Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS 7 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI RS 7 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 7 vs Toyota Camry: The RS 7 has 0.4 complaints per year versus 209.9 for the Camry, but the RS 7's electrical stalls and overheating can be dangerous. The Camry has more brake and transmission failures, with 177 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS 7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS 7
The Audi RS 7 is a high-performance luxury hatchback that, in ownership terms, is a niche vehicle with a low complaint volume but a few serious electrical gremlins. Owners report the car stalling in traffic due to a 48V electrical system issue, which can be dangerous and has required multiple shop visits. There are also reports of overheating and coolant/oil consumption problems, suggesting that while failures are rare, they can be severe and disruptive.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mass-market sedan with a much higher complaint volume, reflecting its popularity. The complaints are spread across many systems, with notable issues in the powertrain, engine, and brakes. Owners report transmission grinding and replacement needs, sudden acceleration incidents, brake failures, and persistent HVAC odors. While many complaints are minor, the presence of crash-related complaints and a fatality indicates that some issues can have serious safety implications.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS 7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 2,099 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 26 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 177 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 209.9 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 161 |
| 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 7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04ENGINE1
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the car suddenly stopping in traffic due to a 48V electrical issue that is backordered worldwide, requiring multiple repair attempts. This can be a safety hazard if it happens in an intersection.
One owner experienced sudden overheating while driving on a freeway with no shoulder, forcing them to continue driving for miles. This suggests potential cooling system failures that could lead to engine damage.
There are reports of a persistent coolant smell and excessive oil consumption, with repairs attempted but not resolving the issue. This could indicate internal engine problems that may worsen over time.
“The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.”
“This website shows the wrong information. Recall was successfully repaired but it shows here as unrepaired.”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN389
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER336
- 03ENGINE309
- 04SERVICE BRAKES288
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues and recommending replacement. Some transmissions are on backorder, leaving owners without a vehicle.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, leading to crashes and total loss of the vehicle. Also, a specific coolant valve bypass recall may not apply to all VINs, causing confusion and potential safety risks.
Owners describe brake pedal failure with no response, especially on steep hills, which can lead to loss of control. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
“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 RS 7 — 7 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 — 26 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 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
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…
Buyer analysis
AUDI RS 7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi RS 7 has far fewer complaints per year (0.4) compared to the Toyota Camry (209.9), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the RS 7's issues, like electrical stalling, can be severe. In practice, the Camry's higher volume reflects its widespread use, but the nature of its problems, including brake failures and sudden acceleration, may be more concerning for safety-conscious buyers.
Key differences
- The RS 7 has a 48V electrical system that can cause sudden stalls, while the Camry has transmission grinding and replacement needs.
- The Camry has reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are safety-critical, whereas the RS 7's issues are more electrical and cooling-related.
- The RS 7 has a coolant smell and oil consumption issue, while the Camry has HVAC odors and AC condenser damage from rocks.
- The RS 7 has 0 crash-related complaints, while the Camry has 177, indicating a higher incidence of accidents possibly linked to reported failures.
- Check for any pending electrical system recalls or service campaigns, especially related to the 48V system, and ask for service records showing repeated repairs for stalling.
- Inspect for coolant leaks and oil consumption by checking the coolant level and oil dipstick, and ask about any previous overheating incidents.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, and ask for any brake-related service history. Look for signs of transmission issues like grinding or hesitation during acceleration.
- Check for any open recalls, particularly for the engine coolant valve bypass, and verify if the VIN is included in any transmission-related recalls.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the electrical system for the RS 7 and the brakes/transmission for the Camry.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and hill starts, to feel for any unusual behavior.
- Ask for all service records and verify that any reported issues have been addressed with successful repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for the latest complaints and recall information for the specific model year you are considering.
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 7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 106 |
| 2025 | 0 | 141 |
| 2024 | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 | 0 | 60 |
| 2022 | 0 | 58 |
| 2021 | 4 | 154 |
| 2018 | 0 | 731 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 RS 7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS 7 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI RS 7 total complaints
- 4
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,099
- AUDI RS 7 total recalls
- 7
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 26
- AUDI RS 7 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 209.9
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 7
- AUDI RS 7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN