, and listen for any grinding noises from the transmission.
- Ask about any open recalls related to the coolant valve or other engine components.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for electrical or transmission issues.
- Ask for service records, especially for any repairs related to the engine or brakes.
- Consider the cost of potential repairs and parts availability for each 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 Q7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 119 |
| 2025 | 15 | 153 |
| 2024 | 1 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 71 | 155 |
| 2020 | 26 | 270 |
| 2019 | 61 | 393 |
| 2018 | 141 | 736 |
| 2017 | 318 | 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
- 634
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- AUDI Q7 total recalls
- 40
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI Q7 avg complaints/year
- 63.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q7
- AUDI Q7 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN