Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S8 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI S8 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 S8 vs Toyota Camry: The S8 has 7 complaints and 26 recalls over 10 years, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S8
The Audi S8 is a low-volume luxury sedan with only 7 complaints over 10 years, but 26 recalls in that same period. Owners report sudden electrical glitches that trigger multiple warning lights and can leave the steering wheel off-center. These issues often require dealer attention and can be expensive to diagnose and fix.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years and 31 recalls. Owners report a wide range of problems, from transmission hesitation to brake noises and key removal issues. The sheer number of complaints means you are more likely to encounter a known issue, but parts and repairs are generally more accessible.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 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 S8
- 01POWER TRAIN2
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 04ENGINE1
- 05STEERING1
Owners report that on startup, multiple warning lights flash and the car may warn not to drive due to electrical or battery malfunction. Another owner described the steering wheel being 70 degrees off-center after a series of system errors, which could affect control.
The same incident that triggered power train warnings also involved brake system errors, with the steering wheel off-center. This suggests that brake-related electronic faults can appear alongside other system failures, potentially affecting braking confidence.
A recurring complaint is that on startup, multiple warnings appear in rapid sequence, indicating an electrical system and battery malfunction. The car may advise the driver to stop and contact service, which can leave you stranded or require a tow.
One owner reported the same startup warning sequence that included an electrical/battery malfunction, which can be linked to engine management issues. This means engine-related electronic faults may not be obvious until warning lights appear.
“When started up on 11/17/22, multiple warning lights came on in rapid sequence advising of an electrical system & battery malfunction. Warning was to not drive the vehicle and contact service. I shut off the vehicle and re-started it. The same warnings were d…”
“I STARTED THE CAR LAST FRIDAY, 11/15/2019 AND GOT A BUNCH OF SYSTEM ERRORS POPPING UP ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. I DROVE THE CAR TO GET TO A SAFE PARKING SPOT AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY OFF CENTER ABOUT 70 DEGREES COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I AM NOT SURE…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when the car is in Park; the only fix is disconnecting the battery. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, with the check engine light on, which can indicate transmission or engine management problems.
A common complaint is a several-second delay in throttle response when pressing the gas pedal, making the car feel unresponsive. Another owner reported hesitation and shuddering at various speeds with the check engine light illuminated, which could lead to costly repairs if ignored.
Owners report the electronic parking brake failing to disengage, requiring a tow and a new switch that did not always fix the problem. Others hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is from the ABS system and common on 2023 Camrys.
One owner described multiple systems malfunctioning at once, including smart stop, stability control, electric power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping assist. This suggests that electrical glitches can disable several safety and convenience features simultaneously.
“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 S8 — 26 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially dis…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
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 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.
The risk: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be p…
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 S8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi S8 has far fewer complaints per year (0.7 vs. 205.6 for the Camry), but the Camry's higher volume means more reported issues overall. In practice, the S8 may have fewer reported problems, but when they occur they can be complex and expensive; the Camry's issues are more numerous but often better documented and easier to repair.
Key differences
- The Audi S8 has only 7 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, but the Camry is sold in far greater numbers.
- Audi S8 owners report sudden electrical and steering warnings on startup, while Camry owners report transmission hesitation and stuck ignition keys.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, while the S8 has none, though this may reflect sales volume differences.
- Both have recalls, but the S8 has 26 recalls for a low-volume car, suggesting a higher recall rate per vehicle.
- Check for any history of electrical system warnings or battery malfunctions, especially on startup, as owners report multiple warning lights appearing at once.
- Inspect the steering wheel alignment and feel for any off-center position, which was reported alongside brake and power train errors.
- Test the ignition key removal to ensure it does not get stuck when the car is in Park, a reported issue on 2023 models.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly, as these are common complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both the Audi S8 and Toyota Camry.
- For the Audi S8, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on electrical systems, battery health, and steering alignment.
- For the Toyota Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for transmission hesitation or shuddering, and check the ignition key operation.
- Ask the seller for any records of repairs related to warning lights, brake noises, or parking brake issues.
- Verify that all safety systems (ABS, stability control, blind spot monitoring) function correctly during a test drive.
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 S8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 1 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 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 S8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S8 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI S8 total complaints
- 7
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI S8 total recalls
- 26
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI S8 avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S8
- AUDI S8 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN