Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS Q8 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI RS Q8 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 Q8 vs Toyota Camry: The RS Q8 has only 2 complaints over 7 years (0.3/yr) but those involve sudden electrical shutdowns and steering loss. The Camry has 2,143 complaints over 10 years (214.3/yr), including transmission, engine, and brake failures, with 181 crashes and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS Q8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS Q8
The Audi RS Q8 is a high-performance luxury SUV that, in ownership terms, is a low-volume, high-cost vehicle. Over seven years, owners have filed only two complaints, but both describe a sudden electrical system failure that shuts the car down and can disable steering, leaving the driver to coast to a stop and wait for a tow. This pattern, while rare, is alarming because it happens without warning and can occur at speed. The 20 recalls cover a range of components, from seat belts to air bags to suspension, but none are crash-related, and there have been no reported injuries or deaths.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume, mainstream sedan with a much larger owner base, reflected in 2,143 complaints over ten years—an average of over 200 per year. The complaints span many systems, but the most frequent are powertrain (including transmission grinding and replacement), engine (including sudden acceleration and coolant valve issues), and service brakes (including loss of braking response). There have been 181 crash-related incidents, 163 injuries, and one death, making these issues more than just inconveniences. The 31 recalls cover air bags, seats, wheels, and labels, but the complaint data shows a broader range of real-world problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS Q8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 RS Q8
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02STEERING1
Owners report a sudden 'Electrical System Malfunction' that causes the car to shut down completely, sometimes while driving, and can disable steering. One owner had to wait hours for a tow and was told the alternator is on backorder with over 5,000 cars waiting. This is a critical safety issue because it leaves the driver without control and no time to react.
The steering failure is directly linked to the electrical shutdown—when the electrical system fails, steering assist is lost, making the car extremely difficult to maneuver. This is not a mechanical steering issue but a consequence of the electrical failure, and it can happen at any speed.
“The car gave an electrical error & said to stop vehicle immediately. I lost steering capabilities. I pulled over & had to wait hours for a tow. I am now being told the part is on back order with over 5000 cars waiting on an alternator. I’ve not even had the c…”
“The car displayed a Electrical System Malfunction and completely shutdown. The car will haft to be towed to AUDI service center for diagnosis. This is extremely unsafe for general operation. Their was not sufficient time to react.”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. Some note that transmissions are on backorder, leaving cars undriveable for extended periods. This is a major repair cost and reliability concern.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, which in one case led to a crash and the car being totaled. Other owners mention engine maintenance lights and a specific code (P268115) related to a coolant valve bypass that is not covered by a recall for their VIN, causing safety and performance worries.
Several owners describe pressing the brake pedal with no response, such as when driving down a steep hill, leading to a near-miss or actual incident. This is a critical safety failure that can result in loss of vehicle control.
“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 Q8 — 20 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
The risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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 RS Q8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi RS Q8 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the nature of the RS Q8's issues—sudden electrical shutdowns that disable steering—is potentially more dangerous per occurrence. The Camry's higher volume of complaints includes serious safety issues like brake failure and sudden acceleration, but they are spread across a much larger owner base. In practice, the RS Q8's problems are rare but severe, while the Camry's are more frequent and varied, with a higher absolute number of crashes and injuries.
Key differences
- The RS Q8 has only 2 complaints in 7 years, while the Camry has 2,143 in 10 years—a massive difference in frequency.
- RS Q8 failures are concentrated in the electrical system, causing complete shutdowns and steering loss, whereas Camry issues span powertrain, engine, brakes, and more.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, while the RS Q8 has zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths.
- The RS Q8's alternator is on backorder with over 5,000 cars waiting, indicating a systemic part shortage, while the Camry's transmission replacements also face backorders.
- Check for any history of electrical system warnings or shutdowns, and ask if the alternator has been replaced or is on backorder.
- Inspect the steering system for any signs of intermittent loss of assist, and ensure all recalls are performed, especially those related to electrical and steering components.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration, and check for any transmission service or replacement records.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on a hill, and ask about any brake-related complaints or repairs. Also, check for any engine codes like P268115 and whether the coolant valve recall has been applied.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for both vehicles and confirm all recalls have been completed.
- For the RS Q8, ask the seller for any service records related to electrical system or alternator issues, and check if the alternator is currently on backorder.
- For the Camry, request a transmission inspection by a trusted mechanic, and test drive to feel for any hesitation or grinding.
- Check the brake system on the Camry for any signs of wear or previous complaints, and have a mechanic inspect the brake lines and master cylinder.
- Review the vehicle's accident history and compare it with the NHTSA complaint data to identify any patterns.
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 Q8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 119 |
| 2025 | 0 | 153 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 |
| 2023 | 0 | 62 |
| 2022 | 0 | 59 |
| 2021 | 2 | 155 |
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
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 Q8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS Q8 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI RS Q8 total complaints
- 2
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- AUDI RS Q8 total recalls
- 20
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI RS Q8 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS Q8
- AUDI RS Q8 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN