Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ7 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI SQ7 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 SQ7 vs Toyota Camry: The SQ7 averages 1.6 complaints per year with 17 recalls, while the Camry averages 154.4 complaints per year with 23 recalls. The SQ7 has 0 crash-related incidents, but the Camry has 135. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ7 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is a high-performance luxury SUV with relatively few complaints (1.6 per year) but a high recall count (17). Owners report persistent electrical gremlins, especially with the wireless charging pad and USB ports that can overheat and pose a fire risk. The engine cooling system is also a known weak point, with water pump failures requiring costly repairs. Overall, the SQ7 feels like a vehicle that demands attentive maintenance and may have intermittent electronic issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a mainstream sedan, has a much higher complaint rate (154.4 per year) and more crash-related incidents (135). Owners frequently report powertrain problems, brake shuddering, and engine fires. The hybrid system can malfunction, causing sudden loss of power. While the Camry is generally reliable, these complaints suggest some model years have serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 1,544 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 23 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 135 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 Better | 154.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 128 |
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 SQ7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02ENGINE3
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 05STEERING1
The wireless charging pad and USB-C ports can overheat, causing phones to become inoperable and posing a fire hazard. Owners report the USB connector pushes in, leading to shorts and circuit board overheating.
The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 suffers from premature cooling system failure, specifically water pump and thermostat housing leaks, often before 27,000 miles. Repairs can cost over $5,000.
The backup camera and parking sensors malfunction sporadically, with software updates sometimes failing to fix the issue. Sensors may need replacement and recalibration without a permanent solution.
The pre sense system and adaptive cruise control show sporadic failures, with warning lights for multiple safety systems activating without clear cause. Dealership visits often don't resolve the issue.
“The wireless phone charging pad in the newer Audi vehicles is a potential fire hazard, and could cause burn injuries or an accident. It also renders the phone being charged inoperable due to overheating shutdown which is equally a safety hazard if there were…”
“USB-C ports found on the front center console and second row center console have a defective design that leads to frequent "push in" of the USB connector. This is leading to shorts, circuit boards overheating, and potential fire risk. It is a frequent issue r…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN261
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER246
- 03SERVICE BRAKES231
- 04ENGINE225
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM200
The hybrid system can malfunction, displaying warnings and causing sudden loss of power or stalling. Some owners report the accelerator pedal stops responding, creating a crash risk.
Brakes can cause the car to shake violently at low speeds, leading to loss of control. One owner hit a tree after the brakes caused shaking while pulling into a driveway.
Engine compartment fires have occurred without collision, starting from under the hood at low mileage. Hybrid system malfunctions also cause loss of propulsion.
The panoramic glass roof can shatter spontaneously while driving. The radio/audio system may stop working completely, preventing emergency alerts.
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 SQ7 — 17 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand…
The risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
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. (Volkswagen) is recalling one Audi SQ7 vehicles. The fasteners securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the screw connections and replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. The one affected vehicle was repaired. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-52…
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 — 23 recalls
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: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is S…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Avalon, and 2017 Camry vehicles manufactured August 3, 2016, to September 12, 2016. The front passenger knee air bag module may have been attached to the lower instrument panel with incorrect fasteners.
The risk: If the air bag was installed with incorrect fasteners, the fasteners may become loose over time, affecting the air bag deployment and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fasteners, and if necessary, replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket and reattach the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2017. Owners may co…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to le…
The risk: A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulti…
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1…
Buyer analysis
AUDI SQ7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ7 has far fewer complaints per year (1.6 vs 154.4) but more recalls. The Camry's higher complaint volume includes more crash-related incidents and serious issues like engine fires. In practice, the SQ7 may have annoying electrical glitches, while the Camry poses a greater risk of sudden power loss or fire.
Key differences
- Audi SQ7 has 1.6 complaints per year vs Camry's 154.4, but SQ7 has 17 recalls vs Camry's 23.
- Camry has 135 crash-related incidents and 128 injuries; SQ7 has 0 crash-related and 1 injury.
- SQ7 owners report electrical fires from charging ports; Camry owners report engine fires and spontaneous glass roof shattering.
- SQ7's engine cooling system fails prematurely; Camry's hybrid system can cause sudden loss of power.
- Check for water pump/thermostat housing leaks on the 4.0L V8, especially under 30,000 miles.
- Test the wireless charging pad and USB ports for overheating after extended use.
- Inspect the panoramic glass roof for cracks or signs of stress, and ask if it has been replaced.
- Test the brakes at low speeds for shuddering or vibration, and check for hybrid system warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history, especially for water pump replacement on the SQ7 and any hybrid system repairs on the Camry.
- Check open recalls on NHTSA.gov for both vehicles; SQ7 has multiple backup camera recalls.
- Test all safety systems (backup camera, pre sense, adaptive cruise) on the SQ7 for intermittent failures.
- On the Camry, verify the panoramic roof has no prior claims and ask about brake shudder issues.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection from a dealer familiar with these specific models.
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 SQ7 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 97 |
| 2025 | 2 | 138 |
| 2024 | 1 | 46 |
| 2023 | 0 | 60 |
| 2022 | 0 | 57 |
| 2021 | 6 | 8 |
| 2020 | 2 | 263 |
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 SQ7 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ7 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI SQ7 total complaints
- 11
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 1,544
- AUDI SQ7 total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 23
- AUDI SQ7 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 154.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ7
- AUDI SQ7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN