Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS 6 Avant vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI RS 6 Avant 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 RS 6 Avant vs Toyota Camry: The Audi has 7 complaints over 6 years (1.2/year) and 0 crash-related, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 171 crash-related. The Audi's issues are mostly electrical and camera faults; the Camry's span power train, engine, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS 6 Avant or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS 6 Avant
The Audi RS 6 Avant is a high-performance wagon with very few complaints—only 7 over 6 years, averaging 1.2 per year. The main pattern is electrical gremlins, especially central locking and power loss, plus repeated camera failures. Recalls also focus on electrical and camera systems. For a buyer, this suggests a complex car where electronic faults, not mechanical breakdowns, are the main annoyance.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a huge complaint volume: 2,056 over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Owners report power train hesitation, engine shuddering, brake noises, and electrical glitches. There are also 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death, plus 31 recalls. This points to a wide range of issues across many systems, though the high sales volume means even a small defect rate can generate many reports.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS 6 Avant | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 RS 6 Avant
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER1
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 04STEERING1
- 05POWER TRAIN1
Owners report recurring central locking/door latch malfunctions with a 'Central Locking System Malfunction' warning, and one instance of total electrical power loss at 65 mph with multiple warning messages. These faults can leave doors inoperable or the car stranded, so a buyer should check all locks and battery/charging health.
The rear camera repeatedly fails, and dealership replacements have not fixed it; other cameras also fail. This affects backing up and parking, so test every camera and screen function before buying.
The same camera failures also impact forward collision avoidance, meaning safety alerts may not work. A buyer should verify that all driver-assist warnings and sensors are functional.
One complaint links electrical power loss to steering issues, with yellow and red warnings. While rare, a sudden loss of assist at speed is serious, so check for any steering warning lights or odd feel during a test drive.
“My Audi RS6 has experienced a recurring central locking/door latch malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Central Locking System Malfunction” warning and the affected door does not operate normally. This appears to be a known issue affecting the C8 Audi platfor…”
“Loss of electrical power while cruising on the interstate at 65 mph. There was a series of warning messages, YELLOW colored malfunctions such as "Sport differential malfunction", "electric system malfunction". Then RED colored warning message "Electric system…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine lights. These can leave you unable to shut off the car or cause drivability concerns, so test key removal and acceleration.
Complaints include delayed throttle response and shuddering with check engine lights. This can make merging or pulling out feel unpredictable, so scan for stored codes and test acceleration from a stop.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and some owners hear clicking/vibrating from the ABS. This can prevent the car from moving or indicate brake system issues, so test the parking brake and listen for noises.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction together. This suggests possible wiring or module faults, so check all electronic features and warning lights.
“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 RS 6 Avant — 8 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
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 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 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…
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 RS 6 Avant or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi RS 6 Avant has far fewer issues per year (1.2 vs. 205.6), but the Camry's numbers are inflated by its huge sales volume. In practice, the RS 6 Avant's problems are mostly electronic annoyances, while the Camry's span engines, brakes, and power train, with some crash-related reports. A buyer prioritizing low complaint frequency might lean toward the Audi, but should weigh the severity and cost of potential repairs.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi RS 6 Avant has 7 complaints over 6 years; Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, but Camry sells in far higher numbers.
- Crash/injury reports: Camry shows 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; Audi shows 0 in all three categories.
- Primary fault types: Audi issues are mostly electrical and camera-related; Camry issues span power train, engine, brakes, and electrical systems.
- Recalls: Audi has 8 recalls (electrical, camera); Camry has 31 recalls (wheels, seats, air bag sensors).
- Check all door locks and central locking operation; listen for warning messages about locking system malfunctions.
- Test every camera (rear, front, side) and driver-assist feature; ensure no persistent camera failure warnings.
- Test ignition key removal in Park; if it sticks, that's a known power train complaint.
- Test the electronic parking brake engagement/disengagement and listen for ABS clicking or vibration when braking.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes, especially for electrical, power train, and brake systems.
- Test all electronic features: locks, cameras, infotainment, driver-assist warnings, and parking brake.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly to check for hesitation or shuddering, and brake to listen for ABS noises.
- For the Audi, verify battery health and charging system; for the Camry, check for delayed throttle response and key removal.
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 RS 6 Avant | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 163 |
| 2024 | 2 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 4 | 157 |
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 RS 6 Avant or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS 6 Avant vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI RS 6 Avant total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI RS 6 Avant total recalls
- 8
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI RS 6 Avant avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 6 Avant
- AUDI RS 6 Avant top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN