Head-to-head reliability

Bentley Bentayga vs Toyota Camry

How the Bentley Bentayga and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Bentley Bentayga12 complaints · 30 recalls Fewer issues per year
Toyota Camry2,056 complaints · 31 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Bentley Bentayga vs Toyota Camry: The Bentayga averages 1.2 complaints/year and 30 recalls, while the Camry averages 205.6 complaints/year and 31 recalls. The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; the Bentayga has 1 crash-related and 1 injury. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Bentley Bentayga or Toyota Camry more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Bentley Bentayga

The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury SUV with very few complaints per year (1.2 on average) but a high number of recalls (30 over 10 years). Owners report issues with brakes, air bags, and fuel system, including unusual problems like cyber vulnerabilities and fuel odors. Living with it means dealing with potential electronic and safety system glitches, though overall complaint volume is low.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream sedan with a much higher complaint rate (205.6 per year) and 31 recalls over 10 years. Common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and brakes, with reports of hesitation, shuddering, and key stuck issues. It's a high-volume vehicle, so more complaints are expected, but the patterns show recurring mechanical and electronic faults.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryBentley BentaygaToyota Camry
Total complaintsAll model years combined12 Better2,056
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns30 Better31
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints1 Better171
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years1.2 Better205.6
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints1 Better158
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better1

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.

Bentley Bentayga

  1. 01SERVICE BRAKES3
  2. 02AIR BAGS3
  3. 03FUEL SYSTEM2
  4. 04GASOLINE2
  5. 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
What these mean
Service Brakes

Owners report dangerous dynamic cruise control behavior that can shorten following distance unexpectedly, and concerns about cyber vulnerabilities that could shut down systems. These issues matter because they affect braking safety and vehicle control.

Air Bags

Complaints include anti-collision and anti-pedestrian features failing, such as when a 2017 model failed to detect a person while parking. This could lead to injuries if the system doesn't intervene as expected.

Fuel System

Owners of 2017 and 2019 models report strong fuel odors and a diagnosed fractured fuel line. This is a fire risk and should be inspected immediately.

Electrical System

While only two complaints, they mention cyber attack vulnerabilities that could disable systems. This is a growing concern for connected cars and may require software updates.

In owners' words — SERVICE BRAKES

“EASY CYBER ATTACK AGAINST NEW BENTLEY - CRITICAL ISSUE IT IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO CONNECT THIS CAR TO THE INTERNET USING A SIM CARD, AS THE CAR IS LITTERED WITH HIGH IMPACT VULNERABILITIES THAT CAN EASILY BE EXPLOITED TO SHUT DOWN SYSTEMS, THIS WOULD DENY…”

“BENTLEY DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL - DANGEROUS THE CAR HAS DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN CERTAIN SETTINGS. IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHORTEN THE DISTANCE TO THE NEXT CAR ON A HIGHWAY TO APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS, AND THE CAR WILL CONTINUE AT THE CRUISE I…”

Toyota Camry

  1. 01POWER TRAIN385
  2. 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
  3. 03ENGINE315
  4. 04SERVICE BRAKES285
  5. 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
What these mean
Power Train

Owners of 2023 Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and hesitation/shuddering with check engine lights. These can leave you stranded or cause delayed acceleration.

Engine

Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with several seconds of no movement. This is a safety risk in traffic and points to electronic throttle or transmission issues.

Service Brakes

The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow, and a clicking/vibrating noise from the ABS is common. These issues can prevent driving and indicate brake system faults.

Electrical System

Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic failures that are hard to diagnose.

In owners' words — POWER TRAIN

“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.

Bentley Bentayga — 30 recalls

Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera
#18V632000

The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne and 2018 Bentayga vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rearview camera display may be obstructed or may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fe…

The risk: If the full camera view is obstructed or delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software in the infotainment system, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2018. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this rec…

Seat Belts — Rear/Other
#20V154000

The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicl…

The risk: If the seat belt is not properly secured in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the upper seat belt attachment bolt, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE2…

Air Bags — Side/Window
#20V092000

The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.

The risk: An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2020. All vehicles (4) have been remedied as of October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-77…

Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump
#23V592000

The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, 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 replace the flange and fuel supply module wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE23…

Toyota Camry — 31 recalls

Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
#23V432000

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…

Seats
#24V128000

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…

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification
#23V865000

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…

Seats
#24V128000

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

Bentley Bentayga or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?

The Bentley Bentayga has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 205.6), but both have similar recall counts (30 vs. 31). In practice, the Camry's higher complaint volume means more owners experience problems, while the Bentayga's low volume may still include severe issues like fuel leaks and cyber vulnerabilities.

Recommendation. If you prioritize low complaint frequency and can handle potential high-cost repairs, the Bentayga may suit you, but inspect fuel lines and electronics carefully. If you want a mainstream vehicle with widely documented issues and easier access to parts, the Camry is a better choice, but test the key removal and throttle response.

Key differences

  • Bentayga has 1.2 complaints/year vs. Camry's 205.6, but both have ~30 recalls.
  • Bentayga complaints include fuel odors and cyber vulnerabilities; Camry complaints include stuck keys and throttle delay.
  • Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries; Bentayga has 1 crash-related and 1 injury.
  • Bentayga's top issues are brakes, air bags, and fuel; Camry's are power train, engine, and brakes.
Watch on Bentley Bentayga
  • Check for fuel odors inside the cabin and inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks, especially on 2017 and 2019 models.
  • Test the dynamic cruise control and anti-collision systems to ensure they don't unexpectedly shorten following distance or fail to detect pedestrians.
Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Try removing the key from the ignition after parking; if it sticks, it may require battery disconnection.
  • Test the electronic parking brake and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which could indicate ABS issues.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
  • For the Bentayga, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system and electronic control units for signs of tampering or vulnerabilities.
  • For the Camry, test drive at various speeds to check for hesitation, shuddering, and throttle response delays.
  • Verify that all safety systems (air bags, brakes, stability control) function correctly during a test drive.
  • Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel line repairs or software 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.

YearBentley BentaygaToyota Camry
202600
20250163
2024050
2023064
2022061
20211157
20200274
20191395
20181744
20179148
Years to scrutinize: the 2017 Bentley Bentayga drew the most complaints (9); the 2018 Toyota Camry drew the most (744). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 Bentley Bentayga or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Bentley Bentayga vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Bentley Bentayga vs Toyota Camry
Bentley Bentayga total complaints
12
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,056
Bentley Bentayga total recalls
30
Toyota Camry total recalls
31
Bentley Bentayga avg complaints/year
1.2
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
205.6
More reliable overall
Bentley Bentayga
Bentley Bentayga top complaint area
SERVICE BRAKES
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN