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 has 11 complaints over 7 years (1.6/year) and 17 recalls, while the Camry has 2056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) and 31 recalls. The Camry also reports 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, versus none for the SQ7. 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 a complex electrical and engine system. Over 7 years, it has 11 complaints (1.6 per year) and 17 recalls, with 1 injury reported. Owners frequently report electrical issues like overheating phone chargers and USB ports, as well as engine coolant leaks from the water pump. While complaint volume is low, the severity of reported problems and high repair costs make it a demanding vehicle to own.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan with a much higher complaint volume: 2056 complaints over 10 years (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls. It has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Common issues include power train hesitation, brake problems, and various electrical malfunctions. Despite the high number, many complaints may reflect the large number of Camrys on the road, but the crash and injury counts are notable.
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 | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 SQ7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02ENGINE3
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 05STEERING1
Owners report that the wireless phone charging pad can overheat and shut down, posing a fire risk, and that USB-C ports have a defective design causing shorts and overheating. These issues can leave devices inoperable and create safety hazards.
Premature cooling system failures are common, with coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing at low mileage. Repair costs can exceed $5000, and this is a known ongoing issue for Audi.
The backup camera may malfunction, and a recall software update has been ineffective for some owners, leaving vehicles at dealers for weeks. Sensor issues also cause sporadic warnings, making it unclear if safety systems are working.
Owners experience sporadic failures of adaptive assistance and pre-sense systems, with warning lights appearing and sensors needing recalibration. These intermittent faults can undermine confidence in the vehicle's safety features.
“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 TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key stuck issues where the key cannot be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Hesitation and shuddering while driving, along with check engine lights, are also common.
Delayed throttle response when accelerating from a stop is reported, with several seconds of lag before the car moves. This can be a safety concern in traffic.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring towing and switch replacement. Clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area are also reported, attributed to the ABS system.
Multiple system malfunctions can occur simultaneously, including smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. These failures can happen while driving and affect vehicle control.
“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 SQ7 — 17 recalls
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…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattr…
The risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
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 SQ7 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ7 has far fewer complaints per year (1.6 vs. 205.6) and fewer crash-related reports (0 vs. 171), but its issues tend to be costly and complex. The Toyota Camry's higher volume reflects its popularity, but the crash and injury counts are significant. In practice, the SQ7 may spend more time in the shop for expensive repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but often less severe problems.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ7 has 11 complaints over 7 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056 over 10 years, but the Camry's higher volume is partly due to far more vehicles on the road.
- The SQ7 has 0 crash-related complaints and 1 injury, whereas the Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, indicating a higher reported crash involvement.
- SQ7 owners report electrical fire risks from charging pads and USB ports, while Camry owners report power train hesitation and brake problems.
- The SQ7 has 17 recalls, including backup camera and fuel pump issues, while the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag sensors and seat issues.
- Check for coolant leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing, especially on low-mileage examples, as this is a known failure point.
- Test the wireless charging pad and USB-C ports for overheating or intermittent operation, and verify that any backup camera recall software has been successfully applied.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park and look for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, as these are common power train complaints.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the SQ7's backup camera and the Camry's air bag sensors.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the SQ7's cooling system and electrical components, and the Camry's power train and brakes.
- During a test drive, test all safety systems (forward collision warning, backup camera, blind spot monitoring) for sporadic failures.
- For the SQ7, ask about the water pump and thermostat service history; for the Camry, check for any transmission or throttle response issues.
- Verify that the vehicle's software is up to date, as some issues may be addressed by dealer updates.
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 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 163 |
| 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 6 | 157 |
| 2020 | 2 | 274 |
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
- 2,056
- AUDI SQ7 total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI SQ7 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ7
- AUDI SQ7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN