Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ5 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI SQ5 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 SQ5 vs Toyota Camry: The SQ5 averages 8.6 complaints per year with 22 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The SQ5's issues often involve electrical and engine failures, whereas the Camry's are more frequent but often less severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ5
The Audi SQ5 is a performance SUV that averages about 9 complaints per year over the past decade, with 22 recalls and 4 crash-related reports. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like the trunk opening while driving and brake lights failing, plus engine coolant leaks and water pump issues. Forward collision avoidance sensors can trigger phantom braking, and power train failures like CV axle breakage have occurred. These patterns suggest that while the SQ5 offers sporty driving, it demands vigilance and potentially costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint volume—about 206 per year—but that reflects its huge sales numbers. Common owner reports include power train hesitation and key removal problems, engine throttle lag, and brake issues like the electronic parking brake not disengaging. Recalls cover air bag sensors and seat hardware. Overall, the Camry's issues are more frequent but often less severe, and many are addressed by recalls or dealer fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 86 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 22 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 8.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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 SQ5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02ENGINE18
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE15
- 04POWER TRAIN11
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
Owners report the trunk lid opening on its own while driving, which can drop cargo onto the road, and rear brake lights failing due to a faulty Comfort System Central Control Module. These glitches are dangerous and may require expensive module replacements.
Complaints describe coolant leaks from the water pump and hoses, sometimes accompanied by engine tapping noises that lead to piston damage. This can result in major engine repairs if not caught early.
The Audi Pre Sense system can activate randomly, causing abrupt braking, seatbelt tightening, and even the car turning off in the middle of the road. Owners report false detections with no obstacle present, which is frightening and could cause a crash.
There are reports of sudden CV axle or driveshaft failure, such as a rear axle breaking during a U-turn, leading to total loss of vehicle control. This is a critical safety concern that can happen without warning.
“THE TRUNK LID HAS OPENED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE NIGHT TIME, SOME SMALL CARGO (MADE OF PLASTIC) FELL OUT OF THE TRUNK AND WAS DESTROYED BY THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AND IN ADJACENT LANE WHILE CREATING SOME MINOR ROAD HAZARD. INSTANTLY…”
“The rear brake lights on my 2019 Audi SQ5 stopped functioning due to a failure of the Comfort System Central Control Module (J393). This defect is documented by Audi in Technical Service Bulletin 2055123/5 and earlier versions. The malfunction causes the “rea…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light, pointing to transmission or engine management issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which dealers attribute to the ABS system but many find abnormal.
Multiple systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously, often with warning lights. This suggests complex electronic integration issues that can be hard to diagnose.
“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 SQ5 — 22 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 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, caus…
The risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2…
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…
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 SQ5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 9) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the SQ5's issues often involve serious safety systems like phantom braking and axle failure. The Camry's higher volume is partly due to its much larger sales, and many problems are less severe or covered by recalls. In practice, the SQ5 may need more expensive repairs when things go wrong, while the Camry may have more frequent but generally less critical annoyances.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ5 has 22 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, while the Toyota Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints—but the Camry's higher sales volume means rates per vehicle may be lower.
- SQ5 owners report dangerous electrical glitches like the trunk opening while driving and brake lights failing; Camry owners more often report power train hesitation and key removal problems.
- Forward collision avoidance on the SQ5 can trigger false emergency braking, a serious safety risk; the Camry's advanced safety systems sometimes malfunction together, but such reports are less frequent per vehicle.
- Engine issues on the SQ5 include coolant leaks and piston damage, while Camry engine complaints center on throttle lag and hesitation—both can be costly but differ in urgency.
- Check the trunk latch and rear brake lights for proper function; test the trunk release and inspect for any signs of water intrusion or electrical gremlins.
- Inspect the coolant system for leaks around the water pump and hoses, and listen for engine tapping noises that could indicate piston wear.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it may need a costly repair; also check for hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
- Verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Audi's electrical and seat belt issues and the Camry's air bag sensors.
- Take a lengthy test drive covering highway and city speeds to check for phantom braking (Audi) or throttle lag (Camry).
- Have a mechanic inspect the Audi's coolant system, trunk latch, and brake lights, and the Camry's key removal, parking brake, and transmission behavior.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on water pump replacements for the Audi and any transmission or brake work for the Camry.
- Check for outstanding recalls by VIN with a dealer, and budget for potential repairs based on the common issues reported.
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 SQ5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | 7 | 163 |
| 2024 | 6 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 13 | 157 |
| 2020 | 8 | 274 |
| 2019 | 19 | 395 |
| 2018 | 24 | 744 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 SQ5 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ5 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI SQ5 total complaints
- 86
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI SQ5 total recalls
- 22
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI SQ5 avg complaints/year
- 8.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ5
- AUDI SQ5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN