Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ8 vs Toyota Camry
How the AUDI SQ8 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 SQ8 vs Toyota Camry: The SQ8 has 6 complaints over 7 years (0.9/year) and 0 crash-related, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints over 10 years (205.6/year) with 171 crash-related and 158 injuries. The SQ8's issues are mostly electrical; the Camry's span power train, engine, and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ8 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is a high-performance luxury SUV with very few owner complaints filed with NHTSA—only 6 over 7 years, averaging 0.9 per year. However, the complaints that do exist describe serious electrical gremlins, including door locks trapping occupants and screens blacking out. There are also 17 recalls, which is high for such a low-volume vehicle, covering seat belts, cameras, and air bags. Living with an SQ8 means dealing with complex electronics that can fail in ways that affect safety and convenience.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream family sedan with a massive 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging 205.6 per year. That volume reflects how many are on the road, but the complaints include 171 crash-related incidents, 158 injuries, and 1 death. Owners report power train hesitation, brake noises, and multiple system malfunctions. With 31 recalls, the Camry has a long history of safety fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 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 SQ8
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02POWER TRAIN2
- 03LANE DEPARTURE1
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 05SUSPENSION1
Owners report complete electrical malfunctions where door locks trap people inside, the instrument cluster blacks out, and safety sensors go off randomly. One owner said they and their child were trapped inside. This matters because it can strand you or prevent escape in an emergency.
Complaints include the MMI system stopping suddenly and the auto stop/start feature turning off the engine when slowing to a stop. These issues can cause hesitation or unexpected shutdowns, making driving unpredictable.
The same electrical glitches cause lane departure and forward collision warnings to trigger randomly or fail. This undermines driver-assist features that are supposed to prevent crashes.
One complaint mentions suspension issues, though details are limited. Any suspension problem in a heavy SUV can affect handling and tire wear.
“I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the door locking and electrical systems in my 2024 Audi SQ8. On two separate occasions the vehicle experienced a complete electrical malfunction. During the first incident, I and my child were trapped inside th…”
“MMI system stops working all of a sudden. This has happened multiple times and especially when it takes updates on its own. When called customer service they referred to the dealer stating they cannot do anything. Right after my call with them the car starts…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring a battery disconnect to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with the check engine light on. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.
Complaints include several-second delays in throttle response when pressing the gas, which could be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. The engine may also hesitate and shudder at various speeds.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the brake pedal area is common. Brake issues directly affect stopping ability and safety.
Multiple systems—stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction at once. This creates a sudden loss of driver aids and can be disorienting.
“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 SQ8 — 17 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Audi RS Q8, Audi Q8, Audi Q7, and Audi SQ8 vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt buckles may be missing a rivet that secures the buckle to the seat belt stalk.
The risk: A seat belt that is missing a rivet may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 692K. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
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. (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…
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 SQ8 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ8 has far fewer issues per year (0.9 vs 205.6), but its complaints involve severe electrical failures that can trap occupants. The Toyota Camry has many more complaints and a higher rate of crashes and injuries reported. In practice, the SQ8 may have fewer problems overall, but when they occur they can be frightening; the Camry's issues are more frequent but often less immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ8 has only 6 complaints over 7 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- SQ8 complaints center on electrical failures like door locks trapping occupants and screens blacking out; Camry complaints include power train hesitation, brake noise, and multiple system malfunctions.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints, 158 injuries, and 1 death; the SQ8 has 0 in each category.
- The SQ8 has 17 recalls for a low-volume model, while the Camry has 31 recalls for a high-volume model, covering seat belts, air bags, and cameras.
- Test all electronic door locks and handles multiple times to ensure they don't stick or trap you inside.
- Check the infotainment (MMI) system for sudden reboots or blackouts, and verify that lane departure and forward collision warnings work consistently.
- Try removing the key from the ignition after parking to ensure it doesn't get stuck; also test the electronic parking brake engagement and release.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on electrical and brake systems.
- Test all driver-assist features (lane keeping, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring) during a test drive.
- For the Camry, check for transmission hesitation and brake pedal noises; for the SQ8, test door locks and infotainment repeatedly.
- Ask the seller for any repair records related to electrical, power train, or brake issues.
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 SQ8 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 163 |
| 2024 | 2 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 3 | 157 |
| 2020 | 1 | 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 SQ8 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ8 vs Toyota Camry
- AUDI SQ8 total complaints
- 6
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- AUDI SQ8 total recalls
- 17
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- AUDI SQ8 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ8
- AUDI SQ8 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN