Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ6 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI SQ6 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 SQ6 vs Toyota Camry: The SQ6 has 5 complaints over 2 years (2.5/year) and 0 crash-related reports, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 171 crash-related reports. The Camry also has 31 recalls versus 2 for the SQ6. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ6 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ6
The Audi SQ6 is a new electric SUV with only two years of data, so long-term reliability is still unknown. Owners report a small number of complaints (5 total, about 2.5 per year) but the issues described are serious: a blank instrument panel, central locking failure, loss of acceleration, and a defective control module. These are not minor annoyances; they can leave you without speed readout, unable to lock the car, or suddenly without power. With only 2 recalls and no reported crashes or injuries, the sample is too small to draw firm conclusions, but the pattern suggests potential electronic gremlins that could be costly and frustrating.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a long track record: over 10 years, owners have filed 2,056 complaints (about 206 per year) and there have been 31 recalls. The complaint pattern includes stalling or hesitation, key stuck in ignition, brake problems, and multiple system malfunctions. There are also 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death reported, which is a serious signal. While many Camrys run reliably, the volume of complaints and the presence of safety-related outcomes mean a used buyer should be cautious and inspect thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 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 SQ6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 04POWER TRAIN1
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
Owners report the instrument panel going blank and staying inoperable even after a reboot. One complaint notes the dealer said the cluster is designed to blank out for 30-60 seconds, which could leave you without speed or warning lights while driving.
A driver reported that driver assistance systems stopped working and the accelerator completely stopped responding, forcing them to cut across lanes. This is a sudden loss of power that could be dangerous in traffic.
A complaint mentions a defective SX6 module, a central control unit for electronic, safety, and communication systems, leading to widespread failures. This suggests a single point of failure that can disable multiple functions.
Central locking malfunction where the doors could not be locked at all. This is a security concern, especially if you need to lock yourself in quickly.
“The contact owns a 2025 Audi SQ6 E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that after the vehicle performed a system reboot, the instrument panel remained inoperable, and…”
“UPDATE TO EXISTING COMPLAINT #11717767: On 2/24/2026, the Audi dealer performed a diagnosis and confirmed in writing on the attached official Repair Order that the vehicle is designed to intentionally blank out the instrument cluster and speedometer for 30-60…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not coming out even when the car is in Park, requiring a battery disconnect. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on, which could mean transmission or engine issues.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the accelerator does nothing for several seconds before the car moves. This lag can be dangerous when merging or pulling out.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is reported as common. Brake problems are safety-critical and can be expensive to fix.
Multiple systems failing at once: smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. This suggests electrical or software issues that could affect many functions 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 SQ6 — 2 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron vehicles. The rearview camera may show a blurry image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A blurry rearview image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace surround view cameras as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contac…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat be…
The risk: An improperly secured child seat can increase risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number f…
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 SQ6 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ6 has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs. 205.6) and no reported crashes or injuries in its short history, while the Camry has a large volume of complaints and 171 crash-related reports. In practice, the SQ6's issues appear less frequent but potentially severe, whereas the Camry's issues are more numerous and include safety outcomes. However, the SQ6's data covers only 2 years, so its long-term reliability is unproven.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Audi SQ6 has 5 complaints over 2 years; Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problems per year.
- Safety outcomes: Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; SQ6 has 0 in these categories, though its data period is much shorter.
- Nature of issues: SQ6 complaints center on electronic failures like blank instrument panel and loss of acceleration; Camry complaints include stuck keys, brake problems, and multi-system malfunctions.
- Recalls: Camry has 31 recalls (including air bag sensors and seats); SQ6 has 2 recalls (backover camera and seat belt retractor).
- Check the instrument cluster: start the car and verify all gauges and warning lights work, and ask if the panel has ever blanked out or required a reboot.
- Test the central locking system: try locking and unlocking all doors multiple times, and ensure the key fob works reliably from a distance.
- Test the ignition key: insert and remove it several times, and ensure it releases smoothly when in Park; a stuck key may require a costly repair.
- Listen for brake noises: press the brake pedal and listen for clicking or vibrating; also test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models, especially the Camry's air bag and seat recalls.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway merging and stop-and-go traffic to feel for hesitation, shuddering, or loss of power.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electronic systems, including the instrument cluster on the SQ6 and the brake/ABS system on the Camry.
- For the Camry, specifically test the ignition key removal and the electronic parking brake operation.
- For the SQ6, verify that all software updates have been applied and ask about any history of electrical gremlins.
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 SQ6 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 5 | 163 |
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 SQ6 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ6 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI SQ6 total complaints
- 5
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI SQ6 total recalls
- 2
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI SQ6 avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ6
- AUDI SQ6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN